Parts for your 2009 Mazda 6-Centre bearing

2009 Mazda 6 centre-bearing: is it used, and what owners should know

Short answer: a centre-bearing isn’t used on the 2009 Mazda 6 sold in Australia and New Zealand. The GH-series Mazda 6 is front-wheel drive, so it doesn’t run a two-piece propeller shaft that would need a centre support bearing. This is confirmed by Mazda’s GH Workshop Manual (Driveline/Axle sections list only front drive shafts, no propeller shaft), the Mazda Electronic Parts Catalogue for GH (no centre/prop shaft listings for AU/NZ models), and period Mazda Australia spec sheets showing FWD across the range.

A centre-bearing is a support bearing mounted mid-way along a long, two-piece propeller shaft—typical on rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive layouts to control shaft whip and NVH. Because the 2009 Mazda 6 is FWD, there’s no prop shaft running to a rear differential, so there’s simply no place or need for a centre-bearing.

One point that trips people up: the GH Mazda 6 does have a right-hand (passenger side) intermediate driveshaft with a support bearing, often called a carrier or intermediate shaft bearing. Some folks casually call this a “centre bearing”, but it’s not the same part or role as the centre support bearing on a prop shaft. If you’re chasing a drivetrain vibration on a 2009 Mazda 6 and you’ve heard “centre-bearing”, what you probably want checked is the intermediate shaft support bearing, engine/trans mounts, CV joints, and tyre/wheel balance.

• Why it’s not used: FWD layout, no rear diff or prop shaft, therefore no centre-bearing required (per Mazda GH Workshop Manual and EPC).
• Common confusion: The RH intermediate shaft support bearing exists and can wear, it’s different to a prop-shaft centre-bearing.
• Owner tip: If there’s a droning vibration under load, a rhythmic shudder on acceleration, or grease leakage/tearing near the RH shaft support, have a technician inspect the intermediate support bearing and CVs.

Worth noting for context: the earlier first‑gen Mazda 6 MPS (2005–2007) was AWD and did use a propeller shaft with a centre support bearing. That model ended before the 2009 GH series and doesn’t apply to AU/NZ 2009 cars.

Technical sources referenced: Mazda 6 (GH) Workshop Manual 2008–2012, Driveline/Axle, Mazda Electronic Parts Catalogue (GH), Mazda Australia 2009 Mazda 6 specification brochures.

Popular questions

Does a 2009 Mazda 6 have a centre-bearing?
No. The 2009 GH-series Mazda 6 in Australia and New Zealand is front-wheel drive and doesn’t use a prop shaft or centre support bearing. Any “centre-bearing” talk usually refers to the right-hand intermediate shaft support bearing instead.

What causes vibration on acceleration if there’s no centre-bearing?
On these cars, common culprits are worn CV joints, a tired RH intermediate shaft support bearing, engine or transmission mounts starting to sag, or wheel/tyre issues. A technician will check shaft play at the support bearing, look for torn rubber, and assess CV boots and joints.

Can the intermediate shaft support bearing be replaced on a 2009 Mazda 6?
Yes, though procedures vary by engine and supplier. Some workshops replace the bearing on the shaft, others fit a complete intermediate shaft assembly. Quality OEM or reputable aftermarket parts and proper shaft alignment help prevent repeat vibrations.