SECTION 4C - PROPELLER SHAFT AND UNIVERSAL

JOINTS

CAUTION:

This vehicle will be equipped with a Supplemental Restraint System (SRS). An SRS

will consist of either seat belt pre-tensioners and a driver's side air bag, or seat belt

pre-tensioners and a driver's and front passenger's side air bags. Refer to

CAUTIONS, Section 12M, before performing any service operation on or around any

SRS components, the steering mechanism or wiring. Failure to follow the CAUTIONS

could result in SRS deplo yment, resulting in possible p ersonal injury or unnecessary

SRS system repairs.

CAUTION:

This vehicle may be equipped with LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas). In the interests of

safety, the LPG fuel system should be isolated by turning ‘OFF’ the manual service

valve and then draining the LPG serv ice lines, before any service w ork is carried out

on the vehicle. Refer to the LPG leaflet included with the Owner's Handbook for

details or LPG Section 2 for more specific servicing information.

CAUTION:

Whenever any component that forms part of the ABS or ABS/ETC (if fitted), is

disturbed during Service Operations, it is vital that the complete ABS or ABS/ETC

system is checked, using the procedure as detailed in 4. DIAGNOSIS, ABS or

ABS/ETC FUNCTION CHECK, in Section 12L ABS & A BS/ETC.

1. GENERAL DESCRIPTI ON

The propeller shaft assembly used on all VT model vehicles is a two piece tubular design, refer to Figure 4C-1.

For all VT models except those fitted with a manual transmission, each end of the propeller shaft, has a needle

bearing universal joint connected to a slip yoke at the transmission end and a flange at the rear axle end.

Drive is transmitted between the two halves of the propeller shaft through a constant velocity joint. A fully sealed ball

bearing, mounted in a reinforced rubber cup, supports the propeller shaft assembly in the centre location. This

centre bearing rubber cup is supported in a cup guide and attached to a carrier, which in turn, is bolted to the

vehicle underbody.

The constant velocity joint has axial movement to allow fore and aft movement of the rear propeller shaft during the

rear suspension movement.

The constant velocity joint, centre bearing, propeller shaft rear universal joint and flange are common for all

applications.

The universal joint/s, constant velocity joint and centre bearing are lubricated for life and do not require any periodic

lubrication.

Those vehicles fitted with the V6 engine and manual transmission have a rubber coupling that bolts directly to the

rear transmission output flange.

When the V8 engine with manual transmission is fitted to a VT model vehicle, an hydraulically dampened rubber

coupling replaces the front, needle roller bearing universal joint. The coupling bolts to a flange on the front propeller

shaft and a flange on the transmission slip joint.

Techline

Figure 4C-1

2. SERVICE OPERATIONS

2.1 PROPELLER SHAFT

REMOVE

CAUTION:

Whenever any component that forms part of

the ABS (if fitted) is disturbed during Service

Operations, it is vital that the complete ABS

system be checked, using the procedure as

detailed in DIAGNOSIS, ABS FUNCTION

CHECK, in Section 12L ABS & ABS/ETC.

1. Using a floor jack under the centre of the rear

axle housing, jac k up rear of vehic le and place

safety stands under body rear jacking points.

Refer to Section 0A GENERAL

INFORMATION for location of jacking points.

2. Disconnect exhaust system from rear of

catalytic converter (V6 engine) or converters

(V6 Supercharged and V8 engines). Discard

gaskets on the V6 Supercharged and V8

flanges.

NOTE:

Only one flange of the V6 Superc harged/V8 s ystem

is shown.

Figure 4C-2

3. Remove the two retainers from the top posts

and discard. Disconnect exhaust system

support rings from rear hanger of the rear

muf fler. Both V6 and V8 arrangem ents are the

same.

Figure 4C-3

Techline

4. Remove muffler support to rear crossmember

retainers (2 places-V6, 4 places-V6

Supercharged and V8) and discard.

5. Lift up intermediate section of exhaust system

and remove intermediate muffler support

rubbers. Remove intermediate and rear

sections of exhaust system from vehicle.

Figure 4C-4

For VT Models Fitted with V8 Engine and Manual Transmission

6. Support weight of transmission assembly on a

transmission jack.

7. Use a sharp scriber to mark the exact location

of the crossmember to the side frames

(arrows), before loosening any fasteners.

Also scribe around the rear mounting washers,

marking their location on the alloy

crossmember.

IMPORTANT:

These steps are critical to the correct powertrain

alignment on reassembly. If not carried out, then

vehicle vibration and/or handling problems could

result!

Figure 4C-5

8. Remove the nut securing the vehicle speed

sensor pick-up bracket to the rear of the

transmission and secure to one side, using tie

wire.

Figure 4C-6

9. Remove the four crossmember to side frame

bolts (3) and spacers (1). Unless required for

some other purpose, the crossmember (2) to

rear mount nuts (4) do not need to be

disturbed.

10. Lower the transmission to provide clearance

for the propeller shaft to be removed from the

vehicle.

NOTE:

Neither the transmission jack nor propeller shaft

have been shown in the illustration for clarity of the

crossmember orientation.

Figure 4C-7

For VT Models Fitted with V6 Engine and Manual Transmission

NOTE:

To gain access to the front, flexible rubber coupling

bolts and nuts, it is recommended that the twin

exhaust pipe/catalytic converter are removed.

11. Disconnect the wiring harness connectors

from each of the two oxygen sensors (1).

