Parts for your 2011 Nissan Navara-Centre bearing

2011 Nissan Navara centre-bearing: what’s fitted and how to look after it

For the 2011 Nissan Navara (D40), a centre-bearing is relevant and fitted on most variants because they run a two-piece tailshaft. Dual-cab and the majority of 4x4 models use a centre support bearing mounted to the chassis to steady the prop shaft. Some short-wheelbase single-cab 4x2 utes may have a one-piece tailshaft and therefore no centre-bearing. This fitment is backed by technical sources: the Nissan Navara D40 Series Service Manual (PD – Propeller Shaft section) illustrates a two-piece propeller shaft with a centre bearing, the Nissan FAST electronic parts catalogue lists a “propeller shaft centre bearing assembly” for D40, and aftermarket driveline catalogues used in AU/NZ workshops also list centre support bearings for 2011 D40 Navaras.

What does the centre-bearing do? It supports the middle of the two-piece tailshaft, keeping everything aligned under load and at highway speed. That cuts down vibration, protects the universal joints, and helps the Navara put torque to the rear diff smoothly, whether it’s towing a trailer or bouncing along a corrugated road.

There’s no fixed replacement interval, but it’s smart to inspect the centre-bearing at every service, especially if the vehicle tows, carries big loads, or runs a suspension lift. Look for cracks in the rubber carrier, a sloppy or seized bearing, or a sagging mount.

• Common symptoms of a tired centre-bearing:
  • Shudder on take-off or under load
  • Driveline vibration that’s worst around 60–90 km/h
  • Rumbling or droning noise from mid-cabin
  • Clunks when shifting from drive to reverse

Replacement is straightforward workshop work, but it’s not a “spanners-in-the-driveway” job for most people because the tailshaft needs to come out and go back in correctly phased and balanced.

1. Mark tailshaft orientation before removal to preserve balance and phasing.
2. Inspect and, if needed, replace universal joints at the same time.
3. Press off the old bearing, install the new unit squarely and to spec.
4. Reinstall with new hardware where required, torque fasteners to the D40 FSM specs.
5. On lifted Navaras, check driveline angles and centre-bearing mount height or spacers to reduce operating angle and vibration.

If the centre-bearing is ignored once it starts failing, it can accelerate U-joint wear, damage the tailshaft, and make the ute unpleasant to drive. A quality replacement part and proper install will restore that smooth, confident feel the Navara is known for.

Popular questions

Does every 2011 Navara have a centre-bearing?
Most do. Dual-cab and 4x4 D40s typically use a two-piece tailshaft with a centre-bearing. Some short-wheelbase single-cab 4x2 versions may run a one-piece tailshaft and won’t have one. A quick look underneath will confirm it: two-piece shaft with a rubber-mounted support bracket in the middle means it’s fitted.

What does a worn centre-bearing feel like?
Drivers usually notice a shudder on take-off, mid-cabin vibration at certain speeds, or a low rumble that rises with road speed. The rubber carrier can crack or sag, letting the shaft sit off-centre and creating those vibrations.

How much does replacement usually cost?
In Australia and New Zealand, expect ballpark figures of parts in the $100–$300 range and 1.5–3.0 hours of labour, depending on workshop and whether U-joints are done at the same time. Pricing varies with brand and vehicle condition.