Parts for your 2013 Ford Focus-Centre bearing

2013 Ford Focus centre-bearing: what’s actually fitted

After checking technical references, the 2013 Ford Focus (C346 platform) does not use a tailshaft centre-bearing. The Ford Workshop Manual for the 2012–2014 Focus outlines a front‑wheel‑drive transaxle with left and right CV halfshafts and no propeller (tail) shaft, so there’s no need for a centre support bearing in the driveline. Likewise, Ford’s parts catalogues and service information list halfshafts and, on some engines, a right‑hand intermediate (jack) shaft with a support bearing and bracket that bolts to the block. That intermediate bearing isn’t a tailshaft centre-bearing, it supports the longer right driveshaft only.

Why doesn’t this Focus have a centre-bearing? Centre-bearings are typically fitted to rear‑wheel‑drive or all‑wheel‑drive vehicles with a long, two‑piece prop shaft. They support the shaft mid‑span to keep vibration and angles in check. The 2013 Focus is front‑wheel drive, so drive goes directly from the transaxle to short CV halfshafts. There’s no long tailshaft running down the car, so a centre-bearing simply isn’t part of the design.

What it does have instead:

• CV halfshafts with inner and outer CV joints
• A right‑hand intermediate shaft and support bearing on some variants
• Engine and transmission mounts that control driveline movement

If someone’s chasing a “centre-bearing” noise or vibration in a 2013 Focus, the likely culprits are elsewhere. Common checks include wheel bearings, tyre condition and balance, inner/outer CV joints, engine/trans mounts, and—where fitted—the right‑hand intermediate shaft bearing. Ford service information describes checking for play or roughness in the intermediate bearing and inspecting CV boots for splits and grease loss. Replacement of that bearing involves removing the RH shaft and bracket, pressing the bearing off/on, and torquing fasteners to spec per the Workshop Manual. If a driveshaft is removed from the transaxle, it’s good practice to check and top up transmission fluid afterwards.

Technical references used: Ford Workshop Manual (2012–2014 Focus, Driveline/Driveshaft and Front Axle sections), Ford service/parts catalogues for the C346 Focus platform, and OE exploded diagrams showing no propeller shaft or centre support bearing on FWD Focus models.

Popular questions

Does a 2013 Ford Focus have a centre-bearing?
No. Being front‑wheel drive, it has CV halfshafts and no tailshaft, so there’s no centre support bearing. Some models use a right‑hand intermediate shaft with its own support bearing, which is different and mounted to the engine block.

What causes a droning or vibration that seems like a failed centre-bearing in a Focus?
On these cars it’s usually wheel bearings, out‑of‑round or cupped tyres, worn CV joints, or a tired engine/trans mount. Where fitted, the RH intermediate shaft bearing can also get noisy. A road test that varies speed and steering load, plus hands‑on checks for bearing play, typically pinpoints the fault.

How is the intermediate shaft bearing checked or replaced?
A technician checks for roughness or free play with the vehicle safely raised, and inspects the bracket and fasteners. Replacement requires removing the RH shaft and support bracket, pressing the bearing, and refitting to Workshop Manual torque specs. It’s a straightforward job for a workshop with a press, afterwards, verify fluid level in the transaxle.