Parts for your 2013 Toyota Mark x-Centre bearing

2013 Toyota Mark X centre-bearing — what it is and when to service it

Technical references confirm the 2013 Toyota Mark X does use a centre-bearing. Toyota’s Electronic Parts Catalogue for the GRX130/GRX133 platform lists a “Bearing Assembly, Centre Support, Propeller Shaft,” and the factory workshop manual’s Propeller Shaft section shows a two-piece tailshaft with a centre support bearing. Independent OEM parts catalogues for the 2013 Mark X also carry this assembly for both rear‑wheel drive variants.

The 2013 Mark X runs a front‑engine, rear‑drive layout