Parts for your 2010 Toyota Vitz|yaris-Centre bearing

2010 Toyota Vitz/Yaris centre-bearing — is it fitted, and does it matter?

For the 2010 Toyota Vitz/Yaris (XP90 series) sold in Australia and New Zealand, a centre-bearing isn’t fitted and isn’t relevant to routine servicing. Technical references back this up: the Toyota Repair Manual (TIS) for XP90 front-wheel-drive models covers the transaxle and front drive shafts only, with no “Propeller Shaft” or “Centre Support Bearing” section. Likewise, the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) for AU/NZ market codes (KSP90, SCP90, NCP90/91) doesn’t list a centre-bearing. Where a centre-bearing does appear in Toyota documentation is on the 4WD variant (commonly referenced as NCP95 in JDM literature), which uses a propeller shaft.

Why isn’t there a centre-bearing on the usual AU/NZ 2010 Vitz/Yaris? Because it’s a transverse-engine, front-wheel-drive layout. Power goes straight through the transaxle to two short CV drive shafts. A centre-bearing only makes sense on vehicles with a long, two-piece propeller shaft — typical of rear-wheel drive or certain all-wheel drive setups — where the shaft needs mid-span support. With no prop shaft on local FWD Yaris models, there’s simply nothing to support.

There is one edge case worth noting. Some grey-import, Japan-market 4WD Vitz models from the same era do have a propeller shaft and a centre-bearing. If the vehicle is an imported 4WD (often identifiable by a rear differential and a prop shaft running down the tunnel), the centre-bearing becomes a normal wear item. In that scenario, owners might notice a droning noise, vibration under load, or a thump on take-off when the rubber support fatigues.

• FWD AU/NZ 2010 Vitz/Yaris: no centre-bearing fitted, nothing to service.
• JDM 4WD imports: centre-bearing may be present, inspect if there’s vibration or noise.

If dealing with a 4WD import, a driveline specialist can check the bearing play, the rubber support, and prop shaft balance. Replacement typically involves removing the shaft, pressing in a new support bearing, and refitting with correct alignment. Always confirm parts against the VIN in the Toyota EPC and follow the torque and alignment procedures in TIS.

Popular questions about 2010 Toyota Vitz/Yaris centre-bearing

Does a 2010 Toyota Vitz/Yaris have a centre-bearing?
Most AU/NZ 2010 Vitz/Yaris models are front-wheel drive and don’t use a centre-bearing at all. There’s no propeller shaft on these cars, so there’s nothing for a centre support to hold up.

Some Japan-market 4WD imports from the same generation do have a prop shaft and, with it, a centre-bearing. If the car has a rear diff and a prop shaft, it’s the 4WD type and may have a centre-bearing to inspect.

How can someone tell if their Vitz/Yaris is 4WD and has a centre-bearing?
A quick look underneath is the easiest check. If there’s a prop shaft running from the front to a rear differential, it’s a 4WD layout and will likely have a centre-bearing mounted mid-way along the shaft.

Owners can also confirm via the VIN/model code and build plate, or by referencing the Toyota EPC and TIS for their specific variant.

My 2010 Yaris vibrates at highway speeds — could it be the centre-bearing?
If it’s a standard AU/NZ front-wheel-drive Yaris, there is no centre-bearing, so look to other usual suspects: tyre balance or condition, bent wheels, worn engine/trans mounts, or CV joints.

On a 4WD import, a tired centre-bearing can cause a droning or buzzing vibration that changes with road speed. A driveline inspection will pinpoint whether the bearing, universal joints, or shaft balance are to blame.