Parts for your 2013 Honda Odyssey-Centre bearing

2013 Honda Odyssey centre-bearing — does it have one?

For the 2013 Honda Odyssey sold in Australia and New Zealand (RB3/RB4 series), a traditional driveshaft centre-bearing isn’t used. The Odyssey is front-wheel drive, so there’s no long, two-piece propeller shaft running to the rear and therefore no mid-shaft centre support bearing. That style of centre-bearing is typically found on rear-wheel drive and 4WD utes and wagons with a split prop shaft.

This isn’t just workshop lore. Honda’s own technical references back it up: the Honda service manual for this generation covers front driveshafts and an intermediate (right-hand) shaft with a support bearing, but there’s no section for a propeller shaft or centre support bearing. Likewise, the Honda Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) for the 2013 Odyssey RB3/RB4 lists front halfshafts and an “intermediate shaft” and its bearing, with no prop shaft assembly shown. Honda Australia’s model specs for the 2013 Odyssey also identify the drivetrain as front-wheel drive.

Why isn’t a centre-bearing used on this Odyssey? Because the transaxle and differential sit up front, directly driving two relatively short halfshafts. That packaging removes the need for a long prop shaft and the centre support that keeps it stable. NVH control is instead handled by CV joints, the intermediate shaft support bearing, and the engine and transmission mounts.

Worth noting: there is a support bearing on the right-hand intermediate shaft, bolted to the engine block. Some workshops casually call that a “centre bearing”, which can cause confusion. If there’s a rumble or vibration under load around 60–100 km/h, or visible play at the intermediate shaft bracket, that support bearing might be the culprit. It’s not the same as a rear prop-shaft centre-bearing, but it serves a similar stabilising role for the longer right-hand side.

• When to check: during servicing if there’s vibration on acceleration, droning noises that rise with road speed, or grease seepage near the intermediate shaft bracket.
• What to do: inspect the intermediate shaft support bearing for roughness or play, check CV joints and tyres at the same time.
• Replacement notes: the bearing can be pressed off/on, but many prefer replacing the intermediate shaft assembly for longevity. Expect fresh circlips and, if needed, a new trans side oil seal. Quality bearings from OEM suppliers (e.g., NTN/NSK) are recommended.
• Labour and cost: commonly 1.5–3.0 hours depending on equipment and corrosion, parts range from a standalone bearing to a complete shaft assembly.

If searching for a “centre-bearing” for a 2013 Odyssey, chances are the needed part is the right-hand intermediate shaft support bearing. A proper road test and on-hoist check will confirm it.

• Does a 2013 Honda Odyssey have a centre-bearing?
  Not a traditional prop-shaft centre-bearing. It’s front-wheel drive, so there’s no rear prop shaft. It does have a right-hand intermediate shaft with a support bearing, which some refer to as a centre-bearing.
• What causes vibrations that feel like a bad centre-bearing on this model?
  Common causes include a worn intermediate shaft support bearing, inner CV joint wear, out-of-round tyres, and tired engine/trans mounts. Proper diagnosis will isolate the source.
• How much to replace the intermediate shaft support bearing?
  In AU/NZ, expect roughly 1.5–3.0 hours labour. Parts can range from a bearing only to a complete intermediate shaft. Ballpark totals often land between $350 and $900 depending on parts choice and workshop rates.