Driveshaft, Removing And Installing, Driveshaft Bolted On Transmission Side: Removing

Label the position of all the parts to each other before removing them. Install in the same position otherwise the imbalance will be excessive and the bearings could get damaged causing rumbling noises.
Do not bend the driveshaft, only store and move when fully extended.
Never let the driveshaft "just hang" during removal. Always support it.
Always remove or install the driveshaft horizontally with respect to the centering pin.

-- Remove the muffler. Refer to MUFFLER, REMOVING AND INSTALLING .

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-- Remove the front noise insulation -1-. Refer to OVERVIEW - NOISE INSULATION .

Fig 1: Locating Noise Insulation

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-- Remove the rear noise insulation -2-. Refer to OVERVIEW - NOISE INSULATION .

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-- Remove the nuts -arrows- and then remove the right drive axle heat shield if equipped.

Fig 2: AWD:

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-- Remove the bolts -arrows- and remove the heat shield -1-.

Fig 3: Driveshaft Heat Shield

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-- Label the position of the flexible disc and the bevel box flange facing each other for reinstallation.

Fig 4: Driveshaft Flexible Disc

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-- Remove the driveshaft from the bevel box -arrows- by counterholding at the triangular flange using a lever.

-- Remove the bolts -2 and 3- for the pendulum support.

Fig 5: Identifying Bolts

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-- Press the engine and transmission forward and secure with a suitable piece of wood -A-.

Fig 6: Engine And Transmission Pressed Forward And Secured With A Wood Block

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Fig 7: Identifying Driveshaft Flange Shaft Seal

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CAUTION:

Leaks due to damaged seal.

- Push the driveshaft horizontally toward the rear.

If the seal is damaged, the driveshaft must be replaced.

-- Remove the driveshaft tube from centering pins on bevel box, and push to the right side of the vehicle.

-- Remove the driveshaft heat shield -3-. Refer to the appropriate service information .

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-- Remove the rear tunnel brace -2-. Refer to OVERVIEW - UNDERBODY TRIM PANELS .

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-- Make sure there is a marking (colored dot) on the flexible disc and the driveshaft flange on the rear final drive -arrows-.

Fig 8: Aligning Markings On Driveshaft At Flange Of Haldex Clutch

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-- If the marking is not there, then mark the position of the flexible disc to the driveshaft flange on the rear final drive.

-- Label the position of the driveshaft to the flange on the bevel box.

-- To loosen the driveshaft bolts, counterhold with the :T10172A and the :T10172/5 on the rear final drive.

Fig 9: Counterholding Rear Final Drive To Loosen And Tighten Driveshaft

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-- Remove the driveshaft bolts -arrows- from the rear final drive.

Fig 10: Identifying Rear Driveshaft Tube At Rear Final Drive With Joint Washer & Vibration Damper

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-- Remove the intermediate bearing bolts -arrows-, and remove the driveshaft towards the rear.

Fig 11: Locating Center Bracket Screws

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Fig 12: Identifying Driveshaft Flange Shaft Seal

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CAUTION:

Leaks due to damaged seal.

- Push the driveshaft horizontally toward the rear.

If the seal is damaged, the driveshaft must be replaced.

CAUTION:

There is a risk of damaging the protective boot in the intermediate bearing.

- Remove, install or store the driveshaft in its fully extended position.

-- Remove the driveshaft tube from alignment pins on the rear final drive.