Parts for your 2013 Ford Falcon-Centre bearing

Understanding the Centre Bearing on the 2013 Ford Falcon

The 2013 Ford Falcon, particularly popular in Australia, is well-known for its robust performance and rear-wheel-drive setup. When it comes to drivetrain components like the centre bearing, some might wonder if this part plays a role in the Falcon's operation and whether owners need to keep an eye on it during servicing.

First off, it's important to clarify that the 2013 Ford Falcon does not typically utilise a centre bearing. This is because of how the vehicle's driveline is designed. The centre bearing is a component mainly found in vehicles with a two-piece or multi-piece driveshaft configuration. It supports the driveshaft by holding the intermediate shaft in place and reducing vibrations, which is crucial in longer driveshaft assemblies.

In the case of the 2013 Ford Falcon, the driveshaft configuration usually involves a single-piece shaft running from the transmission to the differential. This single-piece setup means there is no need for a centre bearing, as the length of the driveshaft is short enough not to require additional support in the middle. The driveshaft is connected at only two points - one at the transmission output flange and the other at the differential flange. Because of this, the Falcon's drivetrain is inherently simpler in this respect.

So, why is the absence of a centre bearing relevant? Centre bearings are primarily used to prevent the driveshaft from flexing excessively and to dampen vibrations caused by the shaft's rotation over a longer span. Multi-piece driveshafts are necessary on vehicles with longer wheelbases or specific chassis layouts because a very long single driveshaft can suffer from torsional stress and whip, leading to premature wear or failure.

The Falcon's rear-wheel-drive layout and the relatively moderate length between the transmission and rear differential mean the engineers have been able to avoid the complexity and additional maintenance requirements associated with a centre bearing. Without a centre bearing, the driveshaft is simpler, and there are fewer parts that may require inspection or replacement over the vehicle's lifespan.

Another point is that the Falcon's suspension and drivetrain components are designed to work harmoniously with the single driveshaft. The bushings and joints used in the system can cope with the vehicle's driving forces and vibrations without needing the additional support a centre bearing would provide.

Therefore, vehicle owners or mechanics looking for a centre bearing in a 2013 Ford Falcon will typically come up empty handed because it just isn't part of this car's design. Instead, maintenance focus falls on other key drivetrain components like the universal joints (U-joints) on the driveshaft, the differential, and transmission seal integrity.

While the Falcon doesn't have a centre bearing, knowing what one does and why it's used in other vehicles can help paint a fuller picture of car drivetrains in general. For those vehicles that do have a centre bearing, it supports the driveshaft and acts like a middle anchor point, helping to reduce vibrations and increase the lifespan of the driveshaft parts.

Centre-bearing maintenance involves regular inspection for wear or damage, ensuring the bearing itself is lubricated or sealed as designed, and checking the rubber mounting that dampens noise and vibration. If any signs of wear appear - such as knocking noises, vibrations, or uneven driveshaft rotational movement - replacing the centre bearing promptly is crucial to avoid more serious damage to the driveshaft or transmission.

But back to the Falcon. Since it does not use this component, the maintenance routine is simpler. Instead, owners should keep an eye on the condition of the U-joints, as these can wear out over time due to the constant movement and torque they handle. A failing U-joint typically presents as clunking noises, vibration at certain speeds, or difficulty in smooth power delivery to the rear wheels.

For servicing, the driveshaft of a 2013 Ford Falcon is generally inspected visually and, when necessary, the U-joints are replaced. Staying on top of gearbox oil changes, differential fluid updates, and keeping an ear out for weird noises under the car will go a long way in ensuring the Falcon's drivetrain remains in good nick.

Bottom line? The 2013 Ford Falcon delivers reliable drivetrain performance without the need for a centre bearing, thanks to its single-piece driveshaft design. This keeps both the maintenance simpler and the parts count lower, making it an easier vehicle to maintain over the long haul.