Parts for your 1998 Toyota Crown-Centre bearing

1998 Toyota Crown centre-bearing: fitted and worth keeping tidy

Technical sources confirm the 1998 Toyota Crown (S150-series, e.g., JZS155/GS151/UZS151) is factory-fitted with a centre support bearing on its two-piece propeller shaft. The Toyota Electronic Parts Catalog lists a “Bearing Assy, Center Support, Propeller Shaft” for these models, and the Crown S150 driveline section in the Toyota Repair Manual depicts a two‑piece prop shaft supported by a centre-bearing. Independent parts catalogues based on the Toyota EPC also list a centre-bearing for 1998 Crown variants, which aligns with its long‑wheelbase, rear‑wheel‑drive layout.

On this Crown, the centre-bearing’s job is to support the middle of the two-piece prop shaft, keeping it running straight and smooth under load. It reduces vibration, helps the uni joints live longer, and stops the shaft from whipping about when accelerating or cruising at motorway speeds. When the rubber isolator or bearing wears out, owners usually notice a shudder on take-off, a low-frequency vibration around 40–80 km/h, a clunk on throttle changes, or a droning/rumbling that rises with road speed.

As part of servicing a 1998 Toyota Crown, it pays to inspect the centre-bearing whenever the car is on a hoist.

• Check the rubber support for cracks, separation or sagging.
• Spin the prop shaft by hand and feel for roughness or play at the bearing.
• Look for shiny witness marks from contact or misalignment.

If replacement is needed, a competent workshop will:

1. Mark the prop shaft flanges and halves so phasing is preserved.
2. Remove the centre support bracket and drop the two-piece shaft.
3. Press off the old bearing and install the new unit to the specified depth and orientation.
4. Reassemble in original alignment, torque fasteners correctly, and check driveline angles. Balancing is checked if any vibration remains.

Quality matters here—use a reputable bearing assembly, replace companion hardware if corroded, and avoid mixing shaft halves. It’s smart to inspect the rear and front uni joints at the same time, and replace the centre support cushion if supplied separately. Many Crowns run happily for years, but city heat, age and higher torque engines can hasten wear, so a quick check every 20,000–30,000 km is cheap insurance. If the car shudders under load, don’t keep driving it, a collapsed support can stress the uni joints and gearbox output seal.

Popular questions about 1998 Toyota Crown centre-bearing

How do you tell if the centre-bearing is failing on a 1998 Toyota Crown?
Common signs include a take-off shudder, a thump when getting on and off the throttle, a rumble that increases with speed, or visible cracks/sag in the rubber support. If the bearing is rough when spun by hand or there’s noticeable play, it’s due.

These symptoms can overlap with worn uni joints or diff mount bushes, so a proper driveline inspection on a hoist is the way to pinpoint the cause.

How often should the centre-bearing be serviced or replaced?
There’s no fixed interval, condition-based inspection is best. Have it checked every 20,000–30,000 km during routine servicing. Many original bearings last well past 150,000 km, but age, heat and modifications (stiffer mounts, more power) can shorten life.

Replace at the first sign of deterioration to prevent damage to uni joints and to keep the Crown smooth and quiet.

Can a 1998 Crown’s centre-bearing be replaced at home?
It’s possible for a skilled DIYer with stands, a press and a torque wrench, but alignment and phasing are critical. Incorrect reassembly can cause persistent vibration.

Most owners will be better off with a driveline specialist who can press the bearing correctly and rebalance the shaft if needed.