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Drive Shaft Alignment Cadillac Brougham I

Driveshaft & Universal Joints 3 illustrations ~401 words

DESCRIPTION

Proper universal joint angle should be used to provide smooth operation. Front and rear universal joint angles should be checked with vehicle at proper riding height and full tank of gasoline. Rear universal joint angle can be adjusted by shimming transmission mount or repositioning pinion nose.

Scheme 1

Scheme 1: CHECKING
Scheme 1: CHECKING

Scheme 2

Scheme 2
Scheme 2
  1. Ensure vehicle is at proper riding height with full tank of gasoline. Riding height is measured from top of axle tube to bottom of frame. Vehicle should be bounced and allowed to return to the normal riding height prior to the measuring. Refer to the below «UNIVERSAL JOINT ANGLE & RIDING HEIGHT SPECIFICATIONS»(/cadillac/brougham/i-1987-1992/remont/driveshaft-universal-joints/#drive-shaft-alignment) table.
  2. If riding height is not within specification, on models with electronic suspension, the height sensor must be adjusted. See «HEIGHT SENSOR»(/cadillac/brougham/i-1987-1992/remont/driveshaft-universal-joints/#drive-shaft-alignment__height-sensor) under ADJUSTING. On models without electronic suspension, add weight to trunk to obtain correct riding height.
  3. With vehicle level and supported at axles, measure universal joint angles. Clean all bearing caps and install Inclinometer (J-23498) on rear drive shaft bearing cap. (Scheme 1) Bearing cap must be straight up and down. Center bubble in sight glass and record reading.
  4. Remove inclinometer, rotate drive shaft 90 degrees and install inclinometer on drive yoke bearing cap. Measure angle and subtract smaller reading from larger reading to determine rear universal joint angle.
  5. Attach Inclinometer Adapter (J-23498-20) to front drive shaft bearing cap. (Scheme 2) Attach inclinometer to adapter and repeat procedure used on rear universal joint to obtain front universal joint angle.

ADJUSTING

CAUTIONLink must be attached to metal height sensor arm during adjustment.

Height Sensor

With link attached to metal arm, loosen metal arm-to-height sensor plastic arm retaining nut. (Scheme 3) To increase riding height, move plastic arm upward. To decrease riding height, move plastic arm downward. Tighten retaining nut.

Scheme 3

Scheme 3: Height Sensor
Scheme 3: Height Sensor

Transmission Shimming

Adding one shim at transmission mount will decrease front universal joint angle 1/2 degree and increase rear angle 1/4 degree. Removing one shim will increase front angle 1/2 degree and decrease rear angle 1/4 degree.

Note. Production bolt is M10-1.5 x 35 mm. When using 2 or more shims, a M10-1.5 x 50 mm bolt must be used.

Repositioning Pinion Nose

Suspension bracket bolt hole tolerances will permit adjustment of rear universal joint angle. Loosen all rear suspension control arm bolts. Reposition pinion nose up or down and tighten all bolts.

ApplicationHeightFront JointRear Joint
Brougham(1)2.0°2.0°
(1) Rear riding height is 4.80-5.59" (121.9-141.9 mm) on models with electronic suspension or 5.15-5.98" (130.8-151.8 mm) on models without electronic suspension. Riding height must not vary more than .35" (8.9 mm) from each side.
(1)Rear riding height is 4.80-5.59" (121.9-141.9 mm) on models with electronic suspension or 5.15-5.98" (130.8-151.8 mm) on models without electronic suspension. Riding height must not vary more than .35" (8.9 mm) from each side.

UNIVERSAL JOINT ANGLE & RIDING HEIGHT SPECIFICATIONS

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