Parts for your 2004 Honda Odyssey-Centre bearing

2004 Honda Odyssey centre-bearing: what’s fitted and what isn’t

Short answer: a centre-bearing isn’t used on the 2004 Honda Odyssey sold in Australia or New Zealand. Technical references that back this up include the Honda Odyssey 1999–2004 Service Manual (Driveline/Axle section), Honda Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) listings for the 2004 Odyssey, and local AU/NZ model specifications showing a front‑wheel‑drive layout with no propeller shaft. A centre-bearing (also called a carrier or centre support bearing) is a part you’d expect on a two‑piece rear or all‑wheel‑drive prop shaft—something the AU/NZ 2004 Odyssey simply doesn’t have.

Why it’s not used comes down to the drivetrain design. The 2004 Odyssey runs a transverse V6 with an automatic transaxle driving the front wheels. Power is sent through two front driveshafts (CV axles). On the right‑hand side there’s an intermediate shaft with its own support bearing and bracket bolted to the engine block. That intermediate shaft bearing is sometimes confused with a centre-bearing, but it’s a different component serving a different layout.

• Centre-bearing: supports a long, usually two‑piece propeller shaft on RWD/AWD vehicles.
• Odyssey’s intermediate shaft bearing: supports the short right‑hand axle shaft on a FWD transaxle to balance axle lengths and reduce torque steer.

If someone’s chasing a “bad centre-bearing” noise or vibration on a 2004 Odyssey, they’re more likely dealing with one of these: worn inner CV joints, a failing intermediate shaft support bearing, tired engine/gearbox mounts, out‑of‑round tyres, or a front wheel bearing. The Honda Service Manual procedures focus on inspecting front driveshafts, the intermediate shaft and its bearing, and mounts—there’s no prop shaft or centre-bearing section because it’s not part of the vehicle.

There’s no scheduled maintenance for a centre-bearing on this model, because there isn’t one. The intermediate shaft bearing is also not a routine service item, it’s replace‑on‑condition. Typical symptoms include a droning or rumbling that changes with road speed, or a fine vibration under load. Replacement involves removing the right driveshaft and intermediate shaft assembly, unbolting the bearing bracket from the block, pressing off the old bearing and installing a quality replacement. Correct orientation of seals and careful shaft handling prevent premature wear and fluid leaks. After refit, road‑test for noise and check for any CV boot weeps. Wheel alignment isn’t normally affected by this job, but it’s smart to inspect tyres and balance while you’re there, as vibration issues often stack up.

Note: Some overseas Odysseys from earlier generations offered 4WD, which did use a propeller shaft and support bearing. That does not apply to the AU/NZ 2004 Odyssey models referenced above.

Popular questions

Does a 2004 Honda Odyssey have a centre-bearing?
No. The AU/NZ 2004 Odyssey is front‑wheel drive and doesn’t use a two‑piece prop shaft, so there’s no centre-bearing in the driveline. Technical sources like the Honda Service Manual and EPC list only front driveshafts and an intermediate (right‑hand) shaft with its own support bearing.

What’s the difference between a centre-bearing and the Odyssey’s intermediate shaft bearing?
A centre-bearing supports a long, usually two‑piece propeller shaft in RWD/AWD setups. The Odyssey’s intermediate shaft bearing supports the short right‑hand axle on a FWD transaxle. Different locations, different parts, different jobs.

What could cause “centre-bearing‑like” vibration on a 2004 Odyssey?
Common culprits are inner CV joints, the intermediate shaft support bearing, engine/gearbox mounts, front wheel bearings, or tyre/wheel balance issues. A road‑speed‑related hum often points to a bearing, a load‑sensitive shudder can hint at CVs or mounts.