Figure 4C-8

12. Remove the twin exhaust pipe (5) and catalytic

converter assembly (4) and the support rubber

(6) at the rear of the transmission. Carefully

lower and remove the exhaust pipes from the

vehicle, taking care not to damage the exhaust

gas oxygen sensors, in the process.

Figure 4C-9

13. Remove propeller shaft flexible rubber

coupling to output flange attaching nuts.

Discard removed nuts.

Figure 4C-10

All VT Models

14. Remove centre bearing carrier to underbody

reinforcement bolts and spacers, if fitted.

NOTE:

For correct reassembly, take particular note of any

spacer arrangement that may be fitted, observing

any side-to-side differences and the orientation of

the offset bracket.

Figure 4C-11

15. Remove bolts and nuts holding propeller shaft

rear universal joint flange to pinion flange.

Disengage rear universal joint flange from

pinion flange.

NOTE:

The two flanges have paint alignment marks that

are assembled as close together as possible. If the

marks are not visible, scribe a line on both flanges

to enable the propeller shaft to be installed in the

original position.

16. Remove propeller shaft by pulling it toward the

rear of vehicle to either disengage the rubber

coupling or the front slip joint yoke from

transmission.

Figure 4C-12

For VT Models with a Sliding Yoke

NOTE 1:

Tak e care to protec t the outer diam eter of the f ront

yoke. Nicks or abrasions will damage the

transm iss ion extension seal during reas sem bly and

result in lubricant leakage past the seal.

NOTE 2:

For VT Models fitted with the V8 engine and

Manual Transmission, take particular care not to

damage any teeth on the vehicle speed sensor

toothed ring, installed onto the sliding yoke. Any

damage to these teeth will cause the sensor to

malfunction.

NOTE 3:

Insert a suitable plug in the end of the trans m ission

rear extension to prevent loss of transmission

lubricant.

REINSTALL

Installation is the reverse of removal procedures

noting the following points:

1. Remove any foreign matter that may have

adhered to the front universal joint yoke and

lubricate with transmission lubricant. Guide

propeller shaft over park brake cable and

insert yoke on to transmission mainshaft.

NOTE:

If the propeller shaft is fitted with a toothed, speed

sensor ring (V8 with Manual Transmission) take

particular care not to damage the teeth, during

installation.

2. Before attaching propeller shaft rear universal

joint flange to pinion flange, align marks on

pinion flange and rear univer s al j oint f lange (or

marks made on removal), refer to

Figure 4C-12.

3. Care must be taken to use only genuine bolts

and nuts. Tighten propeller shaft rear

universal joint flange to pinion flange bolts to

the correct torque specification.

PROPELLER SHAFT REAR

UNIVERSAL JOINT FLANGE 55 - 65

TO PINION FLANGE BOLT Nm

TORQUE SPECIFICATION

4. Clean threads of centre bearing carrier to

underbody reinforcement bolts and underbody

weld nuts with a suitable cleaning solvent.

NOTE:

Replace micro-encapsulated bolts if they have

been rem oved three times . If in doubt, r eplac ement

is recommended. If not replacing the bolts,

apply Loctite 242 or an equivalent thread

sealant to the cleaned threads.

5. Install centre bearing carrier with the correct

orientation (refer to Figure 4C-11).

6. If fitted, ensure that the centre bearing carrier

spacers are in correct position, as noted on

removal (refer to Figure 4C-1) and tighten

centre bearing carrier to underbody

reinforcement bolts to the correct torque

specification.

CENTRE BEARING CARRIER TO

UNDERBODY REINFORCEMENT 20 - 35 Nm

BOLT TORQUE SPECIFICATION

VT Models with V8 Engine and Manual

Transmission

7. With this powertrain combination, when the

propeller shaft is installed into the rear of the

transmission, support the propeller shaft

centre bearing while the transmission is

raised. Loosely install the four rear

crossmember bolts and the centre bearing

bracket retaining bolts, taking note of any

spacers that may be fitted.

8. Align the rear crossmember with the scribed

alignment marks made prior to removal, then

tighten the four bolts to specification.

REAR CROSSMEMBER TO SIDE

FRAME MEMBER BOLT 50 - 65 Nm

TORQUE SPECIFICATION

9. install the vehicle speed s ensor br ack et bolt to

the rear of the transmission and tighten to

specification.

SPEED SENSOR BRACKET 15 - 20

BOLT TORQUE SPECIFICATION Nm

VT Models with V6 Engine and Manual

Transmission

10. Lubricate the transmission output shaft spigot

with molybdenum disulphide grease to Holden

Specification HN1271.

11. Install NEW rubber coupling to transmission

output flange retaining nuts and tighten to the

correct torque specification.

RUBBER COUPLING TO OUTPUT

SHAFT FLANGE RETAINING NUT 74 - 80 Nm

TORQUE SPECIFICATION

12. Replace the exhaust system as follows;

a. W ith V6 engined vehicles, install the twin

exhaust pipes to the manifolds, reconnect

the exhaust gas oxygen sensor wiring

leads and tighten the nuts to the specif ied

torque.

EXHAUST PIPE FLANGE TO

EXHAUST MANIFOLD NUT V6 Engine:

TORQUE SPECIFICATION 18 35 Nm

b. Supercharged and V8 engined vehicles,

ensure the catalytic converter flange is

clean and free from any gasket material.

W ith V6 engined vehicles, check that the

catalytic converter to intermediate

exhaust pipe bolts springs and sealing

ring are all in a serviceable condition.

c. Reinstall exhaust system, using a new

gasket (V6 Supercharged and V8

engined vehicles) at the catalytic

converter and new hanger retainers for

the muff ler support to rear crossmember.

