Parts for your 2006 Toyota Caldina-Centre bearing

2006 Toyota Caldina centre-bearing – what’s fitted and what matters

Based on Toyota technical literature, the centre-bearing is only relevant to 2006 Toyota Caldina models equipped with four-wheel drive (AWD/4WD). The Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue (Caldina ST246W/AZT246W, Propeller Shaft section) lists a “Bearing Assy, Centre Support, Propeller Shaft,” while front‑wheel drive (FWD) variants show no propeller shaft at all. The Toyota Caldina Repair Manual (Chassis: Propeller Shaft – 4WD) specifies inspection of the centre support bearing, and Toyota New Car Features for the T240-series details a two‑piece tailshaft with a body‑mounted centre support on AWD cars. Aftermarket catalogues (e.g., GMB, NTN, Febest) also list centre support bearings for ST246W, reinforcing that AWD/GT‑Four models use one. FWD Caldinas don’t, because there’s no rear propeller shaft to support.

On AWD/GT‑Four Caldinas, the centre-bearing sits mid-way along the two‑piece tailshaft, cradled in a rubber mount and bolted to the floor tunnel. Its job is to keep the long shaft aligned, curb vibration, and let the driveline flex a touch as the body and rear diff move over bumps. That support is what keeps take‑offs smooth and highway vibes in check, which is why a tired centre-bearing often shows up as a droning hum, a thump on take‑off, or a buzz that tracks with road speed.

As part of routine servicing, it’s smart to give the centre-bearing a look whenever the car’s on a hoist. Spin the shaft by hand and feel for roughness, check for cracking or sagging rubber, and watch for any play at the bearing. If the rubber is perished or the bearing is noisy, plan a replacement before it takes out the tailshaft uni joints or starts shaking the cabin.

Replacement is a straight job for a competent workshop and a doable driveway task for an experienced DIYer. The big rules are: mark the tailshaft flanges so you can refit in the same orientation, keep the shaft “phasing” the same between front and rear sections, and torque everything to spec. While you’re there, inspect the uni joints, centre hanger bracket, rear diff mount, and exhaust/heat shields you’ll remove for access. Use quality parts (OE or reputable bearing makers) and press the bearing squarely to avoid preloading it. If there’s still a vibration after fitting, have the shaft dynamically balanced.

• Common symptoms: droning/whirring that rises with speed, thump/clunk on take‑off, visible rubber separation, excess play at the support.
• Service tip: inspect at major services or around 100,000–150,000 km, sooner if the car tows or sees rough roads.

Note: FWD Caldina models do not use a tailshaft centre-bearing. Some transverse drivetrains use a right‑hand intermediate driveshaft support bearing, but that’s a different part and not the prop‑shaft centre support described here.

Popular questions

Which 2006 Caldina models actually have a centre-bearing?
Any AWD/4WD variant, including the GT‑Four ST246W and other “246W” codes, uses a two‑piece tailshaft with a centre support bearing. FWD models (e.g., many 1.8 and 2.0 FWD codes) don’t have a tailshaft, so there’s no centre-bearing fitted.

What are the tell‑tale signs the centre-bearing needs replacing?
Look for a droning or humming that follows road speed, a thump/clunk on take‑off, or a coarse vibration under load. Under the car, perished or cracked rubber around the hanger and any free play at the bearing are red flags.

Can it be replaced at home?
Yes, if comfortable working under the car. Mark the shaft for orientation, keep the front and rear sections in phase, and use a press for the bearing. If tools or space are limited, a driveline specialist can swap the bearing and balance the shaft quickly.