Nissan 37000-1AA1A Propeller Shaft Assembly

In these vehicles, the driveshaft comprises of two tubes, which transmit power from the transfer case to the rear differential; at the extremity of the tubes, standard universal joints are employed; in the middle, a constant velocity joint that is overlaid with a bearing is installed. This assembly is virtually self-service since the universal joints are supplied with lubricant for the life of the assembly and if, for some reason a part fails, the only solution is replacement of the entire driveshaft although some specialty shops may offer rebuilding services. The driveshaft must be cleansed and should not have any traces of undercoating or mud; checking for damages when the car is in the raised position for service, see that the tiny balancing weights are also intact. Most problems are identified in terms of noise or vibration, and this can be tested while on the road. To examine the driveshaft safely get the car off the ground using jackstands, Also lock the wheels, disengage the parking brake and shift the transaxle to Neutral. Check for any dents or cracks on the drive shaft and if the situation is severe go for a new drive shaft. Look for signs of oil leak from the front and rear area, it is a sign of a bad seal and check for the rear driveaxles joint for looseness. Turn the driveshaft around to check the universal joints and make sure that they do not lock up or squeak, also apply the stethoscope to check the center bearing for any sound of wear. Grasp each joint with the hands and try to twist to ensure that there is relative motion which indicates that it is heavily worn out also ensure that mounting bolts and nuts are tight. Last but not the least, check the condition of the center bearing; whether it has come loose or the rubber has perished; see that the bracket holding the bearing is not bent.

Raise the rear of the vehicle and support it securely on jackstands while blocking the front wheels to prevent rolling. If concerned about a possibly bent driveshaft causing a vibration, mount a dial indicator to the floor of the vehicle and check the driveshaft runout in the middle of the front and rear sections. Turn the key On, shift the transaxle into Neutral, then turn the key Off and release the parking brake. Mark the relationship of the driveshaft flanges to the differential and transfer case flanges. Loosen the nuts of the center bearing brackets without removing them. Remove the flange bolts from each end of the driveshaft, immobilizing it by placing a large screwdriver into the U-joint while loosening the bolts, and insert a tool into the assembly to prevent it from turning as you break the nuts and bolts loose. Remove the center support bearing nuts and take out the driveshaft, followed by the removal of the center bearing bracket from the driveshaft. For installation, reverse the removal process, attaching the center bearing bracket with the arrow facing forward, aligning the match marks made earlier as you attach each end of the driveshaft, and tighten the nuts and bolts.