Aligning Chevy Torque Tube with Hub Bearing

Jan. 11, 2023

This bulletin applies to 2014-2018 Chevy Corvette vehicles. Whenever the driveline support (torque tube) is removed for any reason, special care must be taken to make sure that the propeller shaft splines are in alignment with the front hub bearing. The torque tube must be aligned with the engine bellhousing before attempting to tighten the attachment bolts.

This bulletin applies to 2014-2018 Chevy Corvette vehicles. Whenever the driveline support (torque tube) is removed for any reason, special care must be taken to make sure that the propeller shaft splines are in alignment with the front hub bearing. The torque tube must be aligned with the engine bellhousing before attempting to tighten the 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 torque tube, the angle may be slightly off horizontally or vertically, which can make alignment difficult. DO NOT use the bellhousing bolts to draw the torque tube tight against the bellhousing. Any small amount of misalignment may cause the input splines to catch on the crankshaft, driving it forward. If the engine is started with this condition, it may cause the crank thrust bearing to be immediately worn, necessitating engine rebuild or replacement.

About the Author

Mike 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.

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.

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