Parts for your 2007 Toyota Highlander-Centre bearing

2007 Toyota Highlander centre-bearing: what it is, and whether your Highlander has one

Based on Toyota’s technical literature and parts data, a centre-bearing is used on 2007 Toyota Highlander models equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD), and not used on front-wheel drive (FWD) models. The Toyota Repair Manual for Highlander (Drivetrain/Axle – Propeller Shaft, AWD) details inspection and service of the centre support bearing on the two-piece propeller shaft. The Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) for 2007 Highlander AWD (ACU25/MCU25/GSU25) lists a Bearing Assembly, Centre Support, Propeller Shaft (commonly referenced as P/N 37230‑48020) as a service part. Conversely, FWD variants have no rear propeller shaft, so there’s no centre-bearing fitted.

For AWD 2007 Highlanders, the centre-bearing sits midway along the two-piece prop shaft, supporting it and keeping everything aligned as torque is sent to the rear differential. It rides in a rubber isolator that soaks up vibration and movement from body flex, acceleration and bump inputs. When it’s healthy, the driveline feels smooth and quiet, when it’s tired, owners tend to notice a hum or vibration that ramps up with road speed.

Good servicing practice is to check the centre-bearing whenever the vehicle’s on a hoist for driveline work or scheduled inspections. A technician will look for torn rubber, sagging support, excessive free play, or roughness when the shaft is rotated by hand. It’s smart to inspect adjacent hardware at the same time—prop shaft joints, flanges, mounts and heat shields—because issues can stack up and mimic each other.

• Common signs of wear: droning or humming between 40–80 km/h, vibration on throttle, a clunk on take-off, visible cracking or separation of the rubber support.
• Replacement tips: mark the flanges for reassembly alignment, keep the shaft “in phase,” and torque fasteners to spec. Aftermarket bearings often require a press, many workshops prefer replacing the complete propeller shaft if joints are non-serviceable.
• Care notes: the bearing is sealed, so no greasing, preventing water and mud ingress (and washing it off after off-road or beach use) helps longevity.

For FWD 2007 Highlanders, there’s no centre-bearing because the transaxle drives only the front wheels—there’s no rear prop shaft to support. That’s why centre-bearing parts won’t apply to those vehicles.

Owners aiming for a quiet, fuss-free AWD Highlander should treat centre-bearing checks as part of routine servicing—especially if the vehicle tows, sees corrugated roads, or has clocked higher kilometres. Catching a soft support early can save tyres, mounts and passengers from needless vibration.

Does every 2007 Toyota Highlander have a centre-bearing?

No. Only AWD models have a centre-bearing because they use a two-piece propeller shaft to drive the rear wheels. FWD models don’t have a rear prop shaft, so there’s no centre-bearing fitted or needed.

What symptoms point to a failing centre-bearing on a 2007 Highlander?

Typical giveaways include a low drone or hum that grows with road speed, vibration on acceleration, a thud on take-off, and a visibly sagging or cracked rubber support. Those symptoms can overlap with tyre or joint problems, so a proper inspection on a hoist is the go.

Can the centre-bearing be replaced on its own, or is a whole shaft needed?

The bearing and support can often be replaced separately with the right tools (a press and correct support fixtures). Some shafts have non-serviceable joints, and in those cases a complete propeller shaft assembly can be the more reliable fix. A trusted driveline specialist can advise after inspection.