Driveshaft Center Support Bearing

This procedure covers removal and replacement of the center support bearing on the two-piece driveshaft of a 2007 Ram 3500 4WD with the 5.9L Cummins diesel engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Center support bearing assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Center support bearing bracket bolts (if corroded) × 2 — M10 x 1.5 grade 10.9

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake firmly
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. If recently driven, allow exhaust system to cool completely as it runs near the driveshaft
4. Raise rear of vehicle sufficiently to access driveshaft and center support bearing (approximately 18 inches of clearance recommended)
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands rated for vehicle weight, positioned under frame rails
6. Inspect driveshaft for existing damage, worn U-joints, or signs of imbalance before proceeding

Procedure

1. 1

   Mark driveshaft alignment
   Using white paint marker or chalk, mark the relationship between the front and rear driveshaft sections at their coupling, and mark both flanges/yokes at the transfer case and rear differential. Verify the location of any slip joint for your specific two-piece driveshaft configuration. Draw a single line across each connection point so you can realign during reassembly. Also use center punch to create permanent alignment marks on metal surfaces adjacent to the center support bearing bracket for precise repositioning.
2. 2

   Remove rear driveshaft section
   Remove the fasteners connecting the rear driveshaft to the rear differential pinion yoke (verify whether this is a bolted flange or U-joint strap/U-bolt style connection for your specific axle). Support the driveshaft as you remove the last fastener. Support the rear driveshaft section as you remove the last bolt. Carefully lower the rear section and slide it rearward to separate from the front section at the slip joint. Remove the rear section completely and set aside. Inspect the slip yoke splines for wear or damage.
   Torque spec

   Driveshaft Flange Bolts75 Nm (55 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Support front driveshaft section
   Position a jack or suitable support under the front driveshaft section near the center support bearing to take the weight off the bearing bracket. Raise just enough to relieve load but do not force upward. This prevents the driveshaft from dropping suddenly when the bracket is removed.
4. 4

   Remove center support bearing bracket bolts
   Locate the bolts securing the center support bearing bracket to the crossmember. Confirm the bolt count and head size against factory service data before selecting your socket. Remove both bolts completely and retain the bracket and any spacers or washers. Note the orientation of the bracket and any shims present, as these affect driveline angles.
   ⚠Keep track of any shims or spacers behind the bearing bracket as these are critical for proper driveline phasing and must be reinstalled in the same configuration.
   Torque spec

   Center Support Bearing Bracket Bolts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove front driveshaft section
   Lower the jack supporting the front driveshaft section slightly. Remove the fasteners connecting the front driveshaft flange to the transfer case output flange (verify the exact bolt count and connection type against factory service data). Support the driveshaft and remove the final fastener. Support the driveshaft and remove the final bolt. Carefully maneuver the front driveshaft section with attached center support bearing down and out from under the vehicle. The assembly is heavy and awkward due to length.
6. 6

   Remove failed center support bearing
   With the front driveshaft section on a workbench, inspect the bearing for play, roughness, or rubber deterioration. The bearing is typically pressed onto the driveshaft and secured with a retaining ring or clamp. Remove any external retaining hardware. Use a bearing puller or press to remove the old center support bearing from the driveshaft tube. If the bearing is seized, carefully cut away the rubber isolator but avoid damaging the driveshaft tube surface.
7. 7

   Clean and inspect driveshaft
   Clean the area where the center support bearing mounts using a wire brush and shop rags. Remove all rust, old rubber residue, and corrosion. Inspect the driveshaft tube for cracks, dents, or damage. Check that the surface is smooth and free of burrs. Inspect the slip yoke splines and U-joints at both ends of this section while you have it out.
   ⚠Any cracks or structural damage to the driveshaft tube requires replacement of the entire section. Do not attempt to repair a damaged driveshaft.
8. 8

   Install new center support bearing
   Position the new center support bearing assembly onto the driveshaft tube in the correct orientation (the bracket mounting holes should face downward when installed in vehicle). If the bearing is a press-fit design, use a hydraulic press with appropriate support fixtures to press the bearing onto the shaft until it seats at the correct position. Install any retaining rings or hardware. Ensure the bearing rotates freely and the rubber isolator is not twisted or damaged during installation.
9. 9

   Reinstall front driveshaft section
   Maneuver the front driveshaft section with new center support bearing back into position under the vehicle. Align the front flange with the transfer case output flange according to your alignment marks. Install all four flange bolts finger-tight first, ensuring the marks line up correctly. Then torque the bolts in a cross pattern to specification. Position the center support bearing bracket to the crossmember with the jack supporting the weight.
   Torque spec

   Driveshaft Flange Bolts75 Nm (55 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Install center support bearing bracket
    Align the center support bearing bracket with the mounting holes in the crossmember, ensuring any original shims or spacers are in their correct positions. Use the alignment marks you made earlier to position the bracket accurately. Install both bracket bolts and tighten finger-tight initially. Check that the bearing sits centered and not binding, then torque both bolts to specification. Remove the support jack from under the driveshaft.
    ℹ️Proper bracket positioning is critical. The driveshaft should have slight rotational freedom at the bearing but not excessive up-down movement.
    Torque spec

    Center Support Bearing Bracket Bolts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall rear driveshaft section
    Slide the rear driveshaft section forward, engaging the slip yoke with the front section slip joint according to your alignment marks. Support the rear section and align the rear flange with the differential pinion flange using your alignment marks. Install all four flange bolts finger-tight, verify alignment, then torque in a cross pattern to specification.
    Torque spec

    Driveshaft Flange Bolts75 Nm (55 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Double-check that all alignment marks are properly matched at every connection point
2. Verify all flange bolts are torqued to specification and none were missed
3. Confirm center support bearing bracket is secure and bearing rotates freely without binding
4. Inspect the full length of the driveshaft to ensure no tools or parts were left on or near it

Verification

• Before lowering vehicle, manually rotate the driveshaft to ensure smooth rotation with no binding or rough spots through the center bearing
• Check that all bolts are tight and properly torqued at all three connection points (transfer case, center bearing bracket, differential)
• Lower vehicle to ground and start engine, shift through gears (Park/Drive for automatic, neutral for manual) and listen for any unusual noises from the driveline
• Test drive vehicle at various speeds (15-70 mph if safe) and note any vibrations, which would indicate improper alignment or phasing
• After initial test drive of 10-15 miles, re-inspect all driveshaft bolts for proper torque and check center bearing bracket for any movement or looseness

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