Tighten intermediate exhaust pipe to

converter attaching bolts to the correct

torque specification.

INTERMEDIATE EXHAUST PIPE

TO CATALYTIC CONVERTER All Engines:

BOLT TORQUE SPECIFICATION 40 - 50 Nm

d. Check exhaust clearanc es as detailed in

Section 8B EXHAUST SYSTEM.

All VT Models with a Sliding Yoke

13. If transmission lubricant leaked from the rear

extension when the propeller shaft was

removed, check transmission lubricant level

and top up as necessary. Refer to

Section 0B LUBRICATION AND SERVICE

for lubricant specifications.

2.2 UNIVERSAL JOINTS

REMOVE

NOTE 1:

The following Operation is only suitable for the

replacem ent of a universal j oint, as brinelling of the

needle roller bearings will result from the removal

process.

NOTE 2:

W ith vehicles f itted with the V8 engine and m anual

transmission, the toothed speed sensor ring is

swaged to the front sliding yoke and is not s erviced

as a separate component. For this reason,

particular care must be taken when removing and

handling the propeller shaft to avoid damaging the

teeth.

NOTE 3:

While the majority of illustrations show the front

universal joint, the procedure is the same for both

universal joints.

1. Remove propeller shaft. Refer to

2.1 PROPELLER SHAFT in this Section.

2. Mount propeller shaft in vice equipped with

soft jaws. Remove bearing cap retaining snap

rings from grooves at inner ends of bearing

caps.

Figure 4C-13

3. Remove bearing caps from ends of the

propeller shaft assembly as follows:

a. Support front universal joint yoke, or rear

universal joint flange ears on open jaws

of a vice.

b. Tap propeller shaft adjacent to bearing

cap with a hamm er so that universal joint

spider forces bearing cap out.

Figure 4C-14

4. Pull dislodged bearing cap from front or rear

universal joint, as shown.

5. Rotate propeller shaft assembly 180° so that

ears on opposite side of yoke, or flange, rest

on the soft jaws in the vice.

6. Remove second bearing cap from propeller

shaft as per steps 3 and 4.

7. Separate yoke or flange from universal joint

spider.

Figure 4C-15

8. Remove bearing caps from yoke or flange by

resting exposed ends of spider on the vice,

and removing bearing caps as previously

described.

9. Remove the spider from the yoke or flange.

10. Thoroughly clean yoke or flange and propeller

shaft universal joint bearing cap bores.

Check bearing cap bores and remove any

burrs.

Figure 4C-16

REINSTALL

Before installing universal joint, note the following:

a. Cleanliness is of prime importance to

ensure maximum universal joint life.

b. Do not allow any needle rollers to

becom e dislodged. Install bearing caps in

the upright position.

c. Universal joint assem blies are prepack ed

with lubricant and do not require any

further lubrication.

d. Take care not to damage bearing cap

seals during installation. Gently ease

bearing caps into their bores during

assembly.

1. Remove bearing caps from spider.

2. Position spider in yoke or flange. Hold spider

to one side in yoke or flange and position a

bearing cap on the end of spider.

3. While holding spider in bearing cap, tap

bearing cap into yoke or flange until bearing

cap snap ring groove is fully visible. Install

snap ring into groove.

Figure 4C-17

4. Turn yoke or flange around and install

opposite bearing cap by positioning spider into

bearing cap to prevent needle rollers from

being dislodged.

Figure 4C-18

5. To fully install second bearing cap, position

yoke or flange in vice with two of the old

universal joint bearing caps, as shown.

Squeeze new bearing caps into position using

the vice jaws.

NOTE:

Ensure that the two old bearing caps are pos itioned

centrally on the new bearing caps, and not up

against the edge of the flange or yoke.

6. Install second snap ring.

7. Install spider and yoke or flange assembly to

propeller shaft.

8. Install remaining bearing caps and snap rings

as previously described. Figure 4C-19

9. While supporting the universal joint in one

hand to minimise any brinelling effect, tap

propeller shaft, yoke and flange ears with a

hammer and ensure that all bearing cap snap

rings are seated correctly in bearing cap

grooves and that universal joints are free to

move in all directions.

Figure 4C-20

10. Reinstall propeller shaft as per

2.1 PROPELLER SHAFT, in this Section.

2.3 FRONT FLEXIBLE JOINT

REPLACE

V8 Engine, Manual Transmission

1. Remove propeller shaft. Refer to

2.1 PROPELLER SHAFT in this Section.

2. Insert a suitable lever between the flexible joint

(3) and the propeller shaft yoke (1) to secure

the assembly.

3. Loosen, then remove the three bolts (7)

holding the flexible joint (3) to the front sliding

yok e (1). Carefully rem ove the yoke and set to

one side to prevent accidental damage to the

toothed speed sensor ring.

4. Using a back-up spanner on the remaining

three bolt heads (5), remove the r etaining nuts

(2) from the front of the flexible joint and

discard them. Remove each bolt, taking note

of the spacer (4) between the front of the

propeller shaft (6) and the flexible joint.

5. Install a replacement flexible joint and fit the

bolts and spacer s to sec ure the propeller shaft

to the joint. Using new nuts (2) , tighten each to

the correct torque specification.

PROPELLER SHAFT TO

FLEXIBLE JOINT NUT 74 - 80 Nm

TORQUE SPECIFICATION

6. Apply thread sealant such as Loctite 242 or

equivalent to the cleaned threads of the

remaining three bolts (7). Install the bolts into

the front sliding yoke (1) and tighten to the

correct torque specification.

