Center Support Bearing Replacement Cost Estimate

Worried you might overpay for your Center Support Bearing replacement? Use My Mechanic to get a fair cost estimate for your battery replacement.

No spam Compare shops near you

Always know how much you should pay

Battery Repair Image

How much does it cost to replace a center support bearing?

Expect to pay for both parts and labor when replacing a center support bearing, with the total cost varying depending on your vehicle.

How long does it take to replace a center support bearing?

A certified mechanic usually requires approximately 4.0 hours to complete the replacement, which includes an initial inspection to diagnose the issue and determine if the bearing needs replacement.

How did we estimate these prices?

My Mechanic experts researched and collected data from 2500+ real repair shops in all states in Malaysia, including everything from the total cost of repair services to the hourly labor cost for mechanic labor in each shop. We combined that data with our expert database of hundreds of real repair jobs, thousands of real cars, millions of real car part prices in order to best estimate the cost of each repair service. Our labor cost estimate is calculated by taking the average hourly labor rate for a certified MyMechanic in Malaysia, times the number of hours it takes on average to complete a repair.

What parts do I need for my center support bearing replacement and how much do those parts cost?

Consult a mechanic or auto parts store specialist for guidance on the specific parts required. In general, here's what you'll need to obtain:

New center support bearing: This component typically includes the entire housing, consisting of the outer housing, inner bearing, and inner plastic supports.

Keep in mind that you’ll also need specialized tools to do the replacement. For instance, you’ll need:

  • Brass hammer
  • Rubber or plastic-tipped hammer
  • Socket wrench set
  • Floor jack and jack stands
  • Lubricating grease
  • Combination wrench set

We recommend purchasing these parts from MyMechanic. Reputable options are advisable for their reliability. However, recommended options may vary based on your vehicle's specific year, make, and model.

It depends on your preferences and circumstances. Opting for an aftermarket bearing can be a suitable choice if you're working within a tight budget or have limited parts options. However, if your vehicle is still under warranty, using OEM parts may be necessary to maintain coverage and avoid risking warranty voidance.

You can purchase a replacement aftermarket center support bearing from MyMechanic or contact them for further assistance.

Where can I get my center support bearing replaced?

Finding a mechanic to replace your center support bearing can be challenging, especially if you don't have a trusted garage. However, you can get your center support bearing replaced at MyMechanic in Malaysia. Additionally, consider using a service to compare prices from a wide range of reputable auto repair shops. This service assesses fair price estimates from each auto shop, taking into account their hourly labor rate. It also helps you determine if diagnostic fees are included in the service cost and provides honest reviews to aid in your decision-making process.

How did we vet these shops?

My Mechanic experts researched 2500+ real repair shops across the Malaysia. We talked to real shop customers, and analyzed both real shop pricing data and thousands of real customer reviews from each shop to verify them individually.

How will a mechanic replace my center support bearing?

Once you've identified a mechanic, repair shop, or dealership service center with expertise in transmissions, request an inspection of your vehicle's center support bearing. If they determine that it's failing or damaged, they will proceed with the following steps to replace it:

  • Prepare: The mechanic utilizes a floor jack and jack stands to elevate your vehicle, providing access to the undercarriage. They gather the necessary tools and equipment while allowing the engine to cool.
  • Remove the transmission driveshaft: Bolts securing the front driveshaft to the center support bearing are removed first, followed by the rear driveshaft bolts.
  • Remove the center support bearing: The mechanic proceeds to remove the bolts to extract the old bearing housing, ensuring the ends of the driveshaft are cleaned with solvent.
  • Install the new center support bearing: Lubrication is applied to the shaft to facilitate easy sliding of the bearing housing into place.
  • Reinstall the transmission driveshaft: The driveshaft is reassembled in reverse order, with bolts reattached as the process progresses.
  • Lower the vehicle and conduct a test drive for safety: Upon passing a final inspection, your vehicle is deemed roadworthy.

Is it bad to drive with a bad center support bearing?

At the first indication of a failing center support bearing, it's imperative to promptly bring your vehicle to an auto repair shop. Continuing to drive with a failing bearing will exacerbate symptoms such as vibration, noise, and banging. Moreover, a faulty center support bearing impedes the driveshaft's ability to flex and spin freely, potentially leading to damage to the transmission, differential parts, or the driveshaft itself. Delaying the diagnosis and repair of a failing center support bearing will only result in higher repair costs in the long run.

What is a center support bearing?

Center support bearings are commonly found on heavy-duty vehicles such as trucks, which are equipped with long driveshafts. These driveshafts are typically divided into two sections, with the center support bearing serving to connect and support the weight of the rear half.

Functionally, the driveshaft plays a crucial role in transferring power from the transmission to the differential, thereby facilitating the rotation of the rear wheels. Also referred to as the driveshaft center support bearing or carrier bearing, the center support bearing is integral to this process.

However, if the center support bearing becomes worn or fails, it can impede the rotation of the driveshaft. This can lead to a range of issues affecting the transmission, driveshaft, or differential.

How do I know if my center support bearing is bad?

Your mechanic should inspect the center support bearings during routine maintenance checks on your vehicle. However, if you're not due for maintenance anytime soon, keep an eye out for these signs indicating potential issues with the center support bearing:

  • Squeaking or grinding sounds: These sounds will worsen and change pitch over time. Don’t ignore them! Get your center support bearing inspected.
  • Shuddering or shaking when you accelerate: If there's vibration-damping material between the bearing and the housing and it wears out, you'll notice vibration throughout the entire vehicle. Have your vehicle inspected if you experience shuddering or poor performance.

How often should a center support bearing be replaced?

Center support bearings can endure for an extended period—some drivers may never need to replace them. However, if your vehicle frequently traverses rough terrain or off-road environments, the bearing may wear down over time. Typically, replacement is only necessary when the bearing begins to show signs of failure.

Can I replace my center support bearing?

Many DIY mechanics struggle with replacing their center support bearing due to the complexities of removing and assembling the driveshaft. Additionally, specialized tools and equipment are often required. It's advisable to entrust this task to professional mechanics.

FAQs

Similar to numerous automotive components subjected to continuous use, the center support bearing can deteriorate over time. Both the metal bearing itself and the vibration-dampening material positioned between the bearing and the housing are prone to wear.

If the bearing is beginning to deteriorate, you may notice squealing or howling noises, which can change in pitch the longer you drive without addressing the issue.