Parts for your 2008 Honda Stream-Centre bearing

2008 Honda Stream centre-bearing: what’s fitted and what isn’t

For the 2008 Honda Stream, a centre-bearing isn’t used. The Stream (RN6–RN9 platform) runs a transverse engine with front‑wheel drive, so there’s no long tailshaft to the rear that would require a centre support bearing. In workshop terms, a centre-bearing is a support for a two‑piece propeller shaft on rear‑wheel‑drive or all‑wheel‑drive layouts. Technicians checking Honda service information for the RN6–RN9 Driveline/Axle sections, Honda’s electronic parts catalogues, and common ANZ aftermarket catalogues find no propeller shaft or centre support bearing listed for a 2008 Stream, which lines up with the car’s FF (front‑engine, front‑drive) configuration.

Why isn’t it used? The Stream’s drivetrain sends power straight out of the transaxle to two short front driveshafts, so there’s simply no long, two‑piece shaft to support. That packaging keeps weight down, reduces driveline losses, and frees up space — all handy in a compact people mover. A centre-bearing only makes sense when there’s a long shaft running down the car to a rear differential.

Owners sometimes ask about a “centre-bearing” because of vibrations or a hum at speed. On a 2008 Honda Stream, those symptoms are usually down to other wear items. A technician will typically look at:

• CV joints and driveshafts (including split boots or play)
• Right‑hand intermediate driveshaft support bearing (if fitted on the model in question)
• Engine and transmission mounts
• Front wheel bearings and tyre/road noise

If a parts listing or ad mentions a centre-bearing for a 2008 Honda Stream, it’s either a generic template or they’re informally referring to the right‑hand intermediate shaft support bearing used on many FWD Hondas. That support bearing isn’t a tailshaft centre-bearing, but it can cause a similar whirring or vibration when worn. If noise changes with load (on and off throttle) or vibration peaks on acceleration, a workshop can road‑test and then check the driveshafts and that support bearing on a hoist. Replacement is straightforward for a driveline specialist: secure the vehicle, remove the affected shaft, press off the old bearing if serviceable separately (some assemblies are replaced complete), fit the new component, and torque everything to spec. Fresh transmission seals and a wheel alignment check are smart follow‑ups.

FAQs

Does a 2008 Honda Stream have a centre-bearing?
No. The 2008 Honda Stream is front‑wheel drive and doesn’t use a two‑piece tailshaft, so there’s no centre support bearing in its driveline. Honda service info and parts catalogues for the RN6–RN9 platform list no propeller shaft or centre-bearing for this model year.

What causes vibration if there’s no centre-bearing on a 2008 Honda Stream?
Most driveline shakes come from worn CV joints, an ageing right‑hand intermediate shaft support bearing (where fitted), tired engine/gearbox mounts, out‑of‑round tyres, or wheel bearings. A technician will road‑test, inspect the driveshaft boots and play, check mount sag, spin the wheels for bearing noise, and balance or rotate tyres as needed.

Is there a similar bearing that might be mistaken for a centre-bearing?
Yes. Many FWD Hondas use a right‑hand intermediate driveshaft with a support bearing mounted to the engine block. Some people loosely call that a “centre-bearing”. If that bearing wears, it can sound like a tailshaft issue on other cars. Replacement involves removing the shaft, pressing the bearing off (or swapping the shaft assembly), and refitting with new seals where required.