Parts for your 2008 Mazda 6-Centre bearing

2008 Mazda 6 centre-bearing: is it actually a thing on this model?

Short answer: for the 2008 Mazda 6 sold new in Australia and most New Zealand deliveries (GH series), a centre-bearing isn’t fitted or required. That model is front-wheel drive with no rear propeller shaft, so there’s nothing for a traditional “centre support bearing” to support.

This isn’t just hearsay. Technical sources for the GH platform back it up:

• Mazda 6 (GH) Workshop Manual, Driveline/Axle – covers front drive shafts and transaxle only, there’s no Propeller Shaft section for FWD models.
• Mazda Electronic Parts Catalogue (GH) – no listing for a propeller shaft centre support bearing on AU/NZ GH, only front axle components and an intermediate shaft bearing where applicable.
• Model history – the AWD Mazda 6 MPS (GG) with a prop shaft and centre support ended prior to the GH (2008) range, GH sold new in AU/NZ is FWD.

Why it’s not used: a centre-bearing supports a long, two-piece propeller shaft on AWD or rear-wheel drive vehicles. The 2008 Mazda 6 runs a transverse engine and a transaxle up front sending power to two front halfshafts, so there’s no long shaft down the middle of the car to support. No prop shaft means no centre-bearing.

What sometimes causes confusion is the right-hand (passenger side) intermediate driveshaft support bearing used on some FWD setups. That’s a small support bearing for the front axle’s intermediate shaft, not a prop shaft centre-bearing. If an owner’s chasing a rumble or vibration on acceleration in a 2008 Mazda 6, a tech will usually check:

• Front CV joints and boots for play or damage
• Wheel balance, tyre condition, and alignment
• The intermediate shaft support bearing (if fitted on that engine/trans combo)
• Engine and transmission mounts

A quick note for New Zealand used imports: some JDM Atenza (GH) wagons were available with 4WD. Those vehicles do use a propeller shaft and a centre support bearing, but they’re the exception rather than the rule. If the car is a JDM 4WD import, a shop will confirm by checking for a rear differential and prop shaft.

For everyone else with a standard AU/NZ 2008 Mazda 6 FWD, there’s no centre-bearing on the car, and it’s not a service item to worry about. Keeping on top of CV boots, front bearings, tyres, and mounts is where the value is.

• Does a 2008 Mazda 6 have a centre-bearing?
  For Australian-delivered and most New Zealand GH models, no. They’re front-wheel drive with no prop shaft. Some JDM 4WD Atenza imports do have a prop shaft and a centre support bearing, but that’s a different spec.
• What part gets mixed up with a centre-bearing on this car?
  The right-hand intermediate driveshaft support bearing (if fitted). It supports a short front axle shaft, not a rear propeller shaft. Different job, different location.
• What should be checked if there’s vibration under load?
  A technician will look at front CV joints, the intermediate shaft support bearing, wheel balance and tyres, plus engine and transmission mounts. Those are the usual suspects on a FWD GH Mazda 6.