GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 GMC_Truck 🢒 1999 🢒 GMC Suburban - 4WD 🢒 General Information 🢒 General Information 🢒 Three-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement

Removal Procedure
  1. Raise the vehicle on a hoist.

    2. Important: Observe and accurately reference mark all driveline components relative to the propeller shaft and axles before disassembly. These components include the propeller shafts, drive axles, pinion flanges, output shafts, etc. All components must be reassembled in the exact relationship to each other as they were when removed. In addition, published specifications and torque values, as well as any measurements made prior to disassembly must be followed.

  2. Reference mark the rear propeller shaft to the pinion flange connection.

    3. Object Number: 156865 Size: SH
  3. Support the rear propeller shaft.
  4. Remove the bolts from the pinion flange.
  5. Remove the retainers.

    6. Important: Do not pound on the original propeller shaft yoke ears. The plastic injection joints may fracture. Never pry or place any tool between a yoke and a universal joint. Tape the bearing cups onto the yoke in order to prevent the loss of bearing rollers.

  6. Remove the yoke and the universal joint assembly from the pinion flange.
  7. Remove the rear propeller shaft.
    8. • Slide the rear propeller shaft forward.
    • Lower the rear propeller shaft and withdraw under the rear axle.
    • Do not allow the universal joint assembly to incline greatly. The joint may fracture.
    • Reference mark the intermediate propeller shaft to front propeller shaft yoke.
    • Support the intermediate propeller shaft.
  8. Remove the bolts from the front propeller shaft yoke at the front center bearing support.
  9. Remove the retainers.
  10. Remove the nuts from the intermediate shaft center bearing support.
  11. Remove the bolts and washers.
  12. Remove the intermediate propeller shaft center bearing support from the hanger.

    13. Important: Do not pound on the original propeller shaft yoke ears. The plastic injection joints may fracture. Never pry or place any tool between a yoke and a universal joint. Tape the bearing cups onto the yoke in order to prevent the loss of bearing rollers.

  13. Remove the yoke and the universal joint assembly from the front propeller shaft rear yoke.
  14. Remove the intermediate propeller shaft.
    15. • Reference mark the front the propeller shaft to the yoke or to the parking break drum.
    • Support the front propeller shaft.
  15. Remove the bolts and the retainers from the yoke.
  16. Remove the nuts from the front propeller shaft center bearing support.
  17. Remove the bolts and washers.

    18. Important: Do not pound on the original propeller shaft yoke ears. The plastic injection joints may fracture. Never pry or place any tool between a yoke and a universal joint. Tape the bearing cups onto the yoke in order to prevent the loss of bearing rollers.

  18. Remove the front propeller shaft center bearing support from the hanger.
  19. Remove the front propeller shaft.
  20. Clean all parts with an approved solvent.
  21. Inspect for proper installation and uniform seating of all universal joint bearing cups.
  22. Inspect the intermediate propeller shaft to rear propeller shaft slip yoke splines for twisting or wear.
  23. Inspect the inside of the rear propeller shaft slip yoke for spline twisting or wear.
  24. Inspect the front and rear center bearing support rubber insulators for deterioration or separation from the support frame work.
  25. Inspect the propeller shaft assemblies for damage.

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 156865 Size: SH
  1. Install the front propeller shaft to the yoke.
    2. • Make sure the reference marks are aligned.
    • Support the front propeller shaft.

    Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  2. Install the bolts and retainers to the yoke. Maintain alignment.

    3. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 20 N·m (26 lb ft).

  3. Install the intermediate propeller shaft to the front propeller shaft yoke while maintaining alignment and supporting the propeller shaft.
  4. Install the bolts and retainers.

    5. Tighten

        • Tighten the bolts to 35 N·m (26 lb ft)
        • Tighten the nuts to 35 N·m (26 lb ft)
  5. Install the rear center bearing support to the hanger.
  6. Align the center bearing support 90 degrees to both the front and intermediate propeller shaft center lines.
  7. Inspect for proper installation and uniform seating of all universal joint bearing cups.
  8. Inspect the intermediate propeller shaft to rear propeller shaft slip yoke splines for twisting or wear.
  9. Inspect the inside of the rear propeller shaft slip yoke for spline twisting or wear.
  10. Inspect the front and rear center bearing support rubber insulators for deterioration or separation from the support frame work.
  11. Inspect the propeller shaft assemblies for damage.
  12. Install the bolts and washers.
  13. Install the nuts while supporting the rear propeller shaft.

    14. Tighten
    Tighten the nuts to 35 N·m (26 lb ft).

  14. Install the rear propeller shaft to the rear axle pinion flange while making sure the reference marks are aligned.
  15. Install the bolts and retainers.

    16. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 37 N·m (27 lb ft).