Parts for your 2013 Honda Cr-v-Centre bearing

2013 Honda CR‑V centre‑bearing: what it does, when it’s fitted, and how to look after it

Technical references: Honda’s 2012–2016 CR‑V Service Manual (Propeller Shaft, AWD section) and Honda’s electronic parts catalogue for RM‑series AWD models describe a two‑piece propeller shaft with a centre support bearing (centre‑bearing). Front‑wheel‑drive 2013 CR‑V models don’t have a prop shaft at all, so a centre‑bearing isn’t used on those variants.

On AWD 2013 Honda CR‑V models running Honda’s Real Time AWD, the centre‑bearing supports the two‑piece propeller shaft between the transfer case and rear differential. Its job is to keep the shaft aligned, control vibration, and take load off the universal joints, especially at highway speeds and over rough Aussie and Kiwi roads. When healthy, it helps the driveline feel smooth and quiet.

Typical red flags owners notice if the centre‑bearing is on the way out include:

• A droning or humming that rises with road speed (often 60–100 km/h)
• Shudder or vibration under acceleration, which eases when coasting
• A dull clunk taking off or shifting from reverse to drive

Servicing wise, the centre‑bearing isn’t a routine replacement item, but it should be inspected any time the car’s on a hoist for driveline work or at major services. A quick check involves looking for torn or perished rubber in the support, excessive play when the shaft is levered up and down, loose mounting hardware, and any signs of contact or misalignment. In coastal areas or on corrugated and gravel roads common in AU/NZ, the rubber isolator ages faster, so periodic inspection is a smart move.

Replacement approach depends on parts strategy. Honda typically supplies the propeller shaft as a complete assembly and treats the centre‑bearing as non‑serviceable. Many aftermarket suppliers do offer a replacement centre‑bearing, but fitting it requires careful press work, transferring dust shields, and preserving shaft balance. If going that route, mark the flanges before removal, keep the yokes in phase, use new self‑locking nuts/bolts, and torque to spec from the Honda manual. After refit, a test drive to confirm no vibration is essential.

For those in two‑wheel‑drive CR‑V models: there’s no centre‑bearing because there’s no rear propeller shaft, drive is sent only to the front wheels, so the component simply isn’t part of the design.

If an AWD owner is chasing a mid‑speed vibration, it’s also wise to check engine and transmission mounts, rear diff mounts, and tyre balance to avoid misdiagnosis.

• Popular questions about the 2013 Honda CR‑V centre‑bearing

Does a 2013 Honda CR‑V have a centre‑bearing?
AWD models do, because they use a two‑piece prop shaft to drive the rear wheels. FWD 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 2013 CR‑V?
Owners typically report a droning noise and a vibration that’s most noticeable between 60 and 100 km/h under load. There may also be a soft clunk on take‑off if the rubber support has split.

Should the centre‑bearing be serviced or replaced as routine?
It isn’t a scheduled maintenance item. Inspect it during major services or if there are driveline noises. Replace it (or the complete prop shaft assembly) when noise, play, or rubber degradation is found.