2014 Corvette: Techlink Article: Corvette Driveline Support Alignment

Source:   GM TechLink
Date:   December 5, 2013

If the driveline support (torque tube) is removed from the 2014 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 (Fig. 7) must be aligned with the engine bell housing before attempting to tighten any attachment bolts.

Fig 7

TIP: The propeller input shaft front bearing positioning system is designed to withstand an insertion force of no more than 582 Y (130 lb). If the fastening bolts are used as an installation method, it may create force above this amount and damage the crankshaft thrust bearing.

When reinstalling the driveline support, the angle may be slightly off horizontally or vertically. This can make the driveline support difficult to align. Do not use the bell housing attachment bolts to draw the driveline support tight against the bell housing. Any small amount of misalignment may cause the input splines of the propeller shaft to catch on the crankshaft, driving it forward. If the engine is started in this condition, it may cause the crankshaft thrust bearing to be immediately worn, necessitating engine replacement. 

Refer to the appropriate Service Information for complete procedures on alignment and installation of the driveline support to ensure that the propeller shaft is properly aligned to the front hub bearing.

– Thanks to Gary Kirrkamm