Parts for your 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer-Centre bearing

2010 Mitsubishi Lancer centre bearing — is it used?

For most 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer models sold in Australia and New Zealand (the front‑wheel drive CJ series), a centre bearing isn’t fitted or required. That’s because these Lancers use a transaxle driving the front wheels via short CV shafts, so there’s no long propeller shaft running down the car that would need a centre support bearing. This layout is confirmed in Mitsubishi’s factory Service Manual for CJ/CF Lancer, where the propeller shaft and its centre support only appear in the AWD sections (Ralliart/Evolution), and in Mitsubishi’s ASA electronic parts catalogue, which lists a carrier/centre support only for AWD variants.

Who does and doesn’t have one? Easy check below.

• FWD 2010 Lancer (common trims like ES/VR/VR‑X/SX/Aspire 2.0/2.4): No centre bearing fitted, because there’s no prop shaft.
• AWD models (2010 Lancer Ralliart and Lancer Evolution X with AWC/S‑AWC): Yes, they run a multi‑piece propeller shaft with a centre support bearing.

Why the FWD cars don’t use a centre bearing comes down to drivetrain design. A centre bearing’s job is to support a long, two‑piece propeller shaft in rear‑ or all‑wheel drive layouts. The FWD Lancer doesn’t have that shaft, so there’s nothing to support. If a driver in a FWD Lancer is chasing vibrations or a droning noise, they’ll want to look at front wheel bearings, CV joints, engine/gearbox mounts, or tyre balance rather than a non‑existent centre bearing.

Technical references used: Mitsubishi Motors Lancer CJ/CF Service Manual (driveline sections: front axle/transaxle for FWD, propeller shaft only in AWD chapters), and Mitsubishi ASA parts listings showing a carrier/centre support for AWD Ralliart/Evo but not for FWD CJ Lancer.

For owners of the AWD Ralliart or Evolution X, the centre support bearing is a real part of the driveline. If there’s a rumble that rises with road speed, vibration on throttle, or visible cracking in the carrier’s rubber, it’s time to have it inspected. Replacement typically involves removing the prop shaft, marking flanges to maintain alignment, checking universal joints/CV on the shaft, and torquing mount hardware to spec per the workshop manual. Regular servicing should include a quick visual on the carrier rubber and fasteners whenever the car’s on a hoist.

Popular questions about the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer centre bearing

Does my 2010 Lancer have a centre bearing?
Most FWD 2010 Lancers do not. Only the AWD Ralliart and Evolution X variants have a centre support bearing on the prop shaft. If there’s no rear differential or prop shaft under the car, there’s no centre bearing.

What’s causing vibration in my FWD Lancer if it’s not a centre bearing?
Common culprits are worn front wheel bearings, out‑of‑balance or cupped tyres, bent wheels, tired engine/gearbox mounts, or a noisy CV joint. A workshop can road test, then check tyres/wheels, hub play, and mounts to pinpoint it.

How can I tell if my Lancer is AWD and might have a centre bearing?
Look underneath: an AWD Lancer will have a prop shaft running to a rear differential. The build plate and owner’s manual will also list AWC/S‑AWC on Ralliart/Evo models. If it’s AWD, it’ll have a centre support bearing on the prop shaft assembly.