Removal Procedure

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 8 other vehicles, including the 2012 GMC Yukon XL, 2012 GMC Yukon, 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe, 2012 Chevrolet Suburban, and 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

CAUTION:

Never clamp propeller shaft tubing in a vise. Clamping propeller shaft tubing in a vise could dent or deform the tube causing an imbalance or unsafe condition. Always clamp on one of the yokes and support the shaft horizontally. Avoid damaging the slip yoke sealing surface. Nicks may damage the bushing or cut the lip seal.

NOTE:

The following service procedure can be used for either the external retaining ring or the nylon injected ring.

NOTE:

If replacing the propeller shaft slip yoke, proceed to step 10.

Fig 1: Tapping Universal Joint Retaining Ring

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

Using a hammer (2), tap the yoke (1) lightly in order to relieve the pressure from the universal joint retaining ring.

Fig 2: View Of Retaining Ring & Propeller Shaft Yoke

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

Using a pair of pliers, remove the retaining ring (2) from the yoke (1).
With the aide of an assistant, support the propeller shaft so that it level with the press.

Fig 3: Identifying U joint Bearing Separator

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

Using the appropriate size socket (2), support the universal joint opposite of the J-9522-3 U-Joint Bearing Separator.
Using the J-9522-3 Separator (1) and the press, remove the universal bearing from the yoke.
If you are unable to completely remove the universal bearing with the J-9522-3 Separator, proceed to step 7.

Fig 4: Identifying U joint Bearing Spacer Remover

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

Position the J-9522-5 U-Joint Bearing Spacer Remover (1) on the universal joint.

NOTE:

The following procedure is also used for the breaking of the nylon injected ring for those universal joints that are equipped.

Using the J-9522-3 Separator, J-9522-5 Remover and a press, remove the universal bearing from the yoke.
Rotate the propeller shaft and repeat steps 1-8 to remove the opposite universal joint.

Fig 5: View Of Slip Yoke & Propeller Shaft

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

NOTE:

If the slip yoke is found to be damaged, replace the slip yoke and use a NEW universal joint. DO NOT re-use the old universal joint.

Remove the slip yoke (1) from the propeller shaft (2).

Fig 6: View Of Universal Bearings & Retaining Ring

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

Remove the retaining ring (1) from the slip yoke (3).
Using the J-9522-3 Separator, J-9522-5 Remover and a press, remove the universal bearing (2) from the yoke (3).

Fig 7: View Of Universal Spider & Slip Yoke

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

Remove the spider (2) from the slip yoke (1).
Thoroughly clean the slip yoke and the propeller shaft yoke of any contaminates that could prevent the retaining rings or the bearing cups from being properly installed.