Parts for your 2013 Toyota Crown-Centre bearing

2013 Toyota Crown centre-bearing: what it is and how to look after it

Technical sources confirm a centre-bearing is fitted to the 2013 Toyota Crown (S210 series). Toyota’s Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) lists a “Bearing Assy, Centre Support, Propeller Shaft” within the Propeller Shaft & Differential section for RWD and 4WD grades, and the factory Repair Manual procedure for “Propeller Shaft – Removal/Installation” includes unbolting the centre support bracket and handling the two-piece prop shaft. These Toyota publications establish that the Crown uses a two-piece propeller shaft with a centre support bearing.

On the Crown, the centre-bearing supports the two-piece prop shaft at the midpoint, keeping driveline angles in check and damping vibration as the engine and rear differential move under load. The bearing itself is carried in a rubber isolator mounted to a bracket on the body. That rubber isolates noise and harshness, while the bearing lets the shaft spin smoothly at motorway speeds.

As part of regular servicing, it’s smart to eyeball the centre-bearing every 40–60,000 kilometres or whenever there’s a driveline complaint. A quick check on a hoist can save a lot of head-scratching later: look for cracked or perished rubber around the bearing, sagging of the support, contact marks where metal’s been rubbing, or any play in the bearing when the shaft is moved by hand. If the rubber’s torn or the bearing feels rough, replacement should be booked.

• Common signs it’s on the way out:
  • Shudder on take-off or under load at 40–80 km/h
  • Droney vibration through the floor at steady cruise
  • Clunk when shifting between Reverse and Drive
  • Visible sag or cracking of the centre support rubber

Replacement is straightforward for a workshop set up for driveline work. The prop shaft is removed in two halves, with alignment marks made so the yokes and flanges go back in the same phase and orientation. The centre support bracket comes off the body, the old bearing is pressed off the shaft, and the new bearing and isolator are pressed on square. Any shims or spacers used to set the bracket height are kept in order to maintain correct driveline angle. Fasteners are torqued to spec from the Toyota Repair Manual, then the shaft is refitted, ensuring phasing is correct to avoid fresh vibration. A short road test confirms it’s all quiet and smooth. While there, it’s worth checking engine, transmission and diff mounts, as excess movement there can take out a new centre-bearing in short order. Quality genuine or reputable aftermarket bearings both work well, balance and correct installation matter most on the Crown.

Does a 2013 Toyota Crown have a centre-bearing?

Yes. The S210 Crown runs a two-piece propeller shaft with a centre support bearing. This is shown in Toyota’s EPC and covered in the factory Repair Manual procedure for prop shaft removal and installation.

What are the signs the Crown’s centre-bearing is failing?

Look for a shudder on take-off, a droning vibration at motorway speeds, clunks when shifting R to D, or a visibly sagging/cracked rubber support. Any roughness or play when the shaft is moved by hand on a hoist is another giveaway.

Can the centre-bearing be replaced separately, and how long does it take?

It usually can be replaced on its own. A workshop will remove and mark the two-piece shaft, press the bearing off/on, refit with correct phasing and torque, and road test. Allow around 2–4 hours depending on equipment and condition of fasteners and heat shields.