Rear Propeller Shaft Replacement RPO LP1/LY7

Caution: The propeller shaft must be supported during removal and/or installation so that the CV joint does not articulate more than 8 degrees. Allowing the propeller shaft to articulate greater than 8 degrees could cause damage to the CV boot. Damage to boot could lead to contamination or loss of lubrication which could lead to CV joint damage.

Note: The following service information is for those vehicles equipped with automatic transmission and are rear wheel drive (RWD).

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle.
2. Remove the rear mufflers. Refer to Exhaust System Replacement.
3. Remove the floor pan mid tunnel insulator.




Note: In steps 4 and 5, remove only the propeller shaft coupler-to-transmission flange bolts and the propeller shaft to rear differential flange. DO NOT remove the coupler from the propeller shaft nuts and bolts. If the bolts, nuts, and or washers are found to be damaged or excessively worn, DO NOT use. Discard and replace with NEW.

4. Remove the transmission flange bolts (4), nuts (6) and the washers (5) from the drive flange (1) and propeller shaft coupler (2).



5. Remove the differential flange bolts (6), nuts (4) and the washers (5) from the propeller shaft coupler (2) and the differential drive flange (3).
6. Using a jack stand, support the propeller shaft at the center support bearing.




Note: Note, some vehicles are equipped with a shim between the center support bearing and the mounting bracket for the center support bearing for the proper driveshaft angle.

7. Remove the center support bearing bolts (1).




Note: If the propeller shaft couplers and or the center support bearing are found to be damaged or have excessive wear, replace the propeller shaft as an assembly.

8. Remove the propeller shaft (1) from the vehicle.

1. Apply a small amount of lubricant GM P/N 1051344 (Canadian P/N 993037), or equivalent, to the pilot shaft on the rear differential drive flange and the transmission drive flange.

Note: When installing the propeller shaft, install the propeller shaft to the transmission drive flange and the rear differential flange prior to install the center support bearing.

2. With the aide of an assistant, install the propeller shaft assembly (1).




Note: Align the yellow and orange paint dots on the propeller shaft and the drive flange. Failure to do so could cause a drive line vibration and possible damage to the propeller shaft.

3. Align the yellow dot (2) on the propeller shaft with the orange dot (1) on the differential drive flange.



4. Install the center support bearing and the shim, if equipped.

Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution in the Preface section.

5. Install the center support bearing bolts (1) and tighten to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).




Note: If reusing the propeller shaft-to-flange nuts and bolts, to ensure proper adhesion and fastener retention, the threads must be free of debris prior to the application of threadlocker.

6. Thoroughly clean the threads using denatured alcohol, or equivalent, and allow to dry. Apply threadlocker GM P/N 12345493 (Canadian P/N 10953488), or equivalent, to the propeller shaft to the flange bolt. Ensure that there are no gaps in the threadlocker along the length of the filled area of the bolt. Allow the threadlocker to cure approximately 10 minutes before installation.
7. Install the propeller shaft bolts (6), and the washers (5).
8. Install the propeller shaft coupler-to-differential flange nuts (4) and tighten to 85 N·m (63 lb ft).




Note: If reusing the propeller shaft-to-flange nuts and bolts, refer to step 6 for the proper application of the threadlocker.

9. Install the bolts (4), washers (5), and the nuts (6) and tighten to 85 N·m (63 lb ft).
10. Install the floor pan mid tunnel insulator.
11. Install the rear mufflers. Refer to Exhaust System Replacement.
12. Lower the vehicle.

Rear Propeller Shaft Replacement RPO LSA

Caution: The propeller shaft must be supported during removal and/or installation so that the CV joint does not articulate more than 8 degrees. Allowing the propeller shaft to articulate greater than 8 degrees could cause damage to the CV boot. Damage to boot could lead to contamination or loss of lubrication which could lead to CV joint damage.

Note: Before removing the propeller shaft from the vehicle, paint or scribe references marks on the transfer case or transmission flange to the propeller shaft and the rear differential drive flange to ensure minimal driveline system imbalance.

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle.
2. Remove the rear muffler. Refer to Exhaust System Replacement.
3. Remove the floor pan mid tunnel insulator.



4. Mark the relationship of the propeller shaft (1) to the transmission flange (2).



5. Mark the relationship of the propeller shaft (2) to the rear differential flange (1).
6. Using a suitable jack stand, support the propeller shaft at the center support bearing.




Note: If the vehicles has shims between the center support bearing and the mounting bracket, mark the location of the shims to ensure the proper re-installation of the shims to retain the proper driveshaft angle.

7. Remove the mounting bolts (1) for the center support bearing.




Note: If the bolts and washers are found to be damaged or are excessively worn, DO NOT reuse the bolts and washers. Replace with new.

8. Remove the bolts and washers (1) from the propeller shaft.



9. Using the appropriate tool, remove the propeller shaft (2) from the transmission (1).
10. Support the propeller shaft at the transmission.




Note: If removing the propeller shaft from the rear differential to service driveline other components, relocate the propeller shaft and support with mechanics wire or equivalent.

11. Remove the bolts and washers (1)  from the propeller shaft (2).



12. Remove the propeller shaft (1) from the rear differential (2).
13. With the aide of an assistant, remove the propeller shaft from the vehicle.

Note: Align the paint or scribe marks on the transfer case or the transmission flange and the rear differential flange to ensure minimal driveline system balance

Note: When installing the propeller shaft, install the propeller shaft to the transmission drive flange and the rear differential flange prior to install the center support bearing.




1. With the aide of an assistant, position the propeller shaft (2) in the transmission flange (2).



2. Align the reference marks on the propeller shaft (2) and the transmission flange (1).



3. Install 3 of the bolt and washers (1) to hold the propeller shaft in place.




Note: Failure to install the shims could lead to an improper driveshaft angle and could cause damage to the other propeller shaft components.

4. Install the propeller shaft center support bearing and the shims, if equipped.

Note: DO NOT tighten the bolts at this time. The center bearing has to be centered before tightening the bolts to the proper specifications.

5. Install the mounting bolts (1)  for the center support bearing.



6. Position the propeller shaft (1) in the rear differential flange (2).



7. Align the reference marks on the propeller shaft (1) and the differential drive flange (2).

Note: If reusing the propeller shaft bolts, to ensure proper adhesion and fastener retention, the threads must be free of debris prior to the application of threadlocker. Use the appropriate cleaner, thoroughly clean the threads and allow to dry.

8. Apply threadlocker to the threads of the bolts. Refer to Adhesives, Fluids, Lubricants, and Sealers.



9. Install 3 of the bolt and washers (1) to hold the propeller shaft in place.



10. Install the remaining bolts (1) for the propeller shaft to transmission flange.

Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution in the Preface section.




11. Tighten the bolts in sequence to 65 N·m 48 lb ft.



12. Install the remaining 3 propeller shaft bolts (1) to rear differential flange.



13. Tighten the bolts in sequence to 65 N·m (48 lb ft).




Note: The propeller shaft must be centered between the front and rear CV joints to ensure optimal propeller shaft CV joint travel.

14. Adjust the center bearing so the measured distance of the propeller shaft and the constant velocity joint at  (a) and at (b) is 34.5 N·m (1.60 inch).
15. Tighten the center bearing bolts to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).
16. Install the floor pan mid tunnel insulator.
17. Install the exhaust system. Refer to Exhaust System Replacement.
18. Lower the vehicle.