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It starts as a faint vibration under your feet. Maybe a dull knocking sound when you take off from the lights. For many drivers, it is easy to dismiss, until something fails.
As more cars on Australian roads pass the ten-year mark, workshops across Melbourne are seeing a rise in driveline issues. Among them, centre bearing wear is becoming increasingly common. It is a small component, but when it fails, the consequences can be significant.
The centre bearing sits midway along a two-piece tailshaft. Its job is to support the shaft as it rotates, keeping it aligned between the gearbox and the differential. This alignment is critical in rear-wheel and all-wheel drive vehicles, where torque is delivered to the rear axle. The bearing absorbs movement and vibration and helps ensure a smooth transfer of power from the engine to the wheels.
But while the tailshaft is built from steel or alloy, the centre bearing is surrounded by rubber. Over time, that rubber breaks down. Heat, road debris, and constant flexing take their toll. Eventually, the bearing starts to sag or split. That allows the shaft to move excessively under load, throwing off balance and increasing stress on other driveline components.
In practical terms, the warning signs are subtle but familiar. A vibration under acceleration. A low-frequency rumble at highway speeds. A slight clunk when shifting into drive. Drivers may not recognise these symptoms as mechanical faults. In many cases, they are misattributed to tyres, wheel alignment, or general wear and tear.
“If the bearing is failing, the tailshaft doesn’t stay in line,” says a Matt Sadler, owner GJ Drivelines, a Melbourne workshop that specialises in driveline and tailshaft repairs. “That extra movement wears out the universal joints more quickly. It can even cause the shaft to rub or strike the underbody.”
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the average age of vehicles in Australia has now reached 11.2 years. That makes it one of the oldest national fleets in the developed world. While many of those cars remain safe and reliable, their mechanical components are increasingly due for mid-life servicing or replacement.
Centre bearings are not always included in routine checks. Unlike fluids or filters, they don’t have a set service interval. Instead, they are typically inspected only after a vibration or noise prompts further investigation. That delay can be costly.
Centre bearings are not always included in routine checks. Unlike fluids or filters, they don’t have a set service interval. Instead, they are typically inspected only after a vibration or noise prompts further investigation. That delay can be costly.
“Once the bearing collapses, the tailshaft starts moving out of its normal path,” the technician explains. “That can damage the shaft itself, the gearbox seal, or even cause catastrophic failure at speed.”
For vehicles with two-piece tailshafts — common in many utes, vans, 4WDs and larger sedans — the centre bearing is a critical part of the driveline architecture. These vehicles often carry heavier loads or operate over longer distances, increasing the stress on driveline components.
Replacing the centre bearing is a relatively straightforward repair when caught early. The tailshaft is removed, the bearing and housing are replaced, and the shaft is inspected and rebalanced. In some cases, universal joints may also be replaced at the same time. Most workshops can carry out the job within a day.
Replacing the centre bearing is a relatively straightforward repair when caught early. The tailshaft is removed, the bearing and housing are replaced, and the shaft is inspected and rebalanced. In some cases, universal joints may also be replaced at the same time. Most workshops can carry out the job within a day.
However, if left too long, the repair becomes more complex. Damaged shafts may need to be re-tubed or replaced. Worn joints can affect alignment and increase transmission wear. In extreme cases, driveline failure can result in loss of power delivery or safety risks on the road.
At GJ Drivelines, technicians carry out centre bearing replacements, tailshaft balancing, and driveline repairs for passenger cars, light trucks and commercial fleets. The workshop also provides custom shaft builds for vehicles with modified suspension or drivetrain layouts.
Drivers who notice a vibration or knocking noise under acceleration are encouraged to have the vehicle inspected. Mechanics recommend that cars approaching 10 years of age — especially those with rear-wheel or all-wheel drive — should have the centre bearing checked as part of scheduled servicing.
“Most of the time, a bearing starts to fail gradually,” the technician says. “You won’t notice it until it’s already done some damage. That’s why it’s worth checking during a service, even if the car feels fine.”
With driveline faults often mistaken for more superficial issues, awareness is key. Mechanics say preventative maintenance is the best way to avoid the compounding costs of delayed repairs.
For Melbourne drivers with ageing vehicles, especially those used for work or travel, a centre bearing inspection may be a small step that prevents a much larger problem.
