Parts for your 2012 Honda Cr-v-Centre bearing

2012 Honda CR‑V centre-bearing

Based on technical sources, a centre-bearing (also called a centre support or carrier bearing) is used on 2012 Honda CR‑V models equipped with Real Time AWD, it is not fitted to front‑wheel‑drive (2WD) variants. Honda’s 2012–2016 CR‑V service information details a two‑piece propeller shaft with a centre support bearing for AWD models, and the Honda parts catalogue lists the propeller shaft assembly (bearing included) as a service part, while no such shaft or bearing exists for 2WD models. Aftermarket catalogues also list centre support bearings and complete prop shafts specifically for 2012 CR‑V AWD, reinforcing that the bearing is relevant only to AWD vehicles.

For AWD owners, the centre-bearing’s job is to support the two‑piece prop shaft that sends drive to the rear differential. It keeps the shaft running true, reduces vibration, and helps the AWD system stay smooth and quiet on the open road. From the factory, Honda supplies the bearing as part of the complete prop shaft assembly, and the bearing itself is sealed and non‑greaseable.

What owners tend to notice when a centre-bearing is on the way out is extra noise and vibration. Common tell‑tales include:

• A droning or humming that changes with road speed, often around 60–90 km/h
• A shudder on take‑off or a buzz on light throttle and overrun
• Visible cracking or sagging of the rubber hanger around the bearing

There’s no routine maintenance beyond inspection, but it’s smart to have the centre-bearing checked during scheduled servicing if any of the above symptoms pop up. A technician will look for play in the bearing, torn rubber, and any prop shaft imbalance or misalignment.

When replacement is needed, there are two paths: fit a complete new or remanufactured prop shaft assembly, or rebuild the existing shaft with a quality aftermarket centre support bearing. The full assembly is the OE‑style fix and avoids balancing issues, a rebuild can be cost‑effective if done carefully. Either way, it’s important to mark the shaft’s orientation before removal so phasing and balance are preserved, use new fasteners where specified, and torque everything to spec. A quick road test afterwards will confirm that the vibration has gone and the AWD system is behaving as it should.

For 2WD 2012 CR‑V models, a centre-bearing isn’t used because there’s no rear driveline to support. The transaxle drives the front wheels directly via two short half‑shafts, so a prop shaft and its centre support are simply not required.

Technical sources referenced: Honda CR‑V 2012–2016 Service Manual (Driveline/Axle: Propeller Shaft), Honda Electronic Parts Catalogue for 2012 CR‑V AWD (propeller shaft assembly with carrier bearing), and major aftermarket parts catalogues that list centre support bearings and propeller shafts specifically for 2012 CR‑V AWD.

Popular questions about 2012 Honda CR‑V centre-bearing

Does a 2012 Honda CR‑V have a centre-bearing?
Yes, AWD models do. They use a two‑piece prop shaft with a centre support bearing. Front‑wheel‑drive (2WD) models don’t have a prop shaft, so there’s no centre-bearing fitted.

What are the symptoms of a failing centre-bearing on a CR‑V?
Typical signs are a speed‑related hum or drone, a vibration or shudder on take‑off, and visible cracking or sagging of the rubber hanger. If symptoms change with road speed rather than engine speed, the centre-bearing or prop shaft balance is a likely suspect.

Can the 2012 CR‑V centre-bearing be replaced on its own?
Honda supplies the bearing as part of the complete prop shaft assembly. However, reputable aftermarket centre support bearings are available and can be installed by a driveline specialist, provided the shaft is marked, reassembled in phase, and checked for balance.