Lift up the rear of the car using hygiene jacks afterwards placing the car on jack stands, turn the front wheels so they do not move, engage the gear lever to neutral and release the hand brake. Get under the vehicle and look for dents, bends or cracks on the driveshaft if there are then the driveshaft must be replaced. The first check is for the signs of oil leakage; if there is leakage at the transfer case, it means that it has a defective seal, while leakage at the
Differential means that it has a pinion seal or coupling assembly problem. Station an assistant to turn a rear wheel and watch the operation of the driveshaft with the
Universal Joint and rear rubber coupler as the latter mustn't exhibit such symptoms as bind, noise or looseness, and listen to the sounds from the centre bearing that might signify wear or damages. evaluation can also be done while stationary by trying to rotate the universal joint; any amount of rotation exhibits a high level of wear and jointly with the shaft, lifting the shaft may reveal possibility of movement, they should be replaced to avoid breakage. Last but not the least, ensure that the driveshaft mounting bolt is properly tightened and the center bearing as well. For removal and installation, lift the rear of the vehicle once more, and set it on stands, engage the front wheels apply the parking brakes and make sure the transmission is in Neutral. In this case, it is necessary to make reference marks on the driveshaft and differential pinion flanges to be able to align them when put back. Loosen the rear driveshaft bolt, using a screwdriver on the shaft nut to stop the shaft from turning while loosening the bolts, and adjust the driveshaft or wheels as one needs it to be in order to apply the repair. Make sure that the center support bearing is in the correct position suitable for removal before the bolts holding the floor pan and the bearing are unbolted while at the same time avoiding a damage on the rubber boot. Take out the bolts that connect the front drive yoke to the transfer case and replace any part that is damaged with another one, although works on the center bearing or front universal joint should be left for professionals. Replace the driveshaft and put it back to the pinion flange while ensuring the marks are aligned screwed and tightened to the required torque, reconnect the center support bearing and the front yoke to the transfer case flange while aligning the mentioned marks.