Parts for your 2010 Subaru Impreza-Centre bearing

2010 Subaru Impreza centre-bearing: what it is, how it works, and when to replace it

For the 2010 Subaru Impreza in AWD form, a centre-bearing is absolutely relevant and fitted. Technical documentation confirms this: the Subaru Impreza (GE/GH/GR, MY2010) Workshop Manual’s Propeller Shaft section specifies a two-piece tailshaft with a centre support bearing and bracket, and the Subaru FAST parts catalogue for the same models lists a “Bearing – Propeller Shaft Centre”. Only front-wheel-drive market variants (not typical for Australia or New Zealand) miss out, as they don’t have a rear tailshaft.

The centre-bearing sits mid-way along the Impreza’s two-piece tailshaft, cradled in a rubber-mounted bracket that bolts to the body. Its job is to support the shaft, control angles, and keep vibrations in check under load. It helps the Impreza stay smooth under acceleration and steady at highway speeds by preventing the shaft from whipping and by isolating noise and harshness from the cabin.

• Common signs of wear: a droning or humming from mid-car that changes with road speed, a shudder on take-off, a thump on gear changes, visible cracking or sagging of the rubber hanger, and excess play in the shaft near the bracket.
• Driving impact: left to fail, a sloppy centre-bearing can accelerate wear in universal joints, flog out the bracket, and stress diff and gearbox mounts.

As part of routine servicing, a quick visual and hands-on check while the car’s on the hoist pays off. Look for torn rubber, rust dust, or oily contamination on the bearing mount, and feel for axial or radial play at the centre support. Many workshops give it a once-over at every service