Parts for your 2013 Honda Elysion-Centre bearing

2013 Honda Elysion centre-bearing: does it apply, and what owners should know

Based on Honda’s technical documentation and parts catalogues, the 2013 Honda Elysion only uses a centre-bearing on Real Time 4WD variants (chassis codes commonly RR2/RR4). Front-wheel drive versions (RR1/RR3) don’t have a propeller shaft to the rear, so there’s no centre-bearing fitted. This is shown in Honda’s Electronic Parts Catalogue for Elysion 4WD models under the Propeller Shaft assembly where a centre support bearing is listed, and in the Driveline/Axle sections of the Honda service manual that cover the 4WD prop shaft layout.

For Elysion owners with 4WD, the centre-bearing is the quiet achiever that keeps the two-piece prop shaft steady between the gearbox and rear diff. It’s a rubber-isolated, sealed bearing that supports the shaft, keeps it aligned under load, and soaks up vibration. When it’s healthy, it helps deliver smooth take-offs and calm cruising. When it’s tired, it can cause a shudder on acceleration, a droning or humming between about 40–80 km/h, or a clunk as drive takes up. A quick look underneath often shows the tell-tale signs: perished rubber around the carrier, the shaft sitting low in the bracket, or roughness when the shaft is rotated by hand.

There’s no set replacement interval because the bearing is sealed and not serviceable. A sensible plan is to inspect it during major services or around the 100,000–150,000 km mark, and any time there’s a driveline vibe reported. Check the carrier rubber for cracks, the bearing for play or roughness, and have a look at the universal joints and rear diff mount while you’re there.

When it’s time to replace, the prop shaft has to come out. Mark the flanges and yokes before removal to preserve phasing and balance, and use a press to swap the bearing rather than belting it with a hammer. Many OEM catalogues supply the centre-bearing as part of the prop shaft assembly, but quality aftermarket centre support bearings are available on their own. Always fit new dust seals or collars if specified, torque the carrier bracket evenly, and road test for any residual vibration. If a vibe remains, re-check shaft phasing and mounts, a specialist can rebalance the shaft if needed. There’s no greasing point to maintain, so the job is really about inspection, correct fitment, and keeping surrounding mounts in good nick. Done right, a fresh centre-bearing brings back that smooth, quiet Elysion feel Aussie and Kiwi families expect.

Technical references consulted (no external links provided):

• Honda Electronic Parts Catalogue (Elysion RR2/RR4 4WD) – Propeller Shaft/Center Support Bearing listing
• Honda Elysion Service Manual – Driveline/Axle: Propeller Shaft and Centre Support Bearing procedures
• Japanese domestic market parts catalogues commonly used by dealers and importers for Elysion (e.g., Amayama/JP-CarParts/Parts specialists)

Popular questions

Does a 2013 Honda Elysion have a centre-bearing?
Yes on Real Time 4WD models (RR2/RR4), no on front-wheel drive models (RR1/RR3). If there’s a rear differential and a propeller shaft running to it, there’s a centre-bearing fitted. FWD versions don’t need one because all drive stays up front.

What are the symptoms of a failing centre-bearing on an Elysion?
Common signs include a shudder on take-off, a humming or droning at road speeds, and a thump as you shift from coast to acceleration. Visual checks often reveal cracked carrier rubber or a sagging shaft in the bracket.

How long does replacement take and is balancing required?
A workshop will typically need 1.5–3.0 hours depending on tooling and whether pressing is done in-house. If the shaft is marked and reassembled in the same phase, balancing usually isn’t needed, but a driveline shop can rebalance if a vibration persists.