Propeller Shaft Buick Rendezvous I

Fastener Tightening Specifications

Fastener Tightening Specifications

Begin the propeller shaft system diagnosis with Diagnostic Starting Point - Vibration Diagnosis and Correction in Vibration Diagnosis and Correction. The use of the Diagnostic Starting Point will determine if the concern is related to the propeller shaft. When instructed to exit the Vibration Diagnosis and Correction diagnostic and return to the Diagnostic Starting Point - Propeller Shaft, proceed to Propeller Shaft Diagnosis in order to isolate and identify propeller shaft related concerns.

Scheme 1

Review the propeller shaft system function. Refer to Propeller Shaft Description and Operation .

Inspect for loose or missing propeller shaft-to-flange bolts (2) and (4). Tighten or replace as necessary. Refer to Propeller Shaft Replacement .

The propeller shaft (3) and the constant velocity (CV) joints are not serviceable. The CV joints and seals should be inspected periodically, whenever the vehicle is serviced.

The CV joint seals should be inspected for the following

1. Tears
2. Cracks
3. Contamination of the lubricating grease Carefully pinch the seal and feel for the presence of grit
4. Loose or missing seal clamps
5. Leakage of lubricating grease from the seals

The CV joints should be inspected for the following conditions

1. Binding or impeded motion during axial movement of the front and rear CV joints
2. Binding or impeded motion during lateral movement of the rear CV joint
3. Loose or missing crimped-on end caps
4. Leakage of lubricating grease from the end caps

The propeller shaft must be replaced if any of the above conditions exist. This will ensure that the propeller shaft continues to operate as intended, and does not damage the other driveline components.

Removal Procedure

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/hoistjack/#general-information__lifting-and-jacking-the-vehicle) in General Information.
2. Reference mark the propeller shaft at the transfer case flange.
3. Remove the propeller shaft-to-transfer case flange bolts.
4. Reference mark the propeller shaft at the torque tube flange.
5. Remove the propeller shaft-to-torque tube flange bolts.
6. Push the propeller shaft toward the rear of the vehicle.
7. Remove the propeller shaft.

Installation Procedure

1. Install the rear of the propeller shaft to the torque tube flange.
2. Align the reference marks on the propeller shaft and the torque tube flange. IMPORTANT: Thoroughly clean and apply threadlocker GM P/N United States 12345493 P/N Canada 10953488 or equivalent to the bolt threads prior to assembly.
3. Hand install the propeller shaft-to-torque tube bolts in order to maintain the proper propeller shaft to torque tube relationship. Ensure that the crescent washer is in place on each pair of bolts.
4. Push the propeller shaft toward the rear of the vehicle and install the propeller shaft to the transfer case flange.
5. Align the reference marks on the propeller shaft and the transfer case flange.
6. Install the propeller shaft-to-transfer case bolts. Ensure that the crescent washer is in place on each pair of bolts.
7. Tighten the bolts in a cross sequence. Tighten: Tighten the bolts to 33 N.m (24 lb ft).
8. Tighten the propeller shaft to torque tube bolts in a cross sequence. Tighten: Tighten the bolts to 33 N.m (24 lb ft).
9. Lower the vehicle.

Scheme 2

The propeller shaft (3) is of a tubular design with constant velocity joints at both the transfer case and the torque tube flanges. The forward and rearward ends of the propeller shaft mate to the transfer case and the torque tube flanges with 6 bolts each (2, 4) utilizing special crescent-shaped washers to pair the bolts together in order to evenly distribute the clamping force.

The front constant velocity (CV) joint receives the rotational forces from the transfer case output flange. The front CV joint is of a ball-and-groove design using 6 ball bearings set in a race. The CV joint allows axial, but not lateral movement of the joint in order to compensate for the driveline inclination changes imposed by the powertrain during acceleration and deceleration. The CV joint is lubricated with a special grease that is protected from foreign material contamination by a seal similar in design to the seal on a front wheel drive shaft. The mating surface of the CV joint is protected by a metal cap which is crimped on to the CV joint, and captured between the CV joint and the transfer case output flange.

The rear CV joint receives the rotational forces transmitted through the propeller shaft from the front CV joint. These forces are then transferred to the torque tube input flange. The rear CV joint is similar in design to the front CV joint, although the rear CV joint allows lateral as well as axial movement. The lateral and axial movement of the CV joint compensates for driveline inclination changes as well as the lateral movement of the driveline during acceleration and deceleration. The CV joint is lubricated with a special grease that is protected from foreign material contamination by a bellows-type seal. The mating surface of the CV joint is protected by a metal cap which is crimped on to the CV joint, and captured between the CV joint and the torque tube input flange.

The propeller shaft and the constant velocity joints are not serviceable. The CV joints and seals should be inspected periodically, whenever the vehicle is raised for service.

See also:
• Diagnostic Starting Point - Vibration Diagnosis and Correction
• Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle
• Propeller Shaft Diagnosis