Full speed ahead: The Parts Specialists show the replacement of the propeller shaft

Date: Monday 17 July 2023

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In their new workshop video, the Parts Specialists from Diesel Technic deal with the topic of the propeller shaft. This is twisted on their truck and therefore needs to be reassembled. In addition to explaining how it works, Lars and Kevin show typical error patterns and give useful tips for a stress-free everyday workshop life.

For a better insight, Parts Specialists Kevin goes under his truck to demonstrate the propeller shaft in its installed state and explain its function. The propeller shaft is used to transmit power in the vehicle between the engine and the drive wheels, i.e. to transmit torque between offset drive axles. It starts at the front of the gearbox or output flange, continues to the first propeller shaft section via the centre bearing and the second propeller shaft half to the differential or output flange. When the engine is running, it is even easier to see how the power is transmitted from the gearbox to the rear via the moving propeller shaft, which allows the vehicle to move.

After an initial check, the short piece of propeller shaft is dismantled and then the joints and the centre bearing are checked in the dismantled state. When removing the propeller shaft, the workshop professionals recommend fixing the shaft with a jack or working with a chain hoist to prevent the two-part shaft from falling down. These two parts should be marked accordingly beforehand so that no consequential damage occurs later due to an imbalance. The correct alignment of the universal joints ensures, among other things, that both do not become wedged or vibrate during driving. Using the example of item 3.59203, Lars and Kevin show the correct marking on the universal joint intermediate shaft, which ensures an optimal fit during assembly.

Lars then presents some damage patterns that often occur in everyday life. For example, the needle bearings must be regularly supplied with grease via the grease nipple with the grease gun. The only exceptions are the maintenance-free bearings. In other cases, thermal overload can cause the grease to gum up. As a result, bluish discolouration indicates that the stub is also affected. In the worst case, this results in material abrasion including detachment of the propeller shaft, which ultimately poses a danger to traffic.

In the event of a breakdown, the Parts Specialists have an important tip: If the vehicle is to be towed, it is imperative that the propeller shaft is removed beforehand, as otherwise the transmission will not be supplied with oil when the engine is not running. Removing the propeller shaft thus prevents damage to the engine and transmission.

The full-length workshop video contains all work steps as well as further error images: https://youtu.be/5SENCIQGXqQ.

In the Diesel Technic range, workshop professionals will find propeller shafts for various vehicles (trucks, buses, transporter and other applications). Furthermore, customers can find centre bearings as a reinforced version for special applications as well as centre bearings with screw-on points on the sides in the product range. Repair kits for universal joints are also available. Further articles on propeller shafts can be found in the Partner Portal.

Further workshop videos and clips can be found on the Parts Specialists YouTube channel: ps-web.tv. The workshop professionals regularly provide a look behind the scenes on their Instagram channel. For technical questions about the DT Spare Parts and SIEGEL Automotive product brands and Diesel Technic services, the HelpDesk is available to other mechanics.

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