Driveshaft Center Support Bearing

This procedure covers removal and replacement of the driveshaft center support bearing on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine and RWD configuration.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Driveshaft center support bearing assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Center support bearing mounting hardware kit × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Chock front wheels to prevent vehicle movement
3. Raise rear of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at frame rails
4. Ensure adequate working clearance beneath vehicle (minimum 24 inches)
5. Spray all driveshaft fasteners with penetrating oil if corroded

Procedure

1. 1

   Mark driveshaft alignment
   Using a marker or paint pen, make alignment marks across the front U-joint and transmission yoke, the rear U-joint and differential yoke, and the two driveshaft sections at the center slip joint. These marks ensure the driveshaft is reinstalled in the exact same orientation to maintain factory balance.
2. 2

   Remove rear U-joint straps
   Remove the four bolts securing the rear U-joint straps to the differential yoke. Support the rear of the driveshaft to prevent it from dropping. Note that Ford uses strap-style retainers on these models, not individual U-bolts.
3. 3

   Disconnect rear driveshaft section
   Carefully lower the rear of the driveshaft and slide it rearward to separate it from the front section at the slip joint. Keep the U-joint bearing caps in place using tape if necessary. Set the rear section aside in a clean area.
4. 4

   Remove center support bearing mounting bolts
   Locate the center support bearing bracket mounted to the transmission crossmember or chassis. Remove the mounting bolts securing the center support bearing bracket to the chassis. Support the front driveshaft section as you remove the final bolt.
5. 5

   Remove front U-joint straps
   Remove the four bolts securing the front U-joint straps to the transmission output yoke. Carefully lower the front driveshaft section, supporting it to prevent damage to the transmission seal or output shaft.
6. 6

   Remove front driveshaft section
   With all fasteners removed, carefully remove the front driveshaft section with the center support bearing still attached. Place the assembly on a clean workbench for bearing replacement. Inspect the U-joints for wear while the driveshaft is removed.
7. 7

   Press out old center support bearing
   Using a hydraulic press or center bearing press tool, carefully press the old center support bearing out of the driveshaft. Apply pressure evenly to avoid damaging the driveshaft tube. Note the orientation of the bearing and any spacers or shims for proper reassembly.
8. 8

   Clean bearing housing
   Thoroughly clean the bearing mounting area on the driveshaft using a wire brush. Remove all rust, debris, and old grease. Inspect the driveshaft tube for cracks, dents, or other damage that could affect bearing performance.
9. 9

   Press in new center support bearing
   Position the new center support bearing with correct orientation (the rubber isolator typically faces rearward). Using a hydraulic press or bearing installation tool, press the new bearing straight into the driveshaft until fully seated. Do not use heat or hammering as this can damage the bearing.
10. 10

    Install front driveshaft section
    Raise the front driveshaft section into position, aligning the U-joint with the transmission output yoke according to your alignment marks. Install the U-joint straps and bolts finger-tight. Do not fully tighten at this stage.
11. 11

    Mount center support bearing bracket
    Position the center support bearing bracket to the chassis mounting location. Install the mounting bolts and tighten to specification. Ensure the bearing bracket is properly aligned and not placing stress on the driveshaft.
12. 12

    Connect rear driveshaft section
    Align the rear driveshaft section with the front section at the slip joint, matching your alignment marks. Slide the sections together fully. Raise the rear U-joint to the differential yoke, aligning according to your marks.
13. 13

    Install rear U-joint straps
    Install the rear U-joint straps and bolts. Tighten all U-joint strap bolts (front and rear) evenly to specification in a criss-cross pattern to ensure even clamping force on the bearing caps.
14. 14

    Verify installation and rotate driveshaft
    Before lowering the vehicle, manually rotate the driveshaft through several complete revolutions. Check for binding, unusual resistance, or contact with chassis components. Verify all fasteners are properly torqued and all alignment marks are correctly matched.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all U-joint strap bolts are torqued evenly in a criss-cross pattern
2. Verify alignment marks on all driveshaft sections match original positions
3. Double-check that center support bearing mounting bolts are secure

Verification

• Start the engine and shift through all gears while stationary to verify smooth operation
• Test drive the vehicle at various speeds (15-65 mph) and listen for vibrations or unusual noises
• Vibration at specific speeds may indicate improper alignment or balance issues
• Re-inspect all fasteners after 50-100 miles of driving to ensure they remain tight
• Any new vibration should be addressed immediately as it may indicate incorrect installation

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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