Parts for your 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander-Centre bearing

2012 Mitsubishi Outlander centre-bearing: what it is, who has one, and how to look after it

Technical sources confirm that a centre-bearing is used on 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander models equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD), but it is not present on front-wheel drive (2WD) variants. This comes from Mitsubishi’s factory Service Manual for the CW series (2007–2013), Group 22A/Propeller Shaft, which details a two-piece propeller shaft with a centre support bearing on AWD models. The Mitsubishi ASA/EPC (Electronic Parts Catalogue) for CW5W/CW6W AWD trims also lists a centre support bearing as part of the propeller shaft assembly, and OEM/aftermarket parts catalogues for Outlander AWD of these years list a “propeller shaft centre support/carrier bearing.”

For 2WD 2012 Outlanders, a centre-bearing isn’t relevant because there’s no rear differential or propeller shaft. With the engine mounted transversely and drive sent only to the front wheels, there’s nothing running down the middle of the car to support—so no centre-bearing is used by design.

For AWD 2012 Outlanders, the centre-bearing does an important job. The AWD driveline uses a two-piece prop shaft to send torque to the rear differential. Midway along, the centre-bearing (also called the carrier bearing) supports the shaft, keeps it aligned under load, and isolates noise and vibration from the cabin. When it’s healthy, the driveline feels smooth and quiet. When it’s tired, owners may notice a low drone or rumble between 60–90 km/h, a shudder under acceleration, or a clunk on take-off as the rubber support bush splits and the shaft moves off-centre.

Servicing typically means inspection rather than routine replacement. A good workshop will check the centre-bearing at regular services—look for torn rubber, excessive play, rusty or noisy bearing races, or heat damage. Road-test for vibration at steady speeds and light throttle. If there’s fluid leaking onto the bush (engine, trans, or diff), fix the leak—petroleum products accelerate rubber failure.

Replacement on many Outlanders involves removing heat shields, unbolting the centre support and both flange joints, and dropping the prop shaft. The shaft should be marked and reassembled in the same orientation to preserve phasing. Some OEM setups supply the centre-bearing as part of the complete propeller shaft, while select aftermarket options allow pressing off the old bearing and fitting a new support. If pressing a bearing, use the right tooling and have the shaft checked for balance—an out-of-balance prop will shake the whole car. All fasteners should be torqued to workshop manual specs, new self-locking nuts fitted where specified, and the hanger height/angle set correctly so the shaft runs true. After the job, a quick road test on a smooth road confirms the fix.

How long do they last? Many see well over 150,000 km, but rough roads, heavy towing, and worn engine/gearbox mounts can shorten life. Keeping mounts in good nick and avoiding mismatched tyre diameters (which load the AWD system) helps the centre-bearing live longer.

• Typical symptoms of wear: drone/rumble at 60–90 km/h, take-off clunk, vibration on load.
• Inspection tip: check rubber support, bearing play, and any contact marks on the prop shaft.
• Workshop note: maintain shaft phasing and balance, follow torque specs from the factory manual.

Technical sources referenced: Mitsubishi Motors Outlander (CW, 2007–2013) Service Manual, Group 22A – Propeller Shaft/Driveshaft, Mitsubishi ASA/EPC listings for CW5W/CW6W AWD showing a centre support bearing in the propeller shaft assembly, OEM and aftermarket parts catalogues that list a propeller shaft centre/carrier bearing for AWD Outlander models of this generation.

Popular questions

Does a 2WD 2012 Outlander have a centre-bearing?
No. The 2WD is front-drive only and has no rear propeller shaft, so there’s nothing to support in the centre. A centre-bearing is unique to the AWD driveline.

How long should the centre-bearing last on an AWD Outlander?
Often 150,000–250,000 km, depending on road conditions, loads, and driveline mount condition. Listen for a mid-speed drone and watch for shudder under load as early warning signs.

Can the centre-bearing be replaced without changing the whole prop shaft?
On many vehicles the OEM supplies the bearing with the complete shaft, but some aftermarket kits allow bearing-only replacement. If pressing a new bearing, correct tools and shaft balance checks are important, many workshops prefer the complete assembly for a quicker, surer result.