Driveshaft Center Support Bearing

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the center support bearing on the front or rear driveshaft of a 2012-2018 Jeep Wrangler with the 3.6L V6 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 surface and engage parking brake
2. Shift transfer case to neutral if equipped with manual transfer case
3. Raise vehicle and support securely on jack stands at frame rails
4. Verify driveshaft to be serviced (front or rear) - this procedure applies to either
5. Inspect driveshaft for signs of imbalance, worn U-joints, or damaged CV boots before proceeding

Procedure

1. 1

   Mark driveshaft alignment
   Use a punch or paint marker to create alignment marks on the driveshaft at the CV joint flanges, center shaft sections, and center support bearing position on the crossmember. This ensures proper phasing during reassembly which is critical for vibration-free operation. Mark the relationship between the front and rear sections of the driveshaft.
2. 2

   Support driveshaft
   Place a jack or support under the driveshaft near the center support bearing to prevent the shaft from dropping when the bearing is removed. The driveshaft is heavy and can damage CV joints if allowed to hang unsupported.
3. 3

   Remove driveshaft flange bolts
   Remove the bolts connecting the driveshaft to the front and rear CV joint flanges. Keep the transmission/transfer case and differential in gear or have an assistant apply the brakes to prevent rotation while loosening. Remove all bolts and carefully separate the driveshaft from both flanges.
4. 4

   Remove center support bearing bolts
   Locate the center support bearing bracket mounted to the vehicle crossmember. Remove the two mounting bolts securing the bearing bracket to the crossmember. Note the orientation of the bracket and any shims present.
   ⚠Support the driveshaft weight to prevent it from falling when the bearing bracket is freed
5. 5

   Remove driveshaft assembly
   Carefully lower and remove the entire driveshaft assembly from the vehicle. Keep the front and rear sections together if they remain attached. Transport the driveshaft to a clean work area, keeping alignment marks visible.
6. 6

   Disassemble driveshaft sections if needed
   If the driveshaft sections are bolted together at the center support bearing, remove the bolts connecting the two halves. Keep all components organized and maintain alignment mark visibility. Some driveshafts have the bearing pressed onto a one-piece shaft.
7. 7

   Remove old center support bearing
   Using a hydraulic press or bearing press, carefully press the old center support bearing and bracket assembly off the driveshaft. Support the driveshaft tube properly to prevent bending. Note the orientation of the bearing and any spacers or clips. The bearing may be pressed onto the shaft or retained by the bracket only depending on design.
   ⚠Ensure the driveshaft tube is properly supported during pressing to prevent tube deformation
8. 8

   Clean and inspect driveshaft
   Clean the bearing mounting surface on the driveshaft with a wire brush and solvent. Inspect for any scoring, damage, or corrosion. Check the driveshaft for straightness by rolling it on a flat surface or using a dial indicator. Any runout should be minimal (less than 0.5mm). Inspect both CV joints for wear or damage.
9. 9

   Install new center support bearing
   Position the new center support bearing assembly onto the driveshaft in the correct orientation matching the original installation. Using the press, carefully press the bearing onto the shaft until it is fully seated. Ensure the bearing bracket is oriented correctly to match the crossmember mounting position. Install any retaining clips or fasteners that secure the bearing to the bracket.
10. 10

    Reassemble driveshaft sections
    If the driveshaft was separated into sections, align the marked components and reconnect them. Apply medium-strength thread locker to the driveshaft bolts. Torque the bolts to specification in a cross pattern. Verify alignment marks are properly matched.
11. 11

    Install driveshaft assembly
    Position the driveshaft assembly under the vehicle with the center support bearing bracket aligned to the crossmember. Support the driveshaft with a jack. Install the center support bearing bracket mounting bolts finger-tight. Ensure any shims that were present are reinstalled in their original positions.
12. 12

    Connect driveshaft flanges
    Align the driveshaft ends to the front and rear CV joint flanges using the alignment marks made during disassembly. Install the CV joint bolts finger-tight on both ends. Verify all alignment marks match before final tightening.
13. 13

    Torque all fasteners
    Torque the center support bearing bracket mounting bolts to specification. Then torque all CV joint flange bolts to specification in a cross pattern. Recheck all fasteners after initial tightening to ensure none have loosened.
14. 14

    Verify installation and clearances
    Rotate the driveshaft by hand to ensure smooth rotation with no binding. Check for adequate clearance between the driveshaft and all surrounding components throughout the full range of suspension travel. Verify the center support bearing bracket is secure and properly aligned.

Reassembly

1. Remove jack stands and lower vehicle to the ground
2. Test drive the vehicle at various speeds and listen for any vibration or noise from the driveshaft
3. If vibration is present after replacement, the driveshaft may need professional balancing

Verification

• Start the engine and shift through all gears to verify smooth engagement
• Drive the vehicle at 20-30 mph and verify no vibration is present during acceleration
• Drive at highway speeds (if safe) to verify no vibration at higher speeds
• Re-inspect all fasteners after 50-100 miles of driving to ensure they remain tight
• Listen for any unusual noises from the driveshaft area during the test drive

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

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