GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Cadillac 🢒 1997 🢒 Catera 🢒 General Information 🢒 General Information 🢒 Two-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement

Removal Procedure
  1. Place the transmission in Neutral.
  2. Raise the vehicle on a suitable support. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.

    3. Object Number: 218534 Size: SH
  3. Remove the heatshield nuts.
  4. Remove the heatshields.

    5. Object Number: 218538 Size: SH
  5. Remove the bolts (1) from the propeller shaft center bearing bracket at the underbody.
  6. Remove the propeller shaft from the front propeller shaft coupling:
    7. 6.1. Remove the coupling nuts.
    6.2. Remove the coupling bolts.
    6.3. Slide the front half of the shaft rearward in order to clear the coupling about 1 inch.
    6.4. Lower the shaft.

    Object Number: 218559 Size: SH
  7. Remove the propeller shaft from the rear propeller shaft coupling:
    8. 7.1. Remove the coupling nuts.
    7.2. Remove the coupling bolts.
    7.3. Slide the front half of the shaft rearward in order to clear the coupling about 1 inch.
    7.4. Lower the shaft.
  8. Slide the propeller shaft between the exhaust and the underbody in order to remove without removing the exhaust system.
  9. Remove the propeller shaft center bearing, if necessary. Refer to Center Bearing Replacement .

Installation Procedure
  1. Install the propeller shaft center bearing, if removed. Refer to Center Bearing Replacement .
  2. Install the propeller shaft into the mounting position between the exhaust and the underbody.
  3. Prepare shaft flanges for assembly:
    4. 3.1. Clean the bushing surfaces on both the front (transmission) and the rear (differential) flanges.
    3.2. Apply a light coating of grease, GM P/N 12345740 or equivalent, to the flange faces.

    Object Number: 218538 Size: SH
  4. Install the propeller shaft center bearing bracket bolts (1) through the bracket and into the body.

    5. Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

    Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 20 N·m (15 lb ft).


    Object Number: 218559 Size: SH
  5. Install the propeller shaft to the rear propeller shaft coupling.
  6. Install the rear propeller shaft coupling bolts.
  7. Install the rear propeller shaft coupling nuts.

    8. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts and nuts to 95 N·m (70 lb ft).

  8. Install the propeller shaft to the front propeller shaft coupling.
  9. Install the front coupling bolts.
  10. Install the front coupling nuts.

    11. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts and nuts to 95 N·m (70 lb ft).


    Object Number: 218534 Size: SH
  11. Install the heatshields.
  12. Install the heatshield nuts.

    13. Tighten
    Tighten the nuts to 2 N·m (18 lb in).