FLEXIBLE JOINT BOLT TO FRONT

SLIDING YOKE 74 - 80 Nm

TORQUE SPECIFICATION

Figure 4C-21

V6 Engine, Manual Transmission

1. Insert a suitable lever between the flexible

joint and the propeller s haf t yoke to s ec ure the

assembly.

2. Using a back-up spanner on the three bolt

heads, remove the retaining nuts and discard

them.

3. Install a replacement flexible joint, fit the bolts

and new nuts, tightening each to the correct

torque specification.

PROPELLER SHAFT TO

FLEXIBLE JOINT NUT 74 - 80 Nm

TORQUE SPECIFICATION

Techline

2.4 CONSTANT VELOCITY JOINT

There are two repair kits available from authorised

Holden parts outlets, for constant velocity joint

repairs:

a. A DUST SHIELD KIT, which contains dust

shield, gasket, strap, and tubes of grease

and sealant.

b. A CONSTANT VELOCITY JOINT KIT,

which contains the same items as in the

DUST SHIELD KIT, plus the constant

velocity joint and appropriate retaining

circlips.

REMOVE

Figure 4C-22

1. Remove propeller shaft. Refer to

2.1 PROPELLER SHAFT in this Section.

2. To ensure correct alignment of parts at

reassembly, scribe an aligning mark on

constant velocity joint and two propeller shaft

halves.

3. Remove Allen head screws and lock plates

holding rear propeller shaft half to constant

velocity joint.

Figure 4C-23

4. Using a hammer and a brass drift, tap

propeller shaft companion flange evenly from

constant velocity joint.

Figure 4C-24

5. Remove constant velocity joint rear retaining

circlip.

Figure 4C-25

6. Remove dust shield strap. Using a hammer

and brass drift, remove dust shield from

constant velocity joint.

7. Remove centre bearing carrier to centre

bearing cup attaching bolts and nuts, remove

carrier.

Figure 4C-26

8. Pull back constant velocity joint outer race.

Install suitable press plates, such as J22912-

01 or equivalent, between dust shield and

constant velocity joint, to support inner joint

race. Press shaft from constant velocity joint.

Figure 4C-27

9. Remove thrust washer and dust shield from

propeller shaft.

10. Clean old gask et material f r om dust s hield and

constant velocity joint mating surfaces.

Figure 4C-28

DISASSEMBLE

NOTE:

Comp lete disass embly of the constant velocity joint

is not recom mended. The internal components are

a precision fit and develop their own characteristic

wear patterns. Intermix ing components could result

in looseness, binding and/or subs equent prem atur e

failure of the joint.

If disassembly must be attempted, then it is vital

that the following procedure is carefully followed.

1. Make an aligning mark on inner race, ball

guide and outer race with a daub of paint, as

shown.

NOTE:

The groove in the inner race, the larger chamfer in

the ball guide and the step in the outer rac e ( s tep is

for the dust shield to joint gasket), all face toward

the front of the propeller shaft.

Figure 4C-28

2. Pivot inner race and ball guide at 90° to centre

line of outer race as shown, and lift inner race

and ball guide from outer race.

Figure 4C-29

3. Using a sc rewdriver, lever balls f rom guide, as

shown.

KEEP BALLS IN ORDER FOR RE-ASSEMBLY.

4. Pivot inner race at 90° to centre line of ball

guide and lift inner race from ball guide.

Figure 4C-30

INSPECT

1. Inspect grease in joint, and if obviously

contaminated and/or been subjected to dirt

ingress, the joint has in all likelihood suffered

damage and should be replaced.

If inspec tion reveals that the j oint has not been

contaminated, clean joint by soaking in a

suitable cleaning solvent.

2. Once grease has been removed, inspect

internal components by tilting inner race to one

side to expose each ball.

Replace joint assembly if there is severe

pitting, galling, play between balls and the

cage windows, any cracking or damage to

cage, pitting or galling or chips in raceways. Figure 4C-31

REASSEMBLE

NOTE 1:

During the removal, cleaning, inspection or

replacement of a constant velocity (CV) joint, it is

possible for the joint to become disassembled.

Should an inadvertent disassembly of a constant

velocity joint occur, and notwithstanding the earlier

recommendation, it is possible to reassemble the

CV joint, provided the following procedure is

followed EXACTLY.

NOTE 2:

Under no circumstances may components from

one constant velocity joint be mixed with

components from another CV joint.

An exploded view of the constant veloc ity joint is as

shown. Note the identification groove on the outer

race and the identification step on the inner race.

Figure 4C-32

1. Place the inner rac e into the cage and position

centrally within the cage.

Figure 4C-33

2. Place the inner race and cage into the outer

race. Make sure that the identification

markings on both the inner and outer races

are on opposite sides of the assembly, as

shown.

Figure 4C-34

3. Align the thick sections on the outer rac e, with

the narrow ones on the inner race.

Figure 4C-35

4. Tilt the cage and inner race as shown, and fit

one ball.

Repeat this process for the remaining five

balls.

Figure 4C-36

5. When assembly of the CV joint is complete,

check for plunge movement as shown. If NO

plunge movement can be achieved, then

the constant velocity joint has been

INCORRECTLY assembled.

If suc h a s ituation occ urs , the CV j oint must be

disassembled and the assembly process

repeated until such time that the required

plunge movement is achieved.

