Parts for your 2011 Audi Q5-Centre bearing

2011 Audi Q5 centre-bearing: what it is, why it matters, and when to replace it

For the 2011 Audi Q5 (8R) with quattro, a centre-bearing is absolutely used and relevant. Technical references including the Audi Workshop Manual (ElsaWin) – Q5 (8R) Propeller Shaft, Rep. Gr. 39, Audi Self‑Study Programme 424: The Audi Q5, and Audi ETKA – Group 52 (Propeller shaft) all specify a two‑piece tailshaft (propeller shaft) supported mid‑span by a rubber‑mounted centre support bearing.

On this Q5, the centre-bearing carries the tailshaft through the middle of the vehicle and keeps it running true under load. It cushions vibration, maintains alignment between the transmission and rear differential, and helps the CV joints do their job smoothly. When it’s healthy, the cabin feels calm on take‑off and at motorway speeds, when it’s failing, the driver can cop shakes, droning and thumps on and off the throttle.

It’s not a routine “consume-and-replace” item, but it does age. Heat, road grime, and time harden and crack the rubber carrier, while bearing wear can introduce play. Once the rubber sags, the shaft sits low, angle changes increase, and vibration ramps up—especially around 80–110 km/h or during brisk acceleration.

• Typical clues: shudder on take‑off, rhythmic vibration at speed, a clunk when shifting from drive to coast, visible tearing or separation of the rubber carrier, or polished witness marks around the bearing mount.
• Service checks: at regular underbody inspections (e.g., 60,000 km intervals), inspect the centre-bearing rubber, carrier bracket, prop shaft CV boots, and heat shields, check for excess play and any contact marks.

Audi generally supplies the centre-bearing with the complete propeller shaft assembly, so the common dealership fix is replacing the whole shaft. Quality aftermarket centre-bearing kits exist, but pressing the old bearing off/on and preserving shaft balance is specialist work. If going the kit route, a driveline shop with balancing gear is the safe bet.

• Replacement tips: mark flanges before removal, follow factory torque specs and sequence, renew single‑use bolts where specified, and verify centre support preload/alignment per workshop procedure. After install, road‑test for vibration under light and heavy load.
• Why act early: running a collapsed support can flog out CV joints, rattle heat shields, and in extreme cases let the shaft contact the underbody or exhaust.

Most 2011 Q5s in Australia and New Zealand are quattro and therefore have this centre-bearing. In markets where a front‑wheel‑drive Q5 exists, there’s no tailshaft—so no centre-bearing.

Popular questions

Does every 2011 Audi Q5 have a centre-bearing?

Quattro models do, because they use a two‑piece tailshaft to drive the rear axle. In AU/NZ, the 2011 Q5 range is predominantly quattro, so a centre-bearing is fitted. In markets where a front‑wheel‑drive Q5 was sold, there’s no tailshaft and no centre-bearing.

Can the centre-bearing be replaced on its own, or is a whole tailshaft needed?

From Audi, the typical supply is the complete prop shaft. Aftermarket centre-bearing kits are available, but they need careful pressing and rebalancing. Many workshops prefer a complete shaft for reliability, driveline specialists can fit a bearing kit and balance the assembly.

What are the main signs the Q5 centre-bearing is on the way out?

Look for shudder on take‑off, vibration around 80–110 km/h, a thump when getting on/off the throttle, and visible cracking or separation of the rubber carrier. Any metal‑on‑metal noise near the shaft centre is a red flag—get it checked promptly.