Parts for your 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer-Centre bearing

2013 Mitsubishi Lancer centre-bearing: what’s fitted, what’s not, and what to service

Based on Mitsubishi’s factory workshop manuals (CJ/CF Lancer, Group 22 – Propeller Shaft, Evolution X/Ralliart sections) and the Mitsubishi ASA/EPC parts catalogue, a centre-bearing is not used on standard front‑wheel‑drive 2013 Lancer models. Those variants have no propeller shaft, so there’s nothing for a centre support bearing to carry. A centre-bearing is fitted only to the all‑wheel‑drive models — Lancer Ralliart (CX4A) and Lancer Evolution X (CZ4A) — which use a two‑piece propeller shaft with a centre support bearing bolted to the body tunnel.

Why most 2013 Lancers don’t use one: the regular CJ/CF Lancer (2.0 or 2.4 FWD) is a transverse, front‑drive layout. Power goes straight to the front wheels via short driveshafts, so a long tailshaft isn’t required and a centre support bearing would serve no purpose.

For owners of a 2013 Lancer Ralliart or Evolution X, the centre-bearing earns its keep. It supports the two‑piece tailshaft, keeps driveline angles tidy, and damps vibration as torque heads to the rear diff. When the rubber insulator or bearing wears, they’ll often notice a droning or humming between 60–100 km/h, a shudder on take‑off, or a thump on lift‑off/gear changes. Visual clues include cracked or sagging rubber around the support and excessive play when the shaft is levered by hand.

Servicing is straightforward when it’s planned. During routine inspections (every 40,000–60,000 km is a good habit), check the support rubber, bearing feel, and mounting bolts. It’s smart to look for leaks at the transfer case output and rear diff pinion at the same time, and to eyeball engine, trans and diff mounts — worn mounts can mimic bearing issues.

Replacement tips a good workshop will follow:

• Mark the prop shaft flanges before removal to preserve balance and orientation.
• Support the shaft so the CV/unis aren’t over‑extended, don’t let it hang.
• Install the new support, snug the bolts, settle the shaft at ride height, then torque to spec. This helps the bearing sit naturally and reduces vibration.
• Use quality OEM‑equivalent parts, some Evo/Ralliart assemblies are serviced as a support kit, others as a complete shaft depending on supplier.
• Road‑test on a smooth road and check for vibration under light and moderate throttle at motorway speeds.

Done well, a fresh centre-bearing restores that smooth, tight feel these AWD Lancers are known for, especially noticeable on long Kiwi and Aussie highway runs.

FAQs

Does my 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer have a centre-bearing?
Most don’t. If it’s a front‑wheel‑drive model (the common ES/VR/GSR‑type trims), there’s no centre-bearing. If it’s a Ralliart or Evolution X with AWD, yes — it runs a two‑piece prop shaft with a centre support bearing.

What are the signs the centre-bearing is worn on a Ralliart/Evo?
Drivers often report a low droning or humming around 60–100 km/h, a shake on take‑off, or a clunk when coming on and off the throttle. A quick under‑car look can reveal perished rubber around the support or unusual play when the shaft is moved by hand.

How long and how much to replace?
Allow roughly 1.5–3.0 hours labour depending on equipment and whether exhaust or shields need to come off. Parts vary: a support/bearing assembly can be a few hundred dollars, while a complete prop shaft (if required) is much more. A proper diagnosis first can save a bundle.