Figure 4C-37

REINSTALL

Installation is the reverse of removal procedure,

noting the following points:

1. Cleanliness of constant velocity joint and

associated parts is of prime importance to

ensure maximum life of joint assembly.

2. Inspect dust shield to ensure there is no

damage which will allow foreign matter entry.

3. Pack the constant velocity joint with the

lubricant supplied in either of the two available

Repair Kits. Work joint by hand so as to

distribute grease onto all surfaces inside joint.

4. Install new gasket to front of constant velocity

joint.

5. Clean mating surfaces of constant velocity

joint, dust shield and rear propeller shaft

companion flange.

6. Apply a bead of Loc tite 510 High T em peratur e

Gasket Eliminator sealant or equivalent

product (Holden's Specification HN1593) to

dust shield mating surface on the constant

velocity joint, refer to Figure 4C-22 for the

location.

7. Ensure that scribed lines made on removal,

are aligned.

8. Press cons tant velocity joint onto shaf t using a

suitable size socket or tube. Ensure that

socket or tube presses on inner race of joint.

NOTE:

During this pressing operation, ensur e that the ears

of the front propeller shaft (and not the front yoke)

are resting on the press plates.

9. Clean threads in rear propeller shaft

companion flange and six Allen head screws.

10. Coat spigot area of propeller shaft com panion

flange and six Allen head screw threads with

Loctite 510 High Temperature Gasket

Eliminator sealant or equivalent product

(Holden's Specification HN1593), refer to

Figure 4C-22.

11. Tighten six Allen screws to the correct torque

specification.

CONSTANT VELOCITY JOINT TO

REAR PROPELLER SHAFT SCREW 35 - 40 Nm

TORQUE SPECIFICATION

12. Reinstall propeller shaft. Refer to

2.1 PROPELLER SHAFT in this Section.

Figure 4C-38

2.5 CENTRE BEARING ASSEMBLY

NOTE 1:

This bearing cannot be rem oved f rom the propeller

shaft without causing damage to the ball race and

rear dust s linger. New parts must be ins talled when

the propeller shaft is being reassembled.

NOTE 2:

The replacement centre bearing kit contains front

and rear dust slingers, centre bearing and rubber

cup assembly and centre bearing retaining circlip.

REMOVE

1. Remove propeller shaft, refer to

2.1 PROPELLER SHAFT in this Section.

2. Remove constant velocity joint, refer to

2.3 CONSTANT VELOCITY JOINT in this

Section.

3. Remove the two bolts and nuts securing the

upper and lower cup guides to the centre

bearing carrier, bend back the retaining tabs (if

bent over) and separate cup guide halves from

centre bearing.

NOTE:

For correct reassembly, pay particular attention to

any spacer arrangement that may be fitted, noting

any side-to-side differences.

Figure 4C-39

4. Using a hammer and a suitable punch,

remove centre bearing rear slinger, refer to

Figure 4C-41.

NOTE:

Once removed, the slinger must be discarded and

a new one installed on reassembly.

Figure 4C-40

5. Remove centre bearing retaining circlip.

Figure 4C-41

Techline

6. Using suitable press plates, such as Tool No.

J22912-01 or equivalent, support centre

bearing and rubber c up m ounting assem bly as

close as possible to propeller shaft, press

propeller shaft from centre bearing.

NOTE:

Take car e not to damage the large diameter s linger

which is fixed to the front propeller shaft tube.

Figure 4C-42

7. Remove centre bearing front slinger using a

hammer and a suitable punch or chisel, take

care not to damage propeller shaft.

NOTE:

The slinger must be discarded once it is removed

and a new one installed on reassembly.

Figure 4C-43

REINSTALL

1. Install new front slinger onto front propeller

shaft using a suitable size tube, as shown.

NOTE:

During this operation, ensure that the ears on the

front end of the propeller shaft (and not the front

yoke) are resting on the press plates.

Figure 4C-44

2. Install new centre bearing assembly to

propeller shaft using a suitable size tube.

Figure 4C-45

3. Install new rear slinger using a suitable size

tube.

Figure 4C-46

NOTE:

If the rear slinger is installed on too far, the slinger

and centre bearing cup will rub.

The slinger is correctly installed when in the

position as shown.

4. Install bearing upper and lower cup guides to

centre bearing.

5. Install spacer/s, if previously fitted and

retaining bolts and nuts to the centre bearing

carrier and tighten to the correct torque

specification.

CENTRE BEARING CUP GUIDE TO

CARRIER BOLTS AND NUTS 20 - 25 Nm

TORQUE SPECIFICATION

6. Reinstall constant velocity joint. Refer to

2.3 CONSTANT VELOCITY in this Section.

7. Reinstall the propeller shaft. Refer to

2.1 PROPELLER SHAFT in this Section.

8. Check propeller shaft phasing. Refer to

2.6 CHECKING PROPELLER SHAFT

PHASING in this Section.

Figure 4C-47

2.6 CHECKING DRIVELINE ANGLES

MEASURING PROCEDURE

The following procedure is used for investigating

driveline related vibrations in VT Series models

fitted with the 4L60-E automatic transmission,

where incorrect driveline angles are suspected.

NOTE:

This procedur e is not s uitable f or meas uring angles

on drivelines fitted to m anual transmission models,

as there is no needle roller bearing, front universal

joint, from which to take angular readings.

The following checks should be conducted before

carrying out the driveline angles measuring

procedure:

Inspect all universal joints and centre bearing for

wear; i.e. dust seals broken, retaining snap rings

broken or any movement in the universal joints or

centre bearing.

