Removal Procedure

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 8 other vehicles, including the 2011 GMC Yukon XL, 2011 GMC Yukon, 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe, 2011 Chevrolet Suburban, and 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE:

Observe and accurately reference mark all driveline components relative to the propeller shaft and axles before disassembly. These components include the propeller shafts, the drive axles, the pinion flanges, the output shafts, etc. All components must be reassembled in the exact relationship to each other as they were when removed. In addition, published specifications and torque values, as well as any measurements made prior to disassembly must be followed.

Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .

Fig 1: Yoke Retainers, Rear Axle Pinion Yoke And Bolts

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Reference mark the propeller shaft to the rear axle pinion yoke.
Reference mark the propeller shaft to the transmission or transfer case.

NOTE:

DO NOT re-use the yoke retainers. Discard and replace with NEW only.

Remove the bolts (1) and the yoke retainers (2) from the rear axle pinion yoke (3).

Fig 2: Rear Propeller Shaft And Rear Axle Pinion Yoke

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

CAUTION:

When removing the propeller shaft, do not attempt to remove the shaft by pounding on the yoke ears or using a tool between the yoke and the universal joint. If the propeller shaft is removed by using such means, the injection joints may fracture and lead to premature failure of the joint.

Slide the propeller shaft forward in order to disconnect the propeller shaft from the rear axle pinion yoke.

Fig 3: Propeller Shaft And Transmission

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Slide the propeller shaft rearward in order to disconnect the propeller shaft from the transmission or transfer case.
Remove the propeller shaft from the vehicle.