Toyota RAV4 > Driveline > Driveshaft (AWD models) — check. removal and installation

Driveshaft (AWD models) — check. removal and installation

Check

1. Raise the rear of the vehicle and support it securely on jack stands. Block the front wheels to keep the vehicle from rolling off the stands. Release the parking brake and place the transmission in Neutral.

2. Crawl under the vehicle and visuallyinspect the driveshaft. Look for any dents or cracks in the tubing. If any are found, the driveshaft must be replaced.

3. Check for oil leakage at the front andrear of the driveshaft. Leakage where the driveshaft connects to the transfer case indicates a defective transfer case seal. Leakage where the driveshaft connects to the differential indicates a defective pinion seal.

4. While under the vehicle, have an assistant rotate a rear wheel so the driveshaft will rotate. As it does, make sure the universal joints are operating properly without binding, noise or looseness. Listen for any noise from the center bearing, indicating it’s worn or damaged. Also check the rubber portion of the center bearing for cracking or separation.

5. The universal joints can also be checked with the driveshaft motionless, by gripping your hands on either side of the joint and attempting to twist the joint. Any movement at all in the joint is a sign of considerable wear. Lifting up on the shaft will also indicate movement in the universal joints. If the joints are worn, front or rear portion of the driveshaft must be replaced as an assembly.

6. Finally, check the driveshaft mountingbolts at the ends to make sure they’re tight.

Removal and installation

Note: If the center support bearing requires service, it is recommended to take to a driveshaft/driveline specialist for repair.

7. Raise the rear of the vehicle and support it securely on jack stands. Block the front wheels to prevent the vehicle from rolling.

8. Place the transmission in Neutral withthe parking brake off.

9. Refer marks on the driveshaftflange and the differential pinion flange in line with each other (see illustration). This is to make sure the driveshaft is reinstalled in the same position to preserve the balance (see illustration).

i. 9 Mark the relationship of the driveshaft to the differential pinion flange

Toyota RAV4 Driveline | Driveshaft (AWD models) - check. removal and installation _ Mark the relationship of the driveshaft to the differential pinion flange

10. Remove the bolts attaching the center support bearing to the vehicle and carefully lower the center support bearing (see illustration).

i. 10 The driveshaft center support bearing is retained by

Toyota RAV4 Driveline | Driveshaft (AWD models) - check. removal and installation _ The driveshaft center support bearing is retained by

Caution: DO NOT allow the angle of the center support bearing and driveshaft to exceed 20 degrees to prevent damage.

11. Remove the rear universal joint flange nuts and washers. Turn the driveshaft (or wheels) as necessary to bring the nuts into the most accessible position. Remove the four nuts and washers (see illustration).

i. 11 Using a back-up wrench to hold each bolt, break lose allfour bolts

Toyota RAV4 Driveline | Driveshaft (AWD models) - check. removal and installation _ Using a back-up wrench to hold each bolt, break lose allfour bolts

12. Remove the transfer unit output shaft flange nuts and washers. Turn the driveshaft (or wheels) as necessary to bring the nuts into the most accessible position. Remove the four nuts and washers.

13. Remove the driveshaft assembly.

14. Installation is the reverse of removal.

15. Reconnect the driveshaft first to thetransfer unit flange, then the differential flange. Be sure to align the marks and tighten the fasteners to the torque listed in this Chapter’s Specifications.

16. Position the center support bearing bracket on the floor pan and install the bolts, then tighten the bolts to the torque listed in thisChapter’s Specifications.

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