Removal Procedure

Important:  the two-piece propeller shaft and the support bearing used with the 3800 (VIN K) engine are not serviceable separately. The propeller shaft and the support bearing should be replaced as a complete assembly only.

1. Raise and support the vehicle.
2. The relationship of the propeller shaft (2) to the pinion gear yoke (1).
Fig 1: Marking Propeller Shift And Pinion Gear Yoke
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
3. Place an adjustable stand under the propeller shaft near the support bearing in order to support the propeller shaft.
4. Remove the bolts (4) from the support bearing (3).
   Fig 2: Removing Bolts From Support Bearing

   Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
5. Remove the following components from the torque arm (2):
   • The support bearing (3)
   • The washers (1)
6. Remove the propeller shaft bolts (2).
7. Remove the propeller shaft retainers (1).
   Fig 3: Removing Propeller Shaft And Retainers

   Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

   Important:  Support the propeller shaft during removal.

8. Perform the following steps in order to remove the propeller shaft:
   1. 8.1. Withdraw the slip yoke (3) from the transmission.
   2. 8.2. Move the propeller shaft (1 and 4) rearward and pass the propeller shaft under the housing (2).

      If the bearing caps are loose, tape the bearings caps together in order to prevent the loss of the needle roller bearings.

   Fig 4: Removing Propeller Shaft

   Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
9. Inspect the transmission output shaft splines for burrs.
10. Inspect the outer diameter of the slip yoke (1) for burrs.
    Fig 5: Inspecting Outer Diameter Of The Slip Yoke

    Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
11. Inspect the splines of the slip yoke for the following conditions:
    • Damage
    • Twisting
    • Wear
12. Inspect the relationship of the splines of the slip yoke to the transmission output shaft splines. The splines of the slip yoke must meet the following conditions:
    • The slip yoke splines and the transmission output shaft splines are of equal number.
    • The slip yoke splines and the transmission output shaft splines must engage properly.
13. Inspect the pinion gear yoke (1) at the universal joint cap mating surface for the following conditions:
    Fig 6: Inspecting Pinion Gear Yoke

    Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
    • Burrs
    • Foreign material
14. If the mating surface of the pinion gear yoke exhibits the above conditions, repair or replace the pinion gear yoke