Drive Shaft: Removal
NOTE:
On models equipped with an additional vibration damper, damper is removed along with drive shaft and flexible coupling.
- Raise and support vehicle. Place transmission gear selector in PARK or NEUTRAL. Remove exhaust system.
- Remove rear reinforcement bar and exhaust and gas tank shields (if equipped).
- Loosen several turns, but do not remove clamping sleeve at sliding coupling. See Figure .
- Place match marks on drive shaft at transmission output flange and flexible coupling, and at differential input flange for reassembly.
- Remove bolts from flexible coupling to transmission output flange. Do not remove drive shaft from output flange.
- Support drive shaft at center section and remove center bearing bolts. Remove bolts from rear drive shaft section to differential input flange.
- Lower center section of drive shaft and disengage front section from centering pin on transmission output flange. Slide splined coupling together to gain enough clearance to remove drive shaft from vehicle. Do not pull two sections apart.
WARNING:
Be careful not to damage sensor leads on models where reinforcement bar bolt also secures oxygen sensor plug bracket.
NOTE:
On models equipped with an additional vibration damper, it is necessary to turn damper assembly 60 degrees before disengaging from centering pin.