Section 498 (Propeller Shaft): Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 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.

Maximum runout: 0.8 mm (0.031 in.)

If the shaft runout is greater than the maximum, replace the shaft.

Fig 1: Inspecting Intermediate & Rear Propeller Shafts Runout
Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
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.
  Maximum runout: 0.1 mm (0.004 in.)
  
  Fig 2: Inspecting Intermediate Shaft Universal Joint Flange Runout In Horizontal Direction
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
2. Using a dial indicator, inspect the rear side of universal joint flange runout in the vertical direction.
  Maximum runout: 0.1 mm (0.004 in.)
  
  Fig 3: Inspecting Intermediate Shaft Universal Joint Flange Runout In Vertical Direction
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
INSPECT SPIDER BEARING
Check the spider bearing axial play by turning the flange with holding the shaft tightly.

Fig 4: Inspecting Spider Bearing
Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
INSPECT CROSS GROOVE JOINT
Check that the joint turns smoothly in the directions as shown in Fig 5. Check for damage or grease leakage from the boot.

Fig 5: Checking Cross Groove Joint
Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002

If a problem is found, replace the rear propeller shaft.
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: Removing Nut & Plate Washer
    Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  3. Place matchmarks on the universal joint flange and intermediate shaft.
    
    Fig 7: Locating Match Mark On Universal Joint Flange & Intermediate Shaft
    Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  4. Using SST, remove the universal joint flange.
    SST 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.
  2. Check that the seals are not cracked or damaged.
  If the bearing is damaged, worn, or does not turn freely, replace it.
  
  Fig 9: Inspecting Center Support Bearing
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
4. Install the center support bearing and plate washer.
  1. Set the center support bearing on the intermediate shaft as shown in Fig 10.
  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).