Propeller Shaft Assembly: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Lexus LS 430. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

REMOVE EXHAUST PIPE (See REMOVAL )
REMOVE HEAT INSULATOR
Remove the 4 bolts and heat insulator.

Fig 1: Removing Heat Insulator Bolts
Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
REMOVE PROPELLER SHAFT HEAT INSULATOR
Remove the 2 bolts and propeller shaft heat insulator.

Fig 2: Removing Propeller Shaft Heat Insulator Bolts
Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
REMOVE PROPELLER SHAFT
1. 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.
  
  Fig 3: Loosening Adjusting Nut
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
2. Place matchmarks on the transmission companion flange and flexible coupling.
  
  Fig 4: Matchmarking Companion Flange & Flexible Coupling
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
3. Remove the 3 bolts installed in the transmission side.
  NOTE: The bolts installed from the propeller shaft side should not be removed.
4. Place matchmarks on the differential companion flange and flexible coupling.
  
  Fig 5: Matchmarking Differential Companion Flange & Flexible Coupling
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
5. Remove the 3 bolts installed in the differential side.
  NOTE: The bolts installed from the propeller shaft side should not be removed.
6. Separate the flexible couplings from the transmission and differential.
  HINT:
  
  If the flexible coupling cannot be easily separated by hand, insert a screwdriver into the bolt hole of the flexible coupling as shown in the illustration, then pry the coupling out.
  
  NOTE: Do not bring the screwdriver blade in direct contact with the flexible coupling's rubber portion.
  
  Fig 6: Separating Flexible Couplings From Transmission & Differential
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
7. Remove the 2 center support bearing set bolts and adjusting washers.
  HINT:
  
  Some vehicles are not equipped with an adjusting washer.
  
  NOTE: When removing the set bolts, support the center 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°
  
  Fig 7: Removing Center Support Bearing Set Bolts & Adjusting Washers
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
8. 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.
  NOTE: Press the propeller shaft straight ahead to keep the transmission and intermediate shaft aligned straight.
9. Pull the propeller shaft out toward the vehicle's rear.
  NOTE: The intermediate shaft and propeller shaft should not be separated.