Check engine and transmission mountings and

tightness of all bolts.

Check that the centre bearing spacers (where

fitted) are in plac e and in the c orr ect location. Ref er

to Figure 4C-1 for details.

Check condition of all rear suspension control arm

bushes and tightness of attachments.

The nex t illustration s hows the driveline angles that

need to be measured.

Figure 4C-48

1. Place vehicle over a pit or on a f our pos t ‘drive

on' hoist. Leave transmission in neutral, park

brake off and chock front wheels.

NOTE:

It is im portant that the vehicle's weight is on all f our

wheels.

2. Ensure vehicle is at kerb weight, i.e. fuel tank

full, without driver, passengers or luggage etc.

3. Bounce rear of vehicle up and down to ensure

suspension has settled.

5. Remove chocks and push vehicle backwards

or forwards until pinion flange rear universal

joint bearing caps are vertical.

Chock wheels to prevent further vehicle

movement. Before carrying out rest of the

measuring procedure, note the following

points;

a. At no stage is the vehic le to be moved by

twisting the propeller shaft.

b. Ensure that all inclinometer readings are

taken from the right hand side of the

vehicle.

c. Mark all universal joint caps that

measurements are taken from so that

later measurements can be taken from

the same caps.

d. Ensure that univers al joint caps ar e clean

and free from paint and dirt.

e. Ensure that the magnet on the

inclinometer sits squarely on the

universal joint caps.

NOTE 1:

For vehicles fitted with the V6 engine, removal of

the engine pipes and catalytic converter will be

required to gain access to the front universal joint.

refer to Section 8B EXHAUST SYSTEM for the

necessary procedure.

NOTE 2:

Ensure that the inclinom eter is positioned and read

at each location with the 30 degrees (or 50 degrees

if inclinom eter is f itted with AU415 scale c onvers ion

kit) end of scale facing toward front of vehicle.

6. Install inclinometer, Tool No. J23498-A on

pinion flange rear universal joint bearing c ap.

Centralise bubble and record reading - this is

POSITION 1.

Figure 4C-49

7. Remove inclinometer, remove chocks and

push vehicle until propeller shaft front

universal joint yoke bearing cap is ver tical. Re-

chock wheels.

8. Install inclinometer on front universal joint

yoke bearing cap. Centralise bubble and

record reading - this is POSITION 2.

Figure 4C-50

9. Remove inclinometer and chocks and roll

vehicle to rotate propeller shaft until bearing

caps in propeller shaft rear universal joint are

vertical.

10. Chock wheels and place inclinometer on rear

universal joint bearing c ap. Centralise bubble

and record reading - this is POSITION 3.

Figure 4C-51

11. Remove inclinometer, remove chocks and

push vehicle until the propeller shaft front

universal joint bearing caps are vertical. Re-

chock wheels.

12. Install inclinometer on propeller shaft front

universal joint bearing c ap. Centralise bubble

and record reading - this is POSITION 4.

Figure 4C-52

13. To calculate the driveline angles, refer to

Figure 4C-54 and use the following equations;

ANGLE A = POSITION 2 (step 8)

less POSITION 4 (step 12).

ANGLE B = POSITION 4 (step 12)

less POSITION 3 (step 10).

ANGLE C = POSITION 3 (step 10)

less POSITION 1 (step 6).

Refer to 3, SPECIFICATIONS in this Section

for nominal angles A, B and C.

Figure 4C-53

DRIVELINE ANGLE EVALUATION

To determine if a driveline angle is positive or

negative, refer to Figure 4C-55 and the following

explanation.

Determine whether the ‘output’ centreline of the

angle being considered, is either above of below

the ‘input’ centreline.

If the output centreline is above the input, then the

angle is considered positive. Alternatively, if the

output centreline is below the ‘input’ centreline,

then the angle is considered negative.

Examples:

Angle A: If the centreline through the front

propeller shaft is below that of the transmission

output shaft, then the angle will be negative, as

shown.

Angle B: With the centreline through the rear

propeller shaft being above the centreline of the

front propeller shaft, the driveline angle in this

situation will be positive.

Angle C: As the ‘output’ centreline through the f inal

drive pinion in the example shown, is above the

centreline of the rear propeller shaft section, the

angle again, will be positive.

Figure 4C-54

Driveline Angles Within Specification

If all angles are within specification and a vibration

condition exists at 20 - 30 km/h, then it may be

caused by one universal joint axis having a higher

rotational torque than the other. This can only be

evaluated after the propeller shaft has been

removed from the vehicle and each universal joint

rotational 'drag' evaluated.

1. Remove the propeller shaft assembly. Refer to

2.1 PROPELLER SHAFT in this Section.

2. Carefully move each universal joint through

each axis, to assess whether one cross is

more stiff than the other.

Should a higher rotational torque be determined in

one of the universal joints, then the following

procedure is recommended for all of the universal

joint bearing cups:

3. Support yoke 'A' in the palm of one hand, to

minimise the possibility of the needle rollers

being brinelled.

NOTE:

Yoke 'A' in the rear universal joint is the pinion

flange com ponent, while in the front universal joint,

yoke 'A' will be the slip joint.

4. Strike the forged part of yoke 'B' with a

hammer, to ensure that the snap ring is fully

seated. Take care not to strike the propeller

shaft tubing or any machined surfaces during

this process. With V8 and manual

transmission, take particular care that the

speed sensor toothed ring is not damaged in

any way during this process.

