Parts for your 2007 Honda Stream-Centre bearing

2007 Honda Stream centre-bearing: does it have one?

Based on Honda’s technical literature, whether a 2007 Honda Stream has a centre-bearing depends on the driveline. The second‑generation Stream (chassis codes RN6–RN9) was built primarily as front‑wheel drive (FWD), with select Japanese‑market variants available as four‑wheel drive (4WD). The Honda Stream Service Manual (Driveline/Axle) includes a Propeller Shaft section with a “Centre (Center) Bearing” procedure for 4WD models, but no such component appears in the FWD driveline sections. Likewise, Honda’s Electronic Parts Catalogue lists a propeller shaft and centre support/bearing for RN7/RN9 (4WD) models, while RN6/RN8 (FWD) listings have no prop shaft group at all.

• FWD (RN6/RN8): No centre-bearing is used, because there’s no propeller shaft to the rear—drive goes directly to the front wheels via short driveshafts.
• 4WD (RN7/RN9): A two‑piece propeller shaft runs to the rear differential and is supported mid‑span by a centre-bearing mounted to the body.

If the vehicle is FWD, a centre-bearing isn’t relevant. These models don’t need one because there’s no long shaft under the floor to support—only the front transaxle and driveshafts. Note: some FWD Streams use a right‑hand intermediate driveshaft with a carrier bearing on the engine block, that’s different to a prop‑shaft centre support bearing and isn’t referred to as a “centre-bearing” in Honda’s manuals.

For 4WD 2007 Honda Stream models, the centre-bearing does an important job. It holds the two‑piece prop shaft steady, keeping the shaft aligned and dampening vibration as torque heads rearward. When it’s healthy, the car feels smooth on take‑off and at highway speeds. When it’s tired, owners may notice a dull drone or humming between 40–80 km/h, a shudder launching off the line, or a vibration that worsens under load. Because many Streams in Australia and New Zealand are JDM imports and live near the coast, the rubber isolator around the bearing can harden or crack faster from heat and salt exposure, so periodic checks are a smart move.

As part of routine servicing, workshops should inspect the prop shaft assembly on 4WD cars every major service—look for torn rubber, play in the bearing, rust at the bracket, and sling‑flung grease. If there’s noticeable movement or noise, plan a replacement before it starts shaking other components about. Honda’s parts catalogue typically supplies the propeller shaft as an assembly, which is why many workshops replace the whole shaft, however, specialist driveline shops may offer a quality centre-bearing replacement and re‑balance service. Either way, the prop shaft should be marked before removal so the front and rear halves go back in phase, and all fasteners should be tightened to spec. After fitting, a road test on a smooth section of tarmac will quickly confirm if the vibration has gone.

Good practice is to check nearby bits at the same time—rear diff mounts, exhaust clearances and engine/trans mounts—since wear there can mimic or worsen driveline shakes. For drivers of FWD Streams, relax: there’s no centre-bearing to service. Just don’t confuse the front intermediate shaft’s support bearing (if fitted) with a rear prop shaft centre-bearing—they’re different parts with different jobs.

• How do I tell if my 2007 Stream has a centre-bearing?
• What are the signs a 4WD Stream’s centre-bearing is failing?
• Can the centre-bearing be replaced on its own?

How do I tell if my 2007 Stream has a centre-bearing?
If there’s a prop shaft running down the centre of the car to a rear differential, it’s a 4WD and has a centre-bearing. Chassis codes RN7/RN9 usually indicate 4WD, RN6/RN8 are FWD and won’t have one. A quick peek underneath or a check of the build plate/spec sheet will settle it.

What are the signs a 4WD Stream’s centre-bearing is failing?
Common cues include a humming or droning that changes with speed, a shudder on take‑off, and a vibration under acceleration that eases off on light throttle. Also watch for cracked rubber around the bearing or visible shaft movement at the support bracket.

Can the centre-bearing be replaced on its own?
Honda generally supplies the propeller shaft as a complete assembly for this model, so many workshops replace the lot. That said, some driveline specialists in AU/NZ can press in a quality replacement bearing and re‑balance the shaft. The best option comes down to parts availability, cost and the shaft’s overall condition.