Q: What is the purpose and maintenance requirements of a driveshaft and Universal Joint for Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon?
A: A drive shaft is a tube that carries power between the transmission or transfer case and the differential. There are universal joints on either end of the rear drive shaft and on the front end of the front drive shaft. The front of the rear drive shaft has a splined yoke that slides into the extension housing of the transmission or transfer case, permitting it to be moved back and forth during vehicle operation. An oil seal prevents this leakage. Very little maintenance is required for the drive shaft assembly, but it may become necessary to replace universal joints if they develop problems. Drive shafts should be kept clean and checked for damage. Driving noise or vibration usually reveals issues with this part. When inspecting, look at its surface for dents or cracks, as well as for oil leakage from both ends. The U-joints should have free play without binding, rattling or rocking in them. Make sure you also tighten up all bolts securing the driveshaft in place. On 4WD models, check out the front driveshaft too including any seepage around its sleeve yoke. Looseness in the jointity of front driveaxles can be determined by checking; also look for grease or oil leaks emanating from rubber boots as well as axle flanges.
Q: How to remove and install the Drive Shaft in a 4WD Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon?
A: Loosen the left front wheel lug nuts, raise the vehicle, place it securely on jackstands and remove the left front wheel. Remove the splash shield. Remove the left driveaxle and intermediate shaft bearing housing. Thread a slide hammer adapter into the hole in the end of the intermediate shaft. Attach a slide hammer to the adapter. Pull the intermediate shaft out of the Differential, taking care not to damage the seal on the opposite side of the oil pan. Make sure the retaining ring is in position on the end of the intermediate shaft. Insert the intermediate shaft through the oil pan passage and into the differential, taking care not to damage the oil seal. Rotate the shaft as necessary to align its splines with the differential. Install the slide hammer on the shaft, then use the slide hammer to drive the shaft In until its retaining ring locks into place in the differential. The remainder of installation is the reverse of the removal steps.
A: The first step to removing the rear driveshaft is to raise the vehicle and firmly support it on jackstands. The transmission should be placed in Neutral with the parking brake off and the front wheels blocked. Mark reference points on the driveshaft so that they align with those on the pinion flange. Use a screwdriver or prybar to undo the bolts and straps of the rear universal joint, thereby preventing it from turning. Since there may be splines inside the spider, tape its bearing caps down. Similarly, if applicable remove support bearing mounting bolts. Slide it out of the transmission or transfer case while lowering the back end of the drive shaft. Put a plastic bag over housing to prevent fluid loss/contamination. Remove this plastic bag upon installation and wipe clean. Insert front part of driveshaft into transmission or transfer case, while raising rear one ensuring marks are aligned. Remove tape securing bearing caps and install straps and bolts tightening them to specified torque values. For 4WD models' front driveshaft; raise vehicle's front part & take off skid plate where present; mark relationship between driveshaft & companion flange at forward differential & transfer case flange; remove strap & bolt from differential flange as well as those fastening driveshaft to transfer case flange; push rearwards drive shaft from differential flange then lower & pull out from transfer case; after installing ensure rear is properly aligned with marks made on companion flange at front differential as well as transfer case flange at back; tighten all couplings using defined levels of torque; and finally install skid plate if available.