Parts for your 2005 Toyota Caldina-Centre bearing

2005 Toyota Caldina centre bearing — which models use it, and what to know

Based on Toyota’s technical documentation, a centre bearing (also called a propeller shaft centre support bearing or carrier bearing) is fitted to 2005 Caldina models with 4WD/AWD driveline layouts, and not fitted to 2WD/FWD models. The Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) shows a “bearing assy, centre support, propeller shaft” in the propeller shaft section for ST246W and AZT246W 4WD variants, while no such listing appears for FWD models like AZT241W/ZZT241W. The Toyota Caldina driveline/axle repair manual sections for AWD also describe inspection of the propeller shaft and its centre support. These factory references confirm: AWD Caldinas have a centre bearing, FWD Caldinas don’t.

Why FWD Caldinas don’t use a centre bearing: front‑drive versions drive the front wheels via short half‑shafts from a transaxle, so there’s no long propeller shaft running to a rear differential. With no long shaft, there’s no need for a mid‑shaft support, so a centre bearing simply isn’t part of the design.

For owners of AWD/4WD 2005 Caldinas (e.g., ST246W GT‑Four and similar): the centre bearing’s job is to support the two‑piece propeller shaft at roughly the midpoint, keeping the shaft true under load and at speed. It damps vibration, maintains alignment between the transfer case and rear diff, and helps the universal joints live a long, quiet life. When the rubber support perishes or the bearing wears, drivers often notice a low rumble that rises with road speed, a droning or cyclic vibration, or a thump/shudder on take‑off.

Servicing tips a good workshop will follow:

• Inspection interval: check at 40,000–60,000 km, or earlier if there’s vibration or noise under load.
• What to look for: cracked or separated rubber, excessive play at the bearing, roughness when the shaft is spun by hand, and any contact marks on the safety bracket.
• Associated items: inspect universal joints, prop shaft balance weights, and rear diff mount bushes, as these can mimic centre‑bearing faults.
• Replacement approach: many Toyotas list the complete propeller shaft as the service part, quality aftermarket centre support bearings are available and can be pressed in by a driveline specialist. Correct preload and shaft phasing are critical, and the shaft should be rebalanced if disturbed.
• Test drive: verify under light, medium, and heavy throttle at 60–100 km/h to confirm any vibration is resolved.

Driving long‑term with a noisy or sloppy centre bearing isn’t ideal. Left too long, it can accelerate U‑joint wear and create unpleasant vibration through the cabin. Sorting it early keeps the Caldina smooth and happy on Kiwi and Aussie roads.

FAQs

Does my 2005 Caldina have a centre bearing?
If it’s AWD/4WD (e.g., ST246W/AZT246W), yes—there’s a centre support bearing on the propeller shaft. If it’s FWD (e.g., AZT241W/ZZT241W), no—there’s no prop shaft, so no centre bearing.

What are common symptoms of a failing centre bearing?
A droning or rumbling noise that scales with speed, vibration under load, and a thump or shudder on take‑off. Visual checks may show perished rubber or play at the support.

Can the centre bearing be replaced on its own?
Toyota often supplies the full prop shaft assembly, but reputable driveline shops can press in a quality aftermarket centre support and rebalance the shaft. Correct phasing and alignment are key to avoid recurring vibration.