5. Repeat seating procedure with the opposite

cup.

6. Reverse the position of yokes 'A' and 'B' and

repeat the seating process described in steps

2 and 3.

7. Check that the rotational torque required for

each of the two pivot axes is now similar.

8. Should a check of the other universal joint

indicate that uneven rotation torque is evident,

then the procedure just described should also

be applied to the cups in that universal joint.

Figure 4C-55

9. Reinstall the propeller shaft assembly, as

described in 2.1 PROPELLER SHAFT, then

road test the vehicle to ensure that the

vibration condition has now been corrected.

Driveline Angles Outside Specification

NOTE:

The maximum allowable tolerance from

specification is ± 0.5°.

If driveline angles are not to specification, start by

raising or lowering the c entre bear ing r elative to the

underbody by adding, repositioning or subtracting

spacers between the centre bearing carrier and

underbody or between the centre bearing carrier

and centre bearing.

Raising the centre bearing by 7 mm will increase

Angle "A" (or make more positive) by +0.7°, and

increase Angle "C" (or make more positive) by

+0.6°.

NOTE:

Achievement of correct angle "B" (at constant

velocity joint) is not as critical as Angles "A" and

"C" for minimising noise and vibration.

W hen driveline angles are to specification, rem ove

inclinometer and reinstall the exhaust system.

Refer to Section 8B EXHAUST SYSTEM for

details.

SYMPTOMS AND CAUSES OF DRIVELINE ANGLE RELA TED PROBLEMS

1. Initial Acceleration Shudder - A pronounced shudder that occurs during forward acceleration could be

caused by an excessive angle "A".

2. Acceleration Delayed Shudder - A vehicle m ay accelerate sm oothly from stands till yet begin to shudder f rom

15 - 40 km/h. This condition is usually worse when the vehicle is heavily laden and can be caused by an

insufficient angle "C".

3. Boom or Rumble - Vehicles with an excessive angle "C" m ay suff er fr om cabin boom or rum ble f rom 40 k m /h

on overrun/coast. Condition is usually worse when vehicle has a minimal load in the rear. Acceleration in

reverse with an excessive angle "C" will cause severe driveline vibration.

Techline

2.7 CHECKING PROP E LLER SHAFT PHASING

Before attempting to diagnose propeller shaft

phasing induced vibrations check the following:

1. It is essential that driveline angles are set to

specification, refer to 2.6 CHECKING

DRIVELINE ANGLES in this Section.

2. Check that rear axle pinion flange and

propeller shaft rear universal joint flange

aligning marks are aligned as close as

possible.

3. Check that all propeller shaft assembly

attaching bolts and nuts are tightened to the

correct torque.

4. Road test vehicle and check for the following

symptoms:

a. "RUMBLE" noise and vibration

throughout vehicle speed range, usually

worse during "float" or "overrun"

conditions.

b. At higher speeds, a "BEAT" may develop.

NOTE:

A rumble is a constant sound, e.g. 'the rumble of

distant thunder', whereas a beat is a low frequency

cycling of the rumble noise.

If the vehicle exhibits any of the symptoms noted in

step 4, the next step is to measure the propeller

shaft phas e angle, using the inclinom eter, Tool No.

J23498-A.

NOTE:

As the phase angle specification does not exceed

37 degrees, use of the conversion scale AU415 is

not required for VT Series vehicles.

1. Place vehicle over a pit or on a f our post 'dr ive

on hoist'. Leave transmission in neutral and

park brake off. Vehicle weight must be on all

four wheels.

2. Disconnect exhaust system from rear of

catalytic converter (V6) or converters (V6

Supercharged or V8). Discard gaskets on the

V6 Supercharged/V8 flanges.

NOTE:

Only one flange of the V6 Superc harged/V8 s ystem

is shown.

Figure 4C-56

Techline

4. Remove the two retainers from the top posts

and discard. Disconnect exhaust system

support rings from rear hanger of the rear

muf fler. Both V6 and V8 arrangem ents are the

same.

Figure 4C-57

5. Remove muffler support to rear crossmember

retainers (2 places - V6, 4 places-V6

Supercharged and V8) and discard.

6. Lift up intermediate section of exhaust system

and remove supports from muffler and

crossmember hangers. Then remove

intermediate and rear sections of exhaust

system from beneath vehicle.

Figure 4C-58

7. Push vehicle backwards or forwards until

propeller shaft front universal joint yoke

bearing caps are vertical, refer to Figure 4C-

60.

Figure 4C-59

8. Place inclinometer on propeller shaft front

universal joint bearing cap with scale facing

toward front of vehicle. Chock rear wheels to

prevent vehicle movement.

9. Move inclinometer arm to centralise bubble

and note reading.

Figure 4C-60

10. Remove inclinometer from front universal joint

bearing cap and install onto propeller shaft

rear universal joint bearing cap.

11. Move inclinometer arm to centralise bubble

and note reading.

12. Subtract this reading fr om the reading taken in

step 5 to give propeller shaft phase angle.

PROPELLER SHAFT PHASE

ANGLE SPECIFICATION 0.0 ° ± 7.5 °

NOTE:

A positive phase angle indicates that the rear

universal joint leads the front, whereas a negative

angle is the reverse situation. Refer to

Figure 4C-63 for further information on positive

and negative phase angles.

13. If phase angle is to specification, remove the

inclinometer and install exhaust system as

follows:

a. With V6 Supercharged or V8 engined

vehicles, ensure the catalytic converter

flange is clean and free from any gasket

material. With V6 engined vehicles, check

that the catalytic converter to intermediate

exhaust pipe bolts springs and sealing

ring are all in a serviceable condition.

