Lexus SC300 / Lexus SC400. Manual - part 545

5. 

REMOVE PROPELLER SHAFT

(a)  Using SST, loosen the adjusting nut until it can be turned by

hand.
SST 09922–10010
HINT: Use 2 of the same type of SST.

(b)  Place matchmarks on the transmission companion flange

and flexible coupling.

(c)  Remove the 3 bolts inserted in the transmission companion

flange.
NOTICE: The bolts inserted in the propeller shaft flange
should not be removed.

(d)  Place matchmarks on the differential companion flange and

flexible coupling.

(e)  Remove the 3 bolts inserted in the differential companion

flange.
NOTICE: The bolts inserted in the propeller shaft com-
panion flange should not be removed.

(f)  Separate the flexible couplings from the transmission side

and differential side.
HINT: If the flexible coupling can not be easily separated by
hand, insert a screwdriver into the bolt hole of the flexible cou-
pling, as shown in the illustration, then pry the coupling out.
NOTICE: Do not bring the screwdriver blade in direct
contact with the flexible coupling’s rubber portion.

–

PROPELLER SHAFT

PROPELLER SHAFT

PR–7

(g)  Remove the 2 center support bearing set bolts and the

adjusting washers.
HINT: Some vehicles are not equipped with an adjusting
washer.
NOTICE: When removing the set bolts, support the cen-
ter support bearing by hand so that the transmission and
intermediate shaft, and propeller shaft and differential,
remain in a straight line.

Maximum joint angle: 5



(h) Push 

the rear propeller shaft straight forward to compress the

propeller shaft and pull out the propeller shaft from the
centering pin of the differential.
NOTICE: Press the propeller shaft straight ahead to keep
the transmission and intermediate shaft aligned straight.

.(i)  Pull the propeller shaft out toward the vehicle’s rear.

NOTICE: The intermediate shaft and propeller shaft
should not be separated.

CENTER SUPPORT BEARING AND
FLEXIBLE COUPLINGS INSPECTION

PR02R–04

1. 

INSPECT CENTER SUPPORT BEARING

•

Check for cracks in or damage to the cushion.

•

Check if the bearing turns smoothly. If the center support
bearing is damaged, worn or does not turn smoothly,
replace it.

2. 

INSPECT FLEXIBLE COUPLINGS

•

Check for cracks in or damage to the front and rear
flexible couplings.

If the flexible coupling is damaged, replace the propeller shaft
assembly.

PR–8

–

PROPELLER SHAFT

PROPELLER SHAFT

3. 

INSPECT FLEXIBLE COUPLING CENTERING BUSHING

•

Check for damage to the bushing.

If the bushing is damaged, replace the propeller shaft assem-
bly.

CENTER SUPPORT BEARING
REPLACEMENT

PR04K–01

1.  SEPARATE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT AND PROPELLER

SHAFT

(a)  Place matchmarks on the intermediate shaft and propeller

shaft.

(b)  Separate the intermediate shaft and propeller shaft.
(c)  Remove the dust boot from the propeller shaft.

HINT: If the dust boot is reused, remove it after wrapping vinyl
tape around the spline, so it will not be damaged.

2. 

REMOVE CENTER SUPPORT BEARING

(a)  Using a snap ring expander, remove the snap ring.

(b)  Using SST, remove the center bearing and dust deflector.

SST 09950–20017

–

PROPELLER SHAFT

PROPELLER SHAFT

PR–9

3. 

INSPECT RUNOUT OF INTERMEDIATE  SHAFT AND
PROPELLER SHAFT

Maximum runout:

0.8 mm (0.031 in.)

If the runout is greater than the maximum, replace the propel-
ler shaft assembly.

4. 

INSPECT SPIDER BEARING

•

Check if the spider bearing rotates smoothly.

•

Check if there is any play in the spider bearing.

If necessary, replace the propeller shaft assembly.

5. 

INSTALL CENTER SUPPORT BEARING

(a)  Using SST and a press, install the center support bearing.

SST 09330–50010

(b)  Using SST and a press, insert a new dust deflector until it

almost the rubber of the center support bearing.
SST 09608–12010 (09608–00070),
09608–35014 (09608–06040)

(c)  Using SST and a press, install a new dust deflector till end.

SST 09330–50010

PR–10

–

PROPELLER SHAFT

PROPELLER SHAFT