Propeller Shaft Assembly: Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Toyota RAV4. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Be careful not to grip the propeller shaft tube too tightly in a vise this will cause deformation.

Inspect intermediate and rear propeller shafts runout .
Using a dial indicator, inspect the intermediate shaft and propeller shaft.
1. Maximum runout: 0.8 mm (0.031 in.)
If the shaft runout is greater than the maximum, replace the shaft.
Inspect intermediate shaft universal joint flange runout .
1. Using a dial indicator, inspect the rear side of universal joint flange runout in the horizontal direction.
  1. Maximum runout: 0.1 mm (0.004 in.)
2. Using a dial indicator, inspect the rear side of universal joint flange runout in the vertical direction.
  1. Maximum runout: 0.1 mm (0.004 in.)
Inspect spider bearing .
Check the spider bearing axial play by turning the flange with holding the shaft tightly.

Fig 4: Checking Spider Bearing Axial Play
Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
Inspect cross groove joint .
Check that the joint turns smoothly in the directions as shown.

Check for damage or grease leakage from the boot.

If a problem is found, replace the rear propeller shaft.

Fig 5: Checking Joint Turns Properly
Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
Inspect center support bearing .
1. Remove the universal joint flange.
  1. Using a hammer and chisel, loosen the staked part of the nut.
  2. Using a vise to hold the front flange, remove the nut and plate washer.
    
    Fig 6: Identifying Universal Joint Flange
    Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  3. Place matchmarks on the universal joint flange and intermediate shaft.
    
    Fig 7: Locating Matchmarks Placement
    Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  4. Using SST, remove the universal joint flange.
    1. Special Service Tools 09950-40011 (09951-04020,09952-04010, 09953-04030, 09954-04010, 09955-04061, 09958-04011)
2. Remove the center support bearing and plate washer.
3. Inspect the center support bearing.
  1. Turn the bearing by hand with applying force in the rotation direction. Check the bearing turns smoothly.
    
    Fig 9: Inspecting Center Support Bearing
    Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  2. Check that the seals are not cracked or damaged.
    If the bearing is damaged, worn, or does not turn freely, replace it.
4. Install the center support bearing and plate washer.
  1. Set the center support bearing on the intermediate shaft as shown.
  2. Install the plate washer to the intermediate shaft.
5. Install the universal joint flange.
  1. Align the matchmarks on the universal joint flange and intermediate shaft and place the flange on the shaft.
  2. Using a vise to hold the universal joint flange, press the bearing into position by tightening down a new nut and washer.
    Torque: 181 N.m (1,850 kgf.cm, 134 ft.lbf)
  3. Loosen the nut.
  4. Torque the nut again.
    Torque: 69 N.m (700 kgf.cm, 51 ft.lbf)
  5. Using a hammer and chisel, stake the nut.
6. Inspect the cross groove joint (See Step 4).