Driveshaft Center Support Bearing

This procedure covers the replacement of the driveshaft center support bearing on a 2021-2024 Ford F-150 with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine and RWD configuration.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Center support bearing assembly × 1 — Use OEM Ford specification
• Center support bearing mounting bolts (if damaged) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on a level surface and engage parking brake
2. Chock the front wheels to prevent vehicle movement
3. Raise the rear of the vehicle and support securely on jack stands at the frame rails
4. Allow exhaust system to cool completely if vehicle was recently driven
5. Clean the area around the driveshaft, center support bearing, and transmission/differential flanges to prevent contamination

Procedure

1. 1

   Mark driveshaft alignment
   Using a marking pen or paint, make alignment marks across the driveshaft front flange to the transmission output flange, and the rear driveshaft flange to the differential pinion flange. Also mark the orientation of the two driveshaft sections to each other at the center spline. These marks are critical for maintaining proper driveshaft phasing during reassembly.
2. 2

   Remove rear driveshaft flange bolts
   Remove the four bolts securing the rear driveshaft flange to the differential pinion flange. Support the rear of the driveshaft to prevent it from dropping. If the driveshaft has U-joint straps instead of a flange, remove the strap bolts.
3. 3

   Remove front driveshaft flange bolts
   Remove the four bolts securing the front driveshaft flange to the transmission output flange. Have an assistant support the driveshaft assembly or use a transmission jack positioned under the center support bearing.
4. 4

   Remove center support bearing mounting bolts
   Locate the two bolts securing the center support bearing bracket to the transmission crossmember or frame mount. Remove these bolts while supporting the driveshaft assembly.
5. 5

   Remove driveshaft assembly
   Carefully lower and remove the complete driveshaft assembly from the vehicle. Keep both sections together if they are still connected at the center spline. Place the driveshaft on a clean work surface, maintaining the alignment marks you made earlier.
6. 6

   Separate driveshaft sections
   If the front and rear driveshaft sections are still connected, carefully slide them apart at the slip joint/spline connection. Note the depth of engagement for reassembly. Inspect the splines for wear or damage.
7. 7

   Remove center support bearing
   Remove the center support bearing from the driveshaft. The bearing is typically press-fit onto the driveshaft. Use a bearing puller or hydraulic press to remove the old bearing and bracket assembly. Support the driveshaft tube properly to avoid bending. If the bearing is seized, apply heat carefully to the bearing housing (not the driveshaft tube) to aid removal.
   ⚠Do not hammer directly on the driveshaft tube as this can cause damage or imbalance. Use proper bearing removal tools.
8. 8

   Inspect driveshaft and components
   Inspect the driveshaft tube for dents, damage, or runout. Check the splines on both shaft sections for wear. Inspect the mounting bracket area for cracks or damage. Replace the driveshaft if any damage is found, as damage can cause vibration issues.
9. 9

   Install new center support bearing
   Using a hydraulic press or appropriate bearing installation tool, press the new center support bearing assembly onto the driveshaft. Ensure the bearing is fully seated and oriented correctly with the mounting holes positioned properly. The bearing should be pressed on squarely to avoid damage. Install to the same position as the original bearing.
10. 10

    Reassemble driveshaft sections
    If the driveshaft sections were separated, reconnect them at the slip joint/spline connection. Align the marks you made earlier to ensure proper phasing. Slide the sections together to the same engagement depth noted during disassembly. Apply a thin coat of appropriate grease to the splines if they appear dry.
11. 11

    Install driveshaft assembly
    Lift the complete driveshaft assembly into position using a transmission jack or with an assistant. Align the center support bearing bracket with the mounting holes on the crossmember or frame mount. Install the mounting bolts finger-tight initially.
12. 12

    Connect front flange
    Align the front driveshaft flange with the transmission output flange using your alignment marks. Install all four bolts and tighten evenly in a cross pattern to the specified torque.
13. 13

    Connect rear flange
    Align the rear driveshaft flange with the differential pinion flange using your alignment marks. Install all four bolts and tighten evenly in a cross pattern to the specified torque. If your vehicle has U-joint straps, install and tighten the strap bolts evenly.
14. 14

    Torque center support bearing bolts
    With the driveshaft now supported by both flanges, torque the center support bearing mounting bolts to specification. Ensure the bearing bracket is seated flush against the mounting surface.

Reassembly

1. Double-check that all alignment marks are properly matched at both the front and rear flanges
2. Verify all bolts are torqued to specification and none were missed
3. Ensure the center support bearing moves freely and is not binding
4. Remove jack stands and carefully lower the vehicle to the ground

Verification

• Start the engine and shift through all transmission gears while stationary to verify no unusual noises
• Perform a test drive at various speeds (15-30 mph, 45-60 mph) and listen for vibrations or unusual noises
• Check for vibrations during acceleration and deceleration
• Re-inspect all driveshaft connections and the center support bearing mounting after the test drive to ensure nothing has loosened
• Any vibration indicates improper phasing or installation - recheck all alignment marks and reinstall if necessary

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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