Driveshaft Center Support Bearing

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the center support bearing on the two-piece rear driveshaft for 2011-2014 Ford F-150 4WD trucks with the 5.0L Coyote V8 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Driveshaft center support bearing assembly × 1 — Use OEM Ford specification or equivalent Spicer/Neapco
• U-joint strap bolts × 4 — Replace if corroded or damaged

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks at front wheels
3. Raise rear of vehicle and support securely on jack stands under frame rails behind cab
4. Vehicle should be high enough to allow comfortable access to driveshaft and center support bearing
5. Spray all U-joint strap bolts and center support bearing mounting bolts with penetrating oil and allow to soak

Procedure

1. 1

   Mark driveshaft alignment
   Using a marker or paint pen, mark the relationship between the front and rear driveshaft sections at the center slip yoke. Also mark the relationship between both driveshaft ends and their mating flanges (transmission output and rear differential pinion flange). These marks are critical for maintaining driveline balance during reassembly.
2. 2

   Remove rear driveshaft section
   Remove the four U-joint strap bolts at the rear differential pinion flange. Support the rear driveshaft section and carefully pull it rearward to separate it from the center slip yoke. Lower the rear section and remove it from under the vehicle. Be careful not to damage the U-joint caps during removal.
3. 3

   Support front driveshaft section
   Place a floor jack or support under the front driveshaft section near the transmission to prevent it from dropping when the center support bearing is removed. Adjust jack height to keep driveshaft approximately level.
4. 4

   Remove center support bearing mounting bolts
   Locate the two or three mounting bolts securing the center support bearing bracket to the transmission crossmember. Remove these bolts completely. The center support bearing assembly consists of a rubber-isolated bearing mounted in a metal bracket.
5. 5

   Remove front driveshaft section with bearing
   Remove the four U-joint strap bolts at the transmission output flange. Support the front driveshaft section and carefully pull it rearward to disengage the slip yoke from the transmission. Lower the entire front driveshaft section with center support bearing attached and remove from under vehicle. Have an assistant help if needed as the assembly is awkward.
   ⚠Transmission output shaft seal may leak if vehicle is left overnight - consider plugging opening with clean rag
6. 6

   Remove old center support bearing
   With the front driveshaft section on a workbench, remove the center support bearing bracket mounting bolts or band clamp (depending on design). The bearing may be pressed onto the driveshaft or retained with a snap ring. If pressed on, use a bearing separator and press to remove. If snap ring retained, remove snap ring and slide bearing off. Note the orientation and position of any shims or spacers.
7. 7

   Install new center support bearing
   Clean the driveshaft tube where the bearing mounts. Install any shims or spacers in their original positions. If bearing is press-fit, use a press and appropriate driver to install the new bearing, pressing only on the inner race. If snap ring retained, slide new bearing on and install new snap ring. Ensure bearing rotates smoothly. Attach the mounting bracket to the bearing assembly, ensuring proper orientation with bracket holes facing correct direction for crossmember mounting.
8. 8

   Install front driveshaft section
   Apply a small amount of automatic transmission fluid to the transmission output shaft splines. Carefully guide the front driveshaft section under the vehicle and slide the slip yoke into the transmission output shaft. Align the U-joint with the transmission output flange, matching your alignment marks. Install U-joint strap bolts finger tight.
9. 9

   Mount center support bearing
   Position the center support bearing bracket on the transmission crossmember, ensuring proper alignment. The rubber isolator should allow slight movement but center the driveshaft properly. Install mounting bolts and torque to specification. Verify driveshaft is not binding and has slight rotational freedom.
10. 10

    Install rear driveshaft section
    Guide the rear driveshaft section under the vehicle. Slide the front end into the center slip yoke, aligning your index marks. Position the rear U-joint at the differential pinion flange, matching alignment marks. Install U-joint strap bolts finger tight at both ends.
11. 11

    Torque all U-joint straps
    Torque all U-joint strap bolts to specification in a crisscross pattern. Start with the transmission end, then the center slip yoke connection (if equipped with straps), then the differential end. Ensure straps are seated properly and bolts are evenly tightened. Verify all alignment marks still match after torquing.
    ⚠Over-tightening U-joint strap bolts can distort bearing caps and cause premature failure
12. 12

    Check driveshaft rotation
    Rotate the driveshaft by hand through several complete rotations. It should turn smoothly without binding, tight spots, or excessive play. Check that the center support bearing is properly aligned and the driveshaft does not contact the crossmember, frame, or exhaust system at any point in its rotation.

Reassembly

1. Double-check all U-joint strap bolts are torqued to specification
2. Verify center support bearing mounting bolts are tight
3. Ensure no tools or parts were left under vehicle
4. Lower vehicle from jack stands

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at various speeds (15-65 mph) and listen for vibrations, particularly around 20-30 mph where center bearing issues are most noticeable
• Check for any unusual driveline vibrations during acceleration and deceleration
• Verify no clunking noises when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse
• Re-inspect center support bearing mounting bolts and U-joint straps after 50-100 miles of driving
• Check transmission output shaft seal for any signs of leakage

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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