Parts for your 2006 Honda Elysion-Centre bearing

2006 Honda Elysion centre-bearing: fitted only on 4WD models

Based on Honda’s technical literature and parts cataloguing, the 2006 Honda Elysion only uses a centre-bearing (centre support bearing for the propeller shaft) on Real Time 4WD models. Front‑wheel‑drive Elysion variants don’t have a propeller shaft running to the rear, so there’s no centre-bearing fitted or required.

Technical references consulted: Honda Elysion (RR‑series) Service Manual, Driveline/Axle — Propeller Shaft section (Real Time 4WD models), Honda Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) entries for Elysion RR2/RR4 showing a two‑piece propeller shaft with a centre support bearing, EPC entries for RR1/RR3 (FWD) showing no propeller shaft. Honda’s Real Time 4WD system documents also describe the front transaxle with a transfer output to a rear differential via a prop shaft supported mid‑span.

Why FWD Elysion models don’t use a centre-bearing: the transversely mounted engine/gearbox drives the front wheels via short front drive shafts only. With no rear driveline, there’s no long, two‑piece propeller shaft to support, so a centre-bearing isn’t part of the design.

If the vehicle is a 2006 Honda Elysion 4WD (commonly RR2 or RR4), a centre-bearing is fitted. Its job is to support the two‑piece propeller shaft along the chassis, keeping the shaft aligned under load, controlling vibration, and isolating driveline noise through a rubber carrier. When healthy, the bearing keeps the prop shaft running true so take‑offs are smooth and highway cruising is quiet. When it starts to go, owners often notice a shudder on take‑off, a deep vibration between about 40–80 km/h, or a dull thump when getting on and off the throttle. Visual checks may show torn rubber in the carrier or noticeable play when the shaft is levered by hand.

As part of routine servicing in Australia and New Zealand, it’s smart to inspect the centre-bearing on 4WD Elysion models whenever the vehicle is in the air—listen for bearing roughness when spinning the shaft, check the carrier rubber for cracks or separation, and confirm the mounting bracket hardware is tight. Because many Honda prop shafts use staked or non‑serviceable universal joints, bearing replacement may require pressing the old bearing off the shaft and re‑balancing the assembly, or replacing the shaft as a unit where specified. Mark the shaft orientation before removal, support heat shields and exhaust, and refit with correct alignment to avoid driveline angles that cause new vibrations. If the bearing is noisy, the rubber is perished, or there’s noticeable movement at the carrier, replacement is the reliable fix. After any driveline work, a road test on a smooth road is essential to verify that vibrations are gone and that the 4WD system engages cleanly without knocks. While you’re there, a quick check of rear diff mounts and prop shaft joints helps catch other causes of shudder that can mimic a tired centre-bearing.

• Relevant models with centre-bearing: 2006 Elysion 4WD (Real Time 4WD, typically RR2/RR4)
• Not applicable: 2006 Elysion FWD (RR1/RR3) — no propeller shaft, no centre-bearing

Sources (technical): Honda Elysion RR‑series Service Manual (Driveline/Axle — Propeller Shaft, Real Time 4WD description), Honda Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) for RR2/RR4 propeller shaft assembly with centre support bearing, EPC for RR1/RR3 showing no prop shaft, Honda Real Time 4WD system overview materials.

Popular questions

How can someone tell if their 2006 Elysion actually has a centre-bearing?
If it’s a 4WD model (often badged Real Time 4WD, and with RR2 or RR4 chassis codes), it will have a propeller shaft running to the rear diff with a centre support mid‑way. A FWD Elysion (RR1/RR3) won’t have a rear diff or prop shaft at all. A quick look underneath: if there’s a long shaft down the tunnel to the rear, there’s a centre-bearing.

What symptoms point to a failing centre-bearing on a 4WD Elysion?
Common giveaways include a take‑off shudder, a droning or humming that gets worse at certain speeds, and a thump when lifting off or reapplying throttle. In the workshop, torn carrier rubber or noticeable play when levering the shaft near the bearing is a strong sign it’s time for replacement.

Is it okay to keep driving with a worn centre-bearing?
It’ll usually still move, but it’s not ideal. Excess play can accelerate wear in prop shaft joints and mounts, and the vibration can be harsh on other components. For safety and to protect the rest of the driveline, it’s best to book a replacement sooner rather than later.