Prop Shaft scoring
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 280
Likes: 22
From: Concord NH
Prop Shaft scoring
Hey all - 2003 C5 Z06: I had to pull my torque tube out (again) because starting from a stop (either forward or reverse) there was a grinding sound. Upon examination of the tip of the prop shaft, I can see and feel some scoring and a bit of gouging. I presume that a bad pilot bearing caused it. The pilot bearing gets changed, as a minimum. Can the prop shaft be saved, or does it need to be replaced too?
If "yes", any good sources? It's no longer made by GM... Shocking, I know...
Any tips to prevent a bad reassembly of tube to engine? I'm sure this is my fault to begin with (even though my wife wasn't around to point that out!)
Thank you!
Jeff
If "yes", any good sources? It's no longer made by GM... Shocking, I know...
Any tips to prevent a bad reassembly of tube to engine? I'm sure this is my fault to begin with (even though my wife wasn't around to point that out!)
Thank you!
Jeff
Last edited by jdm767; Mar 7, 2026 at 07:10 PM. Reason: added year and model
Heel & Toe
Joined: Feb 2026
Posts: 17
Likes: 1
i see weve both pulled apart our vettes for the same reason lol, when i pulled my clutch i saw my pilot bearing was reduced to dust (not surprising my odo reads 180k) and at first i thought it was friction material from clutch, if youre concerned you can slide your pilot bearing on the shaft whiles its out and check for slop and rotation, and if youre even more concerned you can swap just the input shaft for about $200, and its pretty easy just 3 bolts in plane sight.
Last edited by base04; Mar 8, 2026 at 03:27 AM.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 140
Likes: 45
If you decide to replace it RPM transmission and texas drivetrain both sell them. There is a o-ring in the tube that the bearing on the side in question seals against, may want to get that also. Allen key bolts are also worth it in my opinion.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 6,007
Likes: 723
i see weve both pulled apart our vettes for the same reason lol, when i pulled my clutch i saw my pilot bearing was reduced to dust (not surprising my odo reads 180k) and at first i thought it was friction material from clutch, if youre concerned you can slide your pilot bearing on the shaft whiles its out and check for slop and rotation, and if youre even more concerned you can swap just the input shaft for about $200, and its pretty easy just 3 bolts in plane sight.
