Parts for your 1986 Suzuki Jimny-Centre bearing

1986 Suzuki Jimny (Sierra) centre-bearing — is it even a thing?

Short answer: for a 1986 Suzuki Jimny (known as the Sierra in Australia and New Zealand), a centre-bearing isn’t used and isn’t relevant on the standard short‑wheelbase models of that year.

Here’s why. The factory setup on 1986 short‑wheelbase SJ410/SJ413 Jimny/Sierra models uses single‑piece propeller shafts (front and rear), which don’t require a centre (carrier) bearing. This is laid out in the Suzuki SJ413/Sierra Factory Service Manual for the mid‑1980s models under the Propeller Shaft section, where the rear shaft is specified as one-piece with universal joints only, and no centre support. The Suzuki Electronic Parts Catalogue for the same period also lists a centre support bearing only for long‑wheelbase variants, which arrived later, not for the 1986 SWB vehicles.

The engineering is straightforward: the short wheelbase keeps the rear tailshaft short, so a two‑piece shaft (and the centre support bearing that goes with it) isn’t needed to control vibration or critical speed. Fewer components mean less weight, less cost, and fewer wear points — perfect for a compact 4x4 that cops plenty of corrugations and creek crossings.

If someone spots a centre-bearing under a 1986 SWB Jimny/Sierra, chances are it’s either a later long‑wheelbase driveline swap or an aftermarket two‑piece conversion. For the typical 1986 SWB vehicle, driveline vibration or clunks are almost always down to universal joints, slip‑yoke spline wear, pinion angle changes after a lift, tired engine/gearbox mounts, or even simple wheel/tyre balance — not a centre-bearing that isn’t there.

What to focus on at service time? Keep it simple and stick to what the factory intended: check U‑joint free play and seals, ensure the slip joint greases up nicely, confirm tailshaft yokes are in phase, and keep an eye on mount condition and diff angles if it’s been lifted. That’ll keep a 1986 Jimny/Sierra happy without chasing a centre-bearing that Suzuki never fitted to the shorty in ’86.

• Technical basis: Suzuki SJ413/Sierra Factory Service Manual (mid‑1980s), Propeller Shaft section