Parts for your 2005 Toyota Highlander-Centre bearing

2005 Toyota Highlander (Kluger) centre-bearing: what it is, whether it’s fitted, and how to look after it

Based on Toyota’s factory repair information for the first‑generation Highlander/Kluger (2001–2007) and the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue, a centre-bearing (propeller shaft centre support bearing) is used on AWD models because they run a two‑piece propeller shaft to the rear differential. Front‑wheel drive (2WD) models don’t have a propeller shaft at all, so a centre-bearing isn’t fitted or required.

Why it’s not used on 2WD: the 2005 Highlander/Kluger 2WD drives the front wheels only via short front driveshafts (CV shafts). With no rear differential or propeller shaft, there’s nothing mid‑length to support, so a centre-bearing simply isn’t part of the drivetrain.

For AWD models, the centre-bearing sits roughly mid‑way along the two‑piece propeller shaft, secured to the body with a bracket and isolated by a rubber cushion. Its job is to carry the shaft’s weight, keep the alignment steady under load, and soak up vibration before it reaches the cabin. When healthy, it helps the SUV feel smooth on take‑off and at highway speeds.

Service advice for a 2005 Highlander/Kluger AWD centre-bearing: there’s no periodic lubrication (the bearing is sealed), but it should be inspected during routine servicing—especially once the vehicle has clocked up some kilometres, to catch rubber deterioration or play. Typical warning signs include:

• A droning or rumbling that changes with road speed
• Vibration between about 40–80 km/h, often worse on light throttle
• A thud or clunk on take‑off or when shifting from reverse to drive
• Visible cracking or separation in the rubber mount, or looseness when the shaft is levered by hand

If replacement is needed, many workshops prefer to remove the entire propeller shaft, mark the flange positions for balance, then press the old bearing off and the new one on. It’s important to keep the shaft “in phase” and torque the centre support bracket and flange bolts to spec, otherwise new vibrations can appear. Some suppliers offer the bearing as a separate part, while others package it with a new prop shaft—either option is fine, but if pressing the bearing, use proper support to avoid distorting the rubber. After refit, a short road test on varying throttle helps confirm the fix.

While chasing vibrations, it’s smart to also check the universal joints/constant‑velocity joints in the prop shaft, rear differential mount, and engine/trans mounts. Tyre balance and cupping can mimic drivetrain vibrations, so ruling those out saves time.

Technical sources referenced: Toyota Repair Manual procedures for the 2001–2007 Highlander/Kluger AWD propeller shaft (two‑piece with centre support), and the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue listing of a “propeller shaft centre support bearing” for AWD models. These confirm fitment on AWD and absence on 2WD.

Popular questions

Does a 2005 Toyota Highlander/Kluger have a centre-bearing?
AWD models do—there’s a two‑piece propeller shaft with a centre support bearing. 2WD models don’t have a rear prop shaft, so no centre-bearing is fitted.

What are the signs the centre-bearing needs replacing?
Look for a speed‑related drone, vibration at mid‑speeds, a clunk on take‑off, or torn rubber around the bearing. Any play in the support when the shaft is levered is another red flag.

Can the centre-bearing be replaced on its own?
Yes, on this generation it can usually be pressed off and replaced separately, provided the prop shaft is marked for balance and reassembled in phase. Some shops may recommend a complete prop shaft if joints are also worn or if the shaft is damaged.