Parts for your 1998 Ford Falcon-Centre bearing

1998 Ford Falcon centre-bearing: what it does, and when to replace it

Based on technical references including the Ford Falcon EL/AU Workshop Manual (Section 205-01 Driveline/Propeller Shaft), Gregory’s Service and Repair Manual covering EF–AU Falcons, and Ford’s Microcat parts catalogue for EL/AU, the 1998 Ford Falcon (late EL and launch AU) is built with a two-piece tailshaft that uses a centre support bearing. So yes—this model does run a centre-bearing, and it’s a regular service item on higher-kilometre cars and utes.

The centre-bearing’s job is to support the two-piece tailshaft midway along the car, keeping driveline angles tidy and vibrations in check. It lets the shaft cope with body flex and suspension travel, reduces noise, and helps the uni joints and gearbox output live longer. When it’s healthy, take-offs feel smooth and there’s no drone through the floor at highway speeds.

Like any rubber-mounted bearing, age and load wear it out. Common tells include a thump or clunk as the driver moves off, a shudder under load around 40–80 km/h, and a droning hum that rises with road speed. A look underneath may reveal a torn or sagging rubber support, or excess play where the tailshaft meets the mount.

There’s no hard replacement interval, but it’s smart to check the centre-bearing at regular services—say every 20,000 km—or sooner if the car is lowered, tows, or has had power upgrades. If the bearing is original on a high-kilometre EL/AU, pre-emptive replacement can tidy up driveline feel.

• When replacing: mark the tailshaft flanges so the shaft goes back in the same orientation to preserve balance.
• Inspect uni joints and slip yoke splines, if they’re notchy or loose, do them with the bearing.
• Use a quality bearing and support, pressing the bearing on square and to the correct position is key.
• Check gearbox and diff mounts, tired mounts can mimic or accelerate centre-bearing wear.
• After refit, road-test for vibration and recheck fastener torque. If a shimmed support is fitted, set ride height before final tightening.

DIY on stands is doable for a handy owner, but a hoist makes life easier. Many workshops can supply a new centre-bearing or exchange/refurbished tailshaft. Don’t keep driving with a failed bearing—letting it flog out can take uni joints and the transmission extension housing with it.

Popular questions

What are the classic signs the centre-bearing is failing on a 1998 Falcon?
Expect a shudder under load, a thump on take-off, and a humming or droning noise that follows road speed. Underneath, the rubber support may be cracked or sagging, and there can be noticeable play when the shaft is lifted by hand. These cars respond really well to a fresh centre-bearing if those symptoms are present.

Can someone drive a Falcon with a bad centre-bearing?
It’ll usually still move, but it’s not a good idea. A flogged centre-bearing can hammer the uni joints, damage the tailshaft, and stress the transmission and diff mounts. If the noise or vibration is sharp or worsening, park it until the bearing and any related parts are sorted.

Are EL and early AU centre-bearings the same?
They’re functionally the same part type—a centre support bearing for a two-piece tailshaft—but exact part numbers can vary with body style and driveline. When ordering, match by VIN or build date and confirm manual/auto and sedan/ute to get the correct support and bearing size.