Corvette Shaft Caution
Whenever the driveline support (torque tube) is removed from a 2014-2018 Chevy Corvette for any reason, special care must be taken to make sure the propeller shaft splines are in alignment with the front hub bearing. The driveline support tube must be aligned with the engine bell housing before attempting to tighten any attachment bolts.
The propeller input shaft front bearing positioning system is designed to withstand an insertion force not greater than 130 pounds of force. Using the fastening bolts as an installation method may create force above this amount, causing damage to the crankshaft thrust bearing. When reinstalling the support tube, the angle may be slightly off horizontally or vertically, which can make alignment difficult.
Do not use the bell housing attachment bolts to draw the torque tube tight against the bell housing. Any small amount of misalignment may cause the shaft input splines to catch on the crankshaft, driving the crankshaft forward, quickly damaging the crank thrust bearing.
About the Author
Information courtesy of Mitchell 1
Information for Technical Service Bulletins comes from ProDemand, Mitchell 1's auto repair information software for domestic and import vehicles. Headquartered in San Diego, Mitchell 1 has provided quality repair information solutions to the automotive industry since 1918.
Mike MavrigianMike Mavrigian
Motor Age Editor
Mike Mavrigian has written thousands of automotive technical magazine articles involving a variety of specialties, from engine building to wheel alignment, and has authored more than a dozen books that crisscross the automotive spectrum. Mike operates Birchwood Automotive, an Ohio shop that builds custom engines and performs vintage vehicle restorations. The shop also features a professional photo studio to document projects and to create images for articles and books.
