Install a New Driveshaft Support in Three Easy Steps
If you want to be assured of bump-less and stress-free rides, then you had better make sure your driveshaft components are in tiptop condition. Give particular attention to your car's driveshaft support bearing, which is important in keeping the driveshaft's balance. This reduces vibrations in the vehicle by steadying the weight of the driveline. With such weight literally upon its shoulders, a driveshaft support is expected to be manufactured with strength that can endure extreme shocks and loads. However, it is not invincible to wear and tear. Dented or worn driveshaft supports cannot be repaired or rebalanced, and this may largely affect the vibration-free drive you are aiming for. Good thing, driveshaft support bearing replacements are widely available, and installation is just as easy as (steps) 1-2-3.
Required skill level: Novice
Tools and materials you'll need
Disconnecting the driveshaft
Before you can work on the support bearing itself, you have to disconnect the driveshaft from your car first. Position the vehicle in a firm and level area and use the parking brake. With the hydraulic jack, lift the vehicle. Use the jack stands to secure the four corners of the car. Make sure the space you have allotted under your car is enough for you to work around with some tools.
Disconnect the driveshaft from the rear differential yoke by removing the nuts from the U-bolts. The adjustable wrench is good for this. Using this wrench, turn the bolts in a counterclockwise direction to remove them. Remember to support the rear end of the driveshaft while you slide the U-bolts out of the mounting holes. If the bolts cannot be slid off the holes, use the flat-blade screwdriver to pry them out instead. After successfully unfastening the bolts, you can now slide the whole driveshaft assembly out of the car. Work on the assembly in a convenient place.
Disassembling the driveshaft center
With the chalk (or any marker you wish to use), trace out the exact positioning of the driveshaft components, so you can reassemble them in the same manner later. Again, using the adjustable wrench (in a counterclockwise direction), unbolt the large nut that holds the two ends of the driveshaft in place. Once unbolted, the two halves can now be slid apart to reveal the driveshaft support.
Installing the new driveshaft support
Now released, the driveshaft support bearing can now be replaced or installed with more ease. Just replace it as necessary, following in reverse the removal process. Just remember to align the markings you have made earlier when putting back together the two halves of the driveshaft. And then presto! After a successful installation, expect less vibrations in your vehicle again.