Parts for your 2006 Toyota Mark x-Centre bearing

2006 Toyota Mark X centre bearing: what it is, why it matters, and how to keep it shipshape

Technical references confirm a centre bearing is fitted and relevant on the 2006 Toyota Mark X (GRX120/GRX121 and GRX125). The Toyota Electronic Parts Catalog (EPC) for these models depicts a two-piece propeller (tail) shaft with a “Bearing Assembly, Centre Support.” Toyota’s factory Repair Manual driveline section details inspection of the centre support bearing and its rubber cushion. Reputable parts catalogues for GRX120/121/125 also list direct-replacement centre support bearings and carrier assemblies. Put simply: the 2006 Mark X uses a two-piece tailshaft, and that design employs a centre bearing.

On this Mark X, the centre bearing sits midway along the two-piece tailshaft, cradled in a rubber carrier and bolted to the body. Its job is to support the shaft, control angles, and tame vibration as torque heads to the rear diff (and, on AWD “Four” models, as part of the front-to-rear driveline too). With the longer wheelbase, a single long shaft would be noisier and more prone to shudder, the centre bearing lets Toyota break the shaft into two pieces for smoother, quieter cruising.

When the bearing or its rubber mount ages, it shows up as a droning or humming that rises with road speed, a shudder on take-off, or a thump when getting on and off the throttle. The rubber can crack or separate, and the bearing can develop play. Left too long, it can stress uni joints and create harshness that no one wants on the daily run.

As part of routine servicing, it’s smart to visually check the carrier rubber for splits, oil soak, and sag, and to spin the shaft by hand with the car safely raised to feel for roughness. There isn’t a fixed replacement interval, condition-based inspection every 40,000–60,000 km works well, or anytime there’s a driveline vibration complaint.

Replacement is straightforward for a driveline specialist: mark the tailshaft for phasing, drop the shaft halves, press off the old bearing, and fit the new one square and fully seated. Fresh hardware and correct tightening are important, as is keeping the original phasing to avoid new vibrations. If the car has done big kilometres or has a persistent shudder, balancing the tailshaft assembly is worth the extra step. On AWD variants, access is tighter, but the principles are the same. Do that lot properly, and the Mark X stays smooth, quiet, and happy at motorway speeds.

• Watch for: shudder on launch, mid-cabin hum, clunk on lift-off, torn carrier rubber.
• Good practice: inspect during transmission, diff, or exhaust work, keep heat shields in place to protect the rubber.
• Pro tip: if a new bearing doesn’t cure the shake, check tailshaft angles, engine/trans mounts, and uni joints.

FAQs

Does a 2006 Toyota Mark X have a centre bearing?
Yes. Toyota’s EPC and factory repair information show a two-piece tailshaft with a centre support bearing on GRX120/121 (RWD) and GRX125 (AWD) models. It’s a standard part of the driveline design.

What are the signs the Mark X centre bearing needs replacing?
Common signs are a speed-related hum, a shudder on take-off, and a thump when getting on and off the throttle. A quick inspection often reveals cracked or sagging rubber around the carrier, or noticeable play/roughness in the bearing.

Is it safe to drive with a worn centre bearing?
Short-term, gentle driving might be possible, but it’s not recommended. A failing centre bearing can accelerate wear on uni joints and mounts, and vibrations can get progressively worse. Booking prompt replacement protects the rest of the driveline and keeps the Mark X smooth.