GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Pontiac 🢒 1998 🢒 Firebird 🢒 Body and Accessories 🢒 Wiring Systems 🢒 Propeller Shaft Diagnosis

Propeller Shaft Diagnosis Runout Measurement

Tools Required

J 8001 Dial Indicator Set

    Important: The driveline components on this vehicle have been factory balanced. System balancing provides a smoother running driveline operation.

    Be sure to observe and accurately reference mark the positions of all of the driveline components relative to the propeller shaft and to the rear axle before disassembly.

    The following components must be reference marked before disassembly:

       • The propeller shaft
       • The rear axle
       • The drive pinion gear yoke
    Be sure to reassemble all of the components in the exact relationship to each other that existed before disassembly.

    Be sure to follow the following specifications during reassembly in order to maintain the factory balance of the components:

       • The published specifications
       • The torque values
       • Any measurements made prior to disassembly

    Important: A bent propeller shaft may cause noise or vibrations at high speeds.

    Rough handling or a collision may cause damage to the propeller shaft.

    Inspect for propeller shaft straightness

  1. Place the transmission range selector lever in the NEUTRAL position.
  2. Raise the vehicle on a twin point hoist. Suitably support the vehicle.

    3. Ensure that the following conditions are met:

    • The vehicle is supported on the rear axle housing
    • The rear wheels can rotate freely
    • Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  3. Use one of the following arrangements in order to prepare the J 8001 for use:
    4. • Mount the J 8001
    • Ensure that the moveable support is high enough in order to permit contact of the indicator button with the propeller shaft.
    • Mount the J 8001 onto a magnetic base.
    • Attach the base to a smooth place on the underbody of the vehicle.

    Object Number: 164325 Size: SH
  4. For a one-piece propeller shaft, take the readings at the following points:
    5. • The center runout measurement point (1)
    • The rear runout measurement point (2)
    • The front runout measurement point (4)

    Object Number: 180316 Size: SH
  5. For a two-piece propeller shaft, take the readings at the following points:
    6. • The center runout measurement point (1)
    • The rear runout measurement point (2)
    • The front runout measurement point (3)
  6. Turn a rear wheel in order to rotate the propeller shaft.

    7. Inspect for runout.

  7. If the runout exceeds 1.40 mm (0.055 in), complete the following steps:
    8. 7.1. Disconnect the propeller shaft at the differential drive pinion gear yoke.
    7.2. Rotate the propeller shaft 180 degrees.
    7.3. Reinstall the propeller shaft.
  8. Inspect for runout.

    9. If the runout still exceeds 1.40 mm (0.055 in), measure the differential drive pinion gear yoke runout.

    Refer to Propeller Shaft Diagnosis .

  9. If the runout still exceeds 1.40 mm (0.055 in), inspect for vibrations or noise.

    10. If necessary, replace the propeller shaft. Refer to One-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement or Two-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement .

  10. Lower the vehicle.

Propeller Shaft Diagnosis Drive Gear Pinion Yoke Runout

Tools Required

    • J 8001 Dial Indicator Set
    • J 35819 Runout Gage
    • J 35819-100 Runout Gage Adapter Sleeves
  1. Raise the vehicle on a twin post hoist. Suitably support the vehicle.

    2. Ensure that the following conditions are met:

    • The vehicle is supported on the rear axle housing
    • The rear wheels can rotate freely
    • Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information
  2. Remove the propeller shaft.

    3. Refer to One-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement or Two-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement .


    Object Number: 164321 Size: SH
  3. Use the J 8001 , the J 35819 and the J 35819-100 in order to measure the pinion gear yoke runout.

    4. Record the runout.

    Mark the high point and the low point of the pinion gear yoke.

  4. If the pinion gear yoke runout is 0.15 mm (0.006 in) or less, remove the pinion gear yoke balance weight, if the pinion gear yoke balance weight is used.

    5. No further action is required.

  5. No further action is required if the following circumstances exist:
    6. • The pinion gear yoke runout is between 0.15-0.28 mm (0.006-0.011 in)
    • The balance weight is near or at the low point of pinion gear runout
    • If the balance weight is not near or at the low point of pinion gear runout, remove the weight.
  6. No further action is required if the following circumstances exist:
    7. • The pinion gear yoke runout is between 0.28-0.38 mm (0.011-0.015 in)
    • The balance weight is near or at the low point of pinion gear runout
  7. If the balance weight is not at or near the low point of the pinion gear runout, complete the following steps:
    8. 7.1. Remove the weight.
    7.2. Rotate the pinion gear yoke until the runout is 0.25 mm (0.010 in) or less.
  8. If a runout of 0.25 mm (0.010 in) or less cannot be attained, complete the following steps:

    9.         Important: Service replacement differential pinion gear yokes may be equipped with balance weights. Do not remove these weights.

    8.1. Install a new differential pinion gear yoke. Refer to Pinion Oil Seal Replacement in Rear Drive Axle.
    8.2. Inspect again in order to determine if the runout is 0.25 mm (0.010 in) or less.
  9. Install the propeller shaft.

    10. Refer to One-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement or Two-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement .

  10. Lower the vehicle.