Replacing the Drive Shaft

One-piece drive shaft

1 Jack up and support the car, both front and rear. Place a drain pan under the extension housing of the transmission. With the correct size box wrench, remove the nuts or bolts holding the rear universal joint to the differential yoke. Slide the drive shaft toward the transmission, then lower the drive shaft and pull it out of the transmission extension hous-ing. Caution: Do not allow the slip yoke, the part of the drive shaft going to the transmission, to fall to the ground when you remove the shaft. This may damage the yoke.

Drive shaft with a center bearing

1 The procedure for removing and replacing this type of drive shaft is the same as that described for the one-piece shaft except that the center bearing bolts must be removed first. Locate the center bearing bolts, usually positioned halfway along the drive shaft. With the correct size wrench, remove the bolts. Some models use shims between the support bracket and the crossmember. Code them for correct reinstallation.

2 Install the replacement drive shaft as described previously, putting the center bearing bolts in last. If your car came equipped with shims, locate them be
tween the crossmember and the bracket support. Position the bolts and tighten them securely. Caution: Do not attempt to rebuild this type of drive shaft on your own. Any slight error can result in excessive vibration which may damage the transmission and /or rear end.