Figure 4C-61

b. Reinstall exhaust system, using a new

gasket (V6 Supercharged/V8 engined

vehicles) at the catalytic converter and

new hanger retainers for the muffler

support to rear crossmember. Tighten

intermediate exhaust pipe to converter

attaching bolts to the correct torque

specification.

INTERMEDIATE EXHAUST PIPE

TO CATALYTIC CONVERTER All Engines:

BOLT TORQUE SPECIFICATION 40 - 50 Nm

c. Check exhaust clearanc es as detailed in

Section 8B EXHAUST SYSTEM.

PHASE ANGLE EVALUATION

To determine if a propeller shaft has a negative,

positive zero phase angle, refer to Figure 4C-63

and the following explanation:

Zero phase an gl e: This c ondition applies when the

centreline running through the front universal joint

yoke of the propeller shaft, is in line with the

centreline of the rear propeller shaft yoke.

Positive phase angle: If it is determined that the

rear propeller shaft yoke is leading the front yoke

(when rotating in a forward direction), then this is

referred to as being a positive phase angle.

Negative phase angle: Here, the reverse applies.

Should the rear universal joint ‘trail’ the front, then

the phase angle is negative.

Figure 4C-62

If the propeller shaft phase angle is different than

the specification, refer to the following tables to

determine the appropriate action.

PHASE ANGLE EVALUATION

PHASE

ANGLE

(Degrees)

from

−7.5 to −15

and below

from

−7.5 to +7.5 from

+7.5 to +15

and above

ACTION Re-phase

See next None

(Standard) Re-phase

See next

Re-phasing Propeller Shaft

NOTE:

Once the propeller shaft phase angle has been

corrected, the assembly must be re-balanced.

1. Rem ove constant velocity joint, as detailed in

2.4 CONSTANT VELOCITY JOINT in this

Section.

2. Remove and replace centre bearing

assembly, as detailed in

2.5 CENTRE BEARING in this Section.

3. Reinstall constant velocity joint as detailed in

2.4 CONSTANT VELOCITY JOINT in this

Section.

NOTE:

To correct an excessive phase angle, install the

constant velocity joint around one spline. Which

direction, will be determined by the phase angle

reading.

4. Re-balance propeller shaft.

5. Reinstall propeller shaft. Refer to

2.1 PROPELLER SHAFT in this Section.

3. SPECIFICATIONS

PROPELLER SHAFT IDENTIFICATION

ENGINE TYPE TRANSMISSIO

N TYPE BODY STYLE PROPELLER SHAFT

PRODUCTION I.D.

MANUAL SEDAN JD

V6 STATION

WAGON JF

AUTOMATIC SEDAN JG

STATION

WAGON JH

V6 Supercharged AUTOMATIC SEDAN JG

MANUAL SEDAN MK

V8 STATION

WAGON ML

AUTOMATIC SEDAN JJ

STATION

WAGON JK

Figure 4C-63

DRIVE LINE ANGLES - VEHICLE AT CURB WEIGHT

ALL VT SERIES VEHICLES

Transmission Driveline Angle “A” Driveline Angle “B” Driveline Angle “C”

Automatic + 0.0° ± 0.5° Greater than ± 1.0° 0.0° ± 0.5°

Figure 4C-64

PROPELLER SHAFT:

Phase Angle: Zero ± 7.5°

Balance Specification 10 g cm @ 3,000 r.p.m., on turn over. Low spot

of propeller shaft is marked on the rear universal

joint flange with a daub of paint.

Maximum Rotational Runout 0.25 mm

This can only be measured accurately on a suitable

shaft jig, where the propeller shaft assembly is

correctly supported at the front, centre and rear.

LUBRICANT:

Front and Rear Universal Joints Lithium soap grease to Holden's Specification HN1147

Constant Velocity Joint Molybdenum Disulphide grease to

Holden's Specification HN1583

V6 Manual Transmission Output Shaft Spigot Molybdenum Disulphide grease to

Holden's Specification HN1271

SEALANT:

Loctite 510 High Temperature Gasket

Eliminator

(or equivalent) To meet Holden's Specification HN1593

Loctite 242 Thread Sealant (or equivalent) To meet Holden's Specification HN1256, Class 2, Type 2

4. TORQUE WRENCH SPECIFI CATIONS

Propeller shaft rear universal joint flange to pinion

flange bolt 55 - 65

Centre bearing carrier to underbody reinforcement bolt 20 - 35

Flexible coupling bolt (All manual transmission) 74 - 80

Engine rear crossmember to side frame bolt (V8 with

manual transmission) 50 - 65

Constant velocity joint to rear propeller shaft screw 35 - 40

Centre bearing cup guide to carrier bolts and nuts 20 - 25

Exhaust pipe to engine manifold (V6 engine) 18 - 35

Exhaust pipe to catalytic converter attaching bolt (All

engines) 40 - 50

Speed sensor bracket bolt to manual transmission (V8

engine) 15 - 20

5. SPECIAL TOOLS

TOOL NO. REF IN TEXT TOOL DESCRIPTION COMMENTS

J23498-A INCLINOMETER PREVIOUSLY RELEASED

FOR "V" CAR.

J22912-01 PRESS PLATES PREVIOUSLY RELEASED

FOR TORQUEMASTER AND

FIVE SPEED

TRANSMISSIONS.