Driveshaft Center Support Bearing

Replace the center support bearing on the front propeller shaft (driveshaft) that connects the transfer case to the front differential on AWD Tucson models.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Driveshaft center support bearing assembly × 1 — 49300-D3100 or equivalent OEM
• Center bearing bracket mounting bolts (if corroded) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Allow exhaust system to cool completely if vehicle was recently driven
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts before lifting vehicle
4. Lift front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-specified lift points
5. Remove both front wheels for access (optional but recommended for clearance)
6. Inspect driveshaft and center bearing for excessive play, torn rubber isolator, or leaking grease

Procedure

1. 1

   Mark driveshaft alignment
   Using a permanent marker, make alignment marks across the front driveshaft at the CV joint flanges (both transfer case and front differential ends). Also mark the relationship between the driveshaft tube and the center support bearing bracket. These marks are critical for maintaining proper driveshaft phasing during reassembly.
2. 2

   Support the driveshaft
   Position a floor jack or transmission jack under the center of the driveshaft to support its weight. Raise slightly to take tension off the center support bearing mounting bolts. The driveshaft should be level and supported to prevent it from dropping when fasteners are removed.
3. 3

   Remove front CV joint bolts
   Remove the six CV bolts connecting the front driveshaft to the front differential output flange. You may need to rotate the driveshaft to access all bolts. Keep these bolts organized as they will be reused. Once all bolts are removed, carefully pull the driveshaft forward away from the differential flange approximately 2-3 inches.
4. 4

   Remove rear CV joint bolts
   Remove the six CV bolts connecting the rear of the front driveshaft to the transfer case output flange. Again, rotate the driveshaft as needed to access all bolts. Once removed, the driveshaft will be free at both ends but still supported by the center bearing and your jack.
5. 5

   Remove center bearing mounting bolts
   Locate the two mounting bolts that secure the center support bearing bracket to the crossmember or underbody. Remove these bolts completely. The driveshaft assembly is now free and should be resting on your support jack.
6. 6

   Lower and remove driveshaft assembly
   Carefully lower the jack while guiding the driveshaft assembly down and out from under the vehicle. Be careful not to damage the CV joint boots during removal. Maneuver the assembly to clear any exhaust components or crossmembers. Place the driveshaft on a clean work surface.
7. 7

   Remove old center bearing assembly
   The center bearing is typically pressed onto the driveshaft and secured with a snap ring or set screw on the inner race. Remove the snap ring using snap ring pliers. The bearing and rubber isolator/bracket assembly can then be slid or pressed off the driveshaft tube. Note the orientation of the bearing and any spacers or shims present.
   ℹ️Some center bearings require a press for removal and installation. If the bearing does not slide off easily, use a bearing separator and press rather than forcing it.
8. 8

   Clean driveshaft mounting surface
   Thoroughly clean the area of the driveshaft where the center bearing mounts. Remove any rust, old grease, or debris using a wire brush and clean rag. The surface must be clean and smooth for proper bearing installation. Inspect the driveshaft tube for damage, cracks, or excessive wear.
9. 9

   Install new center bearing assembly
   Slide the new center support bearing assembly onto the driveshaft tube in the correct orientation, aligning it to match your alignment marks from step 1. If the bearing requires pressing, use an appropriately sized driver or press tool that contacts only the inner race. Install the retaining snap ring or set screw to secure the bearing in position. Verify the bearing rotates smoothly without binding.
10. 10

    Reinstall driveshaft assembly
    Raise the driveshaft assembly back into position under the vehicle using your jack. Align the center bearing bracket with the mounting holes in the crossmember. Thread in the two mounting bolts by hand first, then snug them but do not fully torque yet. Ensure the driveshaft is properly supported and level.
11. 11

    Connect rear CV joint to transfer case
    Align the rear driveshaft CV joint flange with the transfer case output flange, matching your alignment marks from step 1. Install all six CV bolts by hand first. Torque the bolts evenly in a crisscross pattern to specification.
    ⚠Misalignment of CV joint flanges will cause vibration. Ensure alignment marks match before tightening bolts.
12. 12

    Connect front CV joint to front differential
    Align the front driveshaft CV joint flange with the front differential output flange, matching your alignment marks. Install all six CV bolts by hand, then torque evenly in a crisscross pattern to specification.
13. 13

    Final torque center bearing mounting bolts
    With the driveshaft now connected at both ends, torque the two center bearing bracket mounting bolts to specification. Remove the support jack from under the driveshaft. Verify the center bearing bracket is seated properly against the crossmember with no gaps.
14. 14

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    If wheels were removed, reinstall them and hand-tighten lug nuts. Lower the vehicle to the ground. Torque wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.

Reassembly

1. Double-check that all CV bolts and center bearing mounting bolts are torqued to specification
2. Verify no tools or parts were left under the vehicle
3. Ensure the driveshaft does not contact any exhaust components, crossmembers, or brake lines throughout its full range of motion

Verification

• Start the engine and shift through all transmission gears while stationary to verify no unusual noises
• Test drive the vehicle at various speeds (20-60 mph) and listen for vibrations or unusual driveline noise
• Check for vibration during acceleration, deceleration, and steady cruising
• After test drive, re-inspect all driveshaft fasteners for proper torque and no loosening
• Verify the center bearing is not making noise and the rubber isolator is not deflecting excessively

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