GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure

  1. Select park/1st gear position in the transmission and apply the park brake.
  2. Warning: Refer to Safety Glasses Warning in the Preface section.

    Danger: To avoid any vehicle damage, serious personal injury or death when major components are removed from the vehicle and the vehicle is supported by a hoist, support the vehicle with jack stands at the opposite end from which the components are being removed and strap the vehicle to the hoist.

  3. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle.
  4. Remove the intermediate exhaust assembly. Refer to Exhaust Crossover Pipe Replacement.
  5. Remove the propeller shaft heat shield. Refer to Exhaust Heat Shield Replacement - Center.

  6. Object Number: 1946957  Size: SH

    Note:  Observe the orientation of the rubber couplings with reference to the differential flange and the transmission flange. This will minimize the potential of incorrect propeller shaft installation.

  7. Mark the rubber coupling (1) in relation to the differential flange (2).

  8. Object Number: 1946959  Size: SH

    Note: With the aid of an assistant or suitable jack support the propeller shaft (2).

  9. Remove the rubber coupling to differential flange retaining bolts (1).

  10. Object Number: 1946965  Size: SH

    Note:  Observe the orientation of the rubber couplings with reference to the differential flange and the transmission flange. This recommendation will minimize the potential of incorrect propeller shaft installation.

  11. Mark the rubber coupling (2) in relation to the transmission flange (1).

  12. Object Number: 1946960  Size: SH

    Note:  With the aid of an assistant or suitable jack, support the propeller shaft.

    Note: Torque prevailing nuts with are single use parts and must be discarded after removal.

  13. Remove the rubber coupling to transmission flange retaining bolts (1) and torque prevailing nuts (2).
  14. Discard the nuts.


    Object Number: 1946962  Size: SH

    Note: With the aid of an assistant or suitable jack support the propeller shaft (2).

  15. Remove the centre bearing to body retaining bolts (1).
  16. Disconnect the propeller shaft (2) from the differential flange.
  17. Remove the propeller shaft (2) from the vehicle.
  18. Inspect the propeller shaft (2) assembly for excessive wear and/or damage. Inspect the following:
  19. • Propeller shaft--For replacement, refer to Propeller Shaft Replacement.
    • Rubber coupling--For replacement, refer to Rear Propeller Shaft Coupling Replacement.
    • Centre bearing--For replacement, refer to Propeller Shaft Center Support Bearing Replacement.
    • Universal joint--For replacement, refer to Universal Joint Replacement.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 1946964  Size: SH

    Note: Align the marks on the rubber coupling (1) to differential flange (2) made prior to removal.

  1. Connect the rubber coupling (1) to the differential flange (2).
  2. Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 1946959  Size: SH

    Note: With the aid of an assistant or suitable jack support the propeller shaft (2) to the differential flange (3).

  3. Install the rubber coupling to differential flange retaining bolts (1) and tighten to 115 N·m (85 lb ft).

  4. Object Number: 1946965  Size: SH

    Note: Align the marks on the rubber coupling (2) to transmission flange (1) made prior to removal.

  5. Connect the rubber coupling (2) to transmission flange (1).

  6. Object Number: 1946962  Size: SH

    Note: With the aid of an assistant or suitable jack support the propeller shaft (2).

    Note: The centre bearing to body retaining bolts (1) must not be fully tightened at this stage.

  7. Install the centre bearing to body retaining bolts (1).

  8. Object Number: 1946960  Size: SH

    Note:  With the aid of an assistant or suitable jack support the propeller shaft.

  9. Install the rubber coupling to transmission flange bolts (1) and NEW torque prevailing nuts (2) and tighten to 100 N·m (72 lb ft).

  10. Object Number: 1946968  Size: SH
  11. Tighten the centre bearing to body retaining bolts (1) and tighten to 22 N·m (16 lb ft).
  12. Install the propeller shaft heat shield. Refer to Exhaust Heat Shield Replacement - Center.
  13. Install the intermediate exhaust assembly. Refer to Exhaust Crossover Pipe Replacement.
  14. Remove the safety stands.
  15. Lower the vehicle to the ground.