How do you properly measure the drive shafts on the all wheel drive Mini vans?

DRIVESHAFT -2001 Chrysler Town & Country LX
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ARTICLE BEGINNING

PROPELLER SHAFT

DESCRIPTION

WARNING: Due to propeller shaft imbalance concerns, the propeller shaft
can only be serviced as an assembly.
AWD models utilize a "two-piece" propeller shaft (Fig. 1 ) to transmit power to the rear driveline module assembly. This two-piece design consists of:
? Front and rear shaft segments. ? Plunging center CV joint
? Center support bearing
? Rubber coupler at driveline module flange
The front shaft segment utilizes a CV joint at the power transfer unit connection, and a plunging CV joint at the center bearing location.
The rear shaft segment utilizes a center support bearing at the forward position, and a rubber coupler at the driveline module flange.
Fig. 1: Removing & Installing Propeller Shaft Courtesy of CHRYSLER CORP.
OPERATION

The propeller shaft (Fig. 1 ) is used to transmit torque from the transaxle Power Transfer Unit (PTU) to the rear driveline module of AWD equipped models.
The propeller shaft from half utilizes a CV joint at the PTU flange, and a plunging CV joint at the center bearing location. These joints are flexible, allowing for torsional movement of the powertrain.
The propeller shaft rear half utilizes a center support bearing, which supports this two-piece assembly. The bearing also stabilizes the rear shaft segment to minimize axle wind-up. The rubber coupler at the driveline module flange dampens out propeller shaft torsional vibrations, as the
driveline module it connects to is fastened to the vehicle body.
REMOVAL

CAUTION: Propeller shaft removal is a two-man operation. Never allow
propeller shaft to hang while connected to Power Transfer Unit (PTU) or rear driveline module flanges. A helper is required.

1/7/2012
DRIVESHAFT -2001 Chrysler Town & Country LX
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1.
Make sure transaxle is in Neutral (N). Using chalk, mark propeller shaft flanges at PTU and rear driveline module for installation reference.
Remove six propeller shaft-to-power transfer unit bolts.
Have helper remove three propeller shaft rubber coupler-to-driveline module bolts while he/she supports rear shaft by hand.
Remove center bearing support-to-crossmember bolts, while supporting front shaft with two hands.
Lower propeller shaft assembly to ground, using care not to damage fore and aft flanges (Fig. 1 ).
2. 3.
4.
5.
INSTALLATION

CAUTION: Propeller shaft installation is a two-man operation. Never allow
propeller shaft to hang while connected to Power Transfer Unit
(PTU) or rear driveline module flanges. A helper is required.
1. 2.
3.
Make sure transaxle is in Neutral (N) position.
Obtain a helper and lift propeller shaft assembly into position (Fig. 1 ).
While helper supports front half of shaft level to underbody, align paint marks at driveline module flange and install three propeller shaft rubber coupler-to-rear driveline module bolts by
hand. Do not torque at this time.
While helper supports front half of shaft level to underbody, align chalk marks at PTU flange. Install six propeller shaft-to-PTU flange bolts an torque to 30 N.M (2 ft. Lbs.). Torque bolts
alternately to ensure proper flange mating.
Place center bearing into position. Install and torque center bearing-to-crossmember bolts to 54 N.M (40 ft. Lbs.).
Torque propeller shaft rubber coupler-to-rear driveline module assembly to 54 N.M (40 ft. Lbs).
4.
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6.
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS Application
Center Support Bearing-To-Body Bolt Propeller Shaft Front Flange-To-PTU Flange
Bolt
Propeller Shaft Rear Flange-To-Driveline Module Flange Bolt
Ft. Lbs. (N.M) 40 (54)
22 (30)
40 (54)

1/7/2012