Parts for your 1997 Ford Falcon-Centre bearing

1997 Ford Falcon centre-bearing: what it is, where it’s used, and how to look after it

Based on Ford workshop literature and parts catalogues for the EL-series (1996–1998) — including the Ford EL Falcon Workshop Manual (Driveline/Propeller Shaft section), Gregory’s EF–EL Falcon manual, and Ford’s Microcat EPC — a centre-bearing (centre support bearing) is used on 1997 Ford Falcons that run a two-piece tailshaft. That applies to long-wheelbase variants such as Fairlane/LTD (NL/DL) and commonly to wagons. The standard EL Falcon sedan typically uses a single-piece tailshaft and does not have a centre-bearing. Many utes also run a single-piece tailshaft and therefore won’t have a centre-bearing. If the car has a two-piece tailshaft, it has a centre-bearing, if it’s a single-piece tailshaft, it doesn’t.

On 1997 Falcons that do have it, the centre-bearing’s job is to support the two-piece tailshaft in the middle, keeping driveline angles happy and cutting down noise, vibration and harshness. It helps prevent tailshaft whip at speed and reduces shudder when taking off, especially under load. The rubber isolator around the bearing soaks up vibes so the cabin stays calm.

They’ll usually give some warnings before they’re done. Tell-tales include a low droning or humming that rises with road speed, a judder or shudder on take-off, or a clunk on throttle changes. Underneath, look for torn or sagged rubber in the support mount, excessive play when the shaft is lifted by hand, or a gritty/rough feel when the shaft is rotated at the bearing.

• Inspection interval: a quick look every service, and a thorough check around 40,000–60,000 km or if any vibration appears.
• Replacement tips: always mark tailshaft flanges before removal to preserve balance, support the shaft to avoid stressing the unis, and fit the centre support bracket in the correct orientation.
• After fitting: tighten the bracket with the vehicle at normal ride height so the rubber isn’t preloaded at the wrong angle, recheck driveline angles if the car is lowered or lifted.

Good practice is to assess the universal joints at the same time and have the tailshaft balanced if there’s any doubt. A quality centre-bearing with the right durometer rubber will last longer and keep the Falcon smooth on the open road.

FAQs

Does a 1997 Ford Falcon sedan have a centre-bearing?
On the EL-series sedan, the factory setup is a single-piece tailshaft, so there’s no centre-bearing. If a previous owner has converted it to a two-piece shaft (uncommon), then it would have one — but that’s not the standard sedan configuration.

Which 1997 Falcons do use a centre-bearing?
Models with a two-piece tailshaft, notably long-wheelbase Fairlane/LTD (NL/DL) and commonly the wagon, use a centre-bearing. These configurations are documented in Ford’s EL/NL workshop manuals and parts catalogues.

What are the signs the centre-bearing needs replacing on a 1997 Falcon?
Look for vibration on take-off, a droning/humming that follows road speed, and visible tears or sagging in the rubber support. Any roughness when rotating the shaft by hand at the bearing is another clear sign it’s time for a new unit.