Driveshaft Center Support Bearing

This procedure covers removal and replacement of the center support bearing on the two-piece driveshaft used in 1972 Ford F-100 pickups with the 302ci V8 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Center support bearing assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Center support bearing bracket bolts (if corroded) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and set parking brake firmly
2. Place wheel chocks in front of and behind front wheels
3. Raise rear of vehicle high enough to provide clearance to work under driveshaft (approximately 18-24 inches of ground clearance)
4. Support vehicle securely on jack stands positioned under frame rails
5. Ensure vehicle is stable before working underneath
6. Apply penetrating oil to center support bearing bracket bolts and driveshaft flange bolts, allow to soak for 10-15 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Mark driveshaft alignment
   Using a paint pen or scribe, mark the alignment between the front and rear driveshaft flanges at the center U-joint, and mark the rear driveshaft flange to the differential pinion flange. These marks are critical for maintaining driveline balance during reassembly.
2. 2

   Remove rear driveshaft section
   Remove the 2 U-bolts (4 nuts total) or straps securing the rear driveshaft yoke to the differential pinion yoke. On flange-style connections remove the 4 flange bolts; on U-joint strap/U-bolt connections remove the 2 straps or U-bolts. 1972 F-100 rear axles commonly used a U-bolt/strap-and-U-joint connection at the pinion yoke rather than a bolted flange with 4 bolts. Flange-style pinion connections were not universal on this era Ford light truck; verify the actual rear connection type before ordering fasteners. Support the rear driveshaft section and slide it rearward off the center section splined stub shaft. Lower the rear section and set aside. Disconnecting the rear driveshaft from the pinion flange does not open the differential; no gear oil should escape from this connection.
   Torque spec

   Driveshaft Flange Bolts75 Nm (55 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Support front driveshaft section
   Position a floor jack or transmission jack under the front driveshaft section near the center support bearing to support its weight during bearing removal. Raise jack until it just contacts the driveshaft without lifting the vehicle.
4. 4

   Remove center support bearing bracket bolts
   Remove the 2 bolts securing the center support bearing bracket to the crossmember. The bracket is typically mounted to a dedicated crossmember approximately mid-way along the vehicle's wheelbase.
   Torque spec

   Center Support Bearing Bracket Bolts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove front driveshaft section
   Slide the front driveshaft yoke rearward to disengage the splined slip yoke from the transmission output shaft. Be prepared for minor transmission fluid leakage from the tailshaft. Carefully lower the jack and disconnect the front driveshaft section from the transmission. On a slip-yoke design, slide the yoke out of the transmission tailhousing; on a flange design, remove the flange bolts. Verify the actual connection type before proceeding. Guide the entire front driveshaft section (with center support bearing attached) down and rearward to clear the transmission. Plug the tailhousing to prevent transmission fluid loss. Remove from under vehicle.
   Torque spec

   Driveshaft Flange Bolts75 Nm (55 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove old center support bearing
   With the front driveshaft section on a workbench, remove the center support bearing bracket from the bearing assembly. The bearing is typically pressed onto the driveshaft. If the bearing rubber mount is deteriorated or the bearing shows noise or roughness, the entire center support bearing assembly must be replaced. Note the orientation of the bracket and bearing before removal.
7. 7

   Install new center support bearing
   Install the new center support bearing assembly onto the front driveshaft section in the same orientation as the original. Ensure the bearing is fully seated. Install the center support bearing bracket onto the bearing assembly, ensuring proper orientation for mounting to the crossmember.
8. 8

   Install front driveshaft section
   Raise the front driveshaft section (with new center support bearing) into position using the floor jack. Slide the front slip yoke onto the transmission output shaft splines, ensuring full engagement. The yoke should slide smoothly onto the splines without binding.
   Torque spec

   Driveshaft Flange Bolts75 Nm (55 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Install center support bearing bracket
   Position the center support bearing bracket against the crossmember mounting surface. Install the 2 bracket bolts and torque to specification. Ensure the bearing assembly is properly centered and not under side load.
   Torque spec

   Center Support Bearing Bracket Bolts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Torque front driveshaft flange bolts
    Torque the 4 front driveshaft flange bolts to specification in a cross pattern to ensure even seating.
    Torque spec

    Driveshaft Flange Bolts75 Nm (55 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Install rear driveshaft section
    Raise the rear driveshaft section and slide the front end onto the splined stub shaft of the front driveshaft section. Align the rear yoke with the differential pinion yoke, matching the alignment marks made during disassembly. Install the 2 U-bolts (or straps) and nuts finger-tight.
    Torque spec

    Driveshaft Flange Bolts75 Nm (55 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Torque rear driveshaft flange bolts
    Torque the 4 U-bolt nuts (or strap bolts) to specification, alternating between opposite sides to ensure even pressure.
    Torque spec

    Driveshaft Flange Bolts75 Nm (55 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Verify driveshaft alignment
    Visually inspect all driveshaft connections to ensure proper alignment. Check that all alignment marks match and that the center support bearing is properly seated with no side load. Rotate the driveshaft by hand to check for binding or unusual resistance.

Reassembly

1. Double-check that all 10 driveshaft flange bolts are torqued to specification
2. Verify center support bearing bracket bolts are torqued to specification
3. Check rear differential fluid level and top off if necessary after any leakage during rear driveshaft removal

Verification

• Lower vehicle from jack stands and remove wheel chocks
• Start engine and select Drive (automatic) or engage first gear (manual) with parking brake released
• Slowly accelerate to 15-20 mph in a safe area and listen for any unusual vibration or noise from the driveline
• Test drive at highway speeds (45-65 mph) to verify no driveline vibration occurs under load or during deceleration
• Re-check all fastener torques after initial test drive

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