Parts for your 2011 Honda Elysion-Centre bearing

2011 Honda Elysion centre-bearing — whether it’s fitted and what it does

Based on Honda’s technical literature, a centre-bearing (centre support bearing) is fitted to 2011 Honda Elysion models that are four-wheel drive, but not to front-wheel drive variants. The Honda Elysion Service Manual (Driveline/Axle — Propeller Shaft, 4WD) details inspection and replacement of a propeller shaft centre-bearing on RR2/RR4 models, while the Honda Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) shows a “Center Bearing Assembly” under the Propeller Shaft section for RR2/RR4 and no propeller shaft at all for RR1/RR3 front-wheel drive models. That’s because the FWD Elysion drives the front wheels via a transaxle and uses no longitudinal propeller shaft, so there’s no need for a centre-bearing.

For Elysion 4WD owners, the centre-bearing supports the two-piece propeller shaft that sends drive to the rear differential. It sits roughly mid-way along the vehicle, cradling the shaft in a rubber-insulated bearing to keep it running true, dampen vibration, and handle changes in angle as the body moves. When healthy, it helps the Elysion feel smooth on take-off and at highway speeds.

As part of routine servicing, workshops typically inspect the centre-bearing for cracked rubber, excessive play, rust-stained grease, or noise. Common symptoms of wear include a low-frequency rumble or droning between about 40–80 km/h, vibration under load, or a thump on take-off. If any of those show up, a road test combined with underbody inspection (with the vehicle safely lifted) is the go.

Replacement is straightforward for a competent technician: the prop shaft is marked for orientation, removed in two halves, and the old bearing is pressed off and the new one installed with correct phasing maintained. The slotted mount is set to a neutral, stress-free position before final torque. It’s a good moment to check the universal joints, flex couplings, and rear diff mount, and to replace any tired fasteners or centre-bearing dust shields. Genuine or high-quality aftermarket bearings both see use, the key is correct fitment and alignment.

There’s no fixed kilometre interval for replacement — condition-based checks at regular services (say, every 20,000 km) suit most Elysions. Vehicles doing lots of towing, carrying heavy loads, or running on rough roads may need earlier attention. Left too long, a failing centre-bearing can accelerate wear in the prop shaft and driveline, so addressing early signs saves hassle.

For FWD Elysion owners (RR1/RR3), a centre-bearing isn’t present because there’s no propeller shaft. Any vibration concerns on those vehicles are more likely related to engine mounts, driveshafts (CVs), tyres, or wheels.

• Fitted on: 4WD Elysion RR2/RR4 (propeller shaft present)
• Not used on: FWD Elysion RR1/RR3 (no propeller shaft)
• Technical sources: Honda Elysion Service Manual (Driveline/Axle — Propeller Shaft, 4WD), Honda EPC listings for RR2/RR4 (Propeller Shaft and Center Bearing Assembly) vs RR1/RR3 (no Propeller Shaft section)

Popular questions

Does my 2011 Elysion actually have a centre-bearing?
It depends on drivetrain. Four-wheel drive models (commonly coded RR2 or RR4) have a two-piece propeller shaft with a centre-bearing. Front-wheel drive models (RR1 or RR3) don’t. A quick look under the vehicle for a longitudinal shaft to the rear diff, or checking the build plate/model code, will clarify it.

What are the tell-tale signs the centre-bearing needs replacing?
Rumble or droning that rises with road speed, vibration on acceleration, and a clunk on take-off are classic symptoms. Visual signs include perished rubber around the bearing or rusty staining. A technician can confirm with a lift inspection and a targeted road test.

Is there a set replacement interval?
No set interval. Most workshops inspect at regular services and replace on condition. Vehicles used for towing, heavily loaded trips, or rough roads may see faster wear and benefit from more frequent checks.