Parts for your 2012 Mazda 3-Centre bearing

2012 Mazda 3 centre bearing — does it have one?

For the 2012 Mazda 3 (BL series), a tailshaft centre bearing isn’t fitted or required. Technical references including the Mazda factory BL-series Workshop Manual (Driveline/Axle), Autodata, and common parts catalogues confirm the Mazda 3 is front‑wheel drive only, with no propeller (tail) shaft. Because there’s no two‑piece tailshaft, there’s no centre support bearing on this model.

What sometimes causes confusion is the right‑hand front driveshaft setup. Many 2012 Mazda 3 variants use a right‑hand intermediate (stub) shaft that runs from the transaxle to the outer CV shaft, and that intermediate shaft is supported by a bracket with a carrier bearing. Mazda’s workshop literature and EPC list this as an intermediate or carrier bearing in the front axle group, not a tailshaft centre bearing. Different job, different location, different symptoms.

Why a centre bearing isn’t used on the 2012 Mazda 3:

• Transverse engine and front‑wheel drive layout — no rear differential, no prop/tailshaft to support.
• Factory service information has no “propeller shaft” section for BL Mazda 3, therefore no centre support bearing is specified.
• Parts catalogues list a right‑hand intermediate shaft with a carrier bearing under the front driveline, not a tailshaft centre bearing.

Chasing a vibration or droning noise and thought it might be a centre bearing? On this car, the likely suspects are the right‑hand intermediate shaft carrier bearing, front CV joints, front wheel bearings, or even tyres and engine/trans mounts. The intermediate carrier bearing can wear and rumble under load, with the car safely supported, a tech will check for play at the bearing bracket and inspect for heat or dust‑shield contact. Depending on variant and parts availability, the bearing may be serviced with the intermediate shaft assembly, or pressed off/on with the correct tools. Bracket fasteners should be torqued to workshop‑manual spec, and shaft alignment set to avoid preloading the bearing. If in doubt, a qualified workshop should handle it.

Technical sources: Mazda BL‑series Mazda 3 Workshop Manual (Driveline/Axle), Mazda Electronic Parts Catalogue (front axle/intermediate shaft group), and Autodata specifications for 2012 Mazda 3 (FWD only, no propeller shaft).

Popular questions

Does a 2012 Mazda 3 have a centre bearing?
No. Being front‑wheel drive, it doesn’t run a tailshaft, so there’s no tailshaft centre support bearing. It may have a right‑hand intermediate shaft with a carrier bearing for the front driveline, which some people mix up with a “centre bearing”.

What should be checked if a centre‑bearing noise is suspected on a 2012 Mazda 3?
Have a technician check the right‑hand intermediate shaft carrier bearing, both front CV joints, front wheel bearings, and engine/trans mounts. Tyre condition and balance can also mimic driveline drone or vibration, especially at highway speeds.

Can the intermediate shaft carrier bearing be replaced separately?
On many BL‑series Mazda 3 variants, the bearing can be serviced, but procedures and parts supply vary. Some OEM catalogues supply the shaft as an assembly, quality aftermarket bearings and brackets are available. Replacement needs a press, correct circlip orientation, and bracket torque as per the workshop manual.