Driveshaft, Removing And Installing: 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 .

-- Remove the tunnel underbody trim panel. Refer to OVERVIEW - UNDERBODY TRIM PANELS .

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

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-- Remove the nuts -arrows- free up the pressure line -1- and push it to the side.

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

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-- Remove the bolts -arrows-, push the particulate filter slightly to the side.

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• The electromechanical parking brake is loosened.

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• Transmission is in "P".

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

-- 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.

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

Fig 1: Engine And Transmission Pressed Forward And Secured With A Wood Block

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Fig 2: Identifying Driveshaft Flange Shaft Seal

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• 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. Refer to COMPONENT LOCATION OVERVIEW - HEAT SHIELD .

-- Remove the rear tunnel brace. Refer to the appropriate Service Information. .

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

Fig 3: 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 Counterhold - Multiple Use:T10172A  and the Counterhold - Kit - Adapter 5:T10172/5  on the rear final drive.

Fig 4: Counterholding Rear Final Drive To Loosen And Tighten Driveshaft

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

Fig 5: Identifying Rear Driveshaft Tube At Rear Final Drive With Joint Washer & Vibration Damper

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• A second technician in needed to remove the driveshaft.
  Fig 6: Locating Center Bracket Screws

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-- Remove the intermediate bearing bolts -arrows-, and remove the driveshaft towards the rear, at the same time push the particulate filter slightly to the side.

Fig 7: Identifying Driveshaft Flange Shaft Seal

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

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