Removal Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Pontiac Firebird and 2002 Chevrolet Camaro. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Raise and support the vehicle.
Mark the relationship of the propeller shaft (2) to the pinion gear yoke (1).

Fig 1: Marking Propeller Shaft And Pinion Gear Yoke
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Remove the propeller shaft bolts (2).

Fig 2: Removing Propeller Shaft Bolts
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Remove the propeller shaft retainers (1).
Important: Support the propeller shaft during removal.
Perform the following steps in order to remove the propeller shaft:
1. 5.1. Withdraw the slip yoke (3) from the transmission.
2. 5.2. Move the propeller shaft (1) rearward and pass the propeller shaft under the housing (2).
  Tape the bearing caps together in order to prevent the loss of the needle roller bearings.
Fig 3: Removing Propeller Shaft
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Inspect the transmission output shaft splines for burrs.
Inspect the outer diameter of the slip yoke (1) for burrs.

Fig 4: Inspecting Outer Diameter Of Slip Yoke
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Inspect the splines of the slip yoke (1) for the following conditions:
- Damage
- Twisting
- Wear
Inspect the relationship of the splines of the slip yoke (1) to the transmission output shaft splines. The outer splines of the slip yoke should meet the following requirements:
- The outer splines should agree in number with the transmission output shaft splines.
- The outer splines should fit with the transmission output shaft splines.
Inspect the pinion gear yoke (1) at the universal joint cap mating surface for the following conditions.

Fig 5: Inspecting Pinion Gear Yoke
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Burrs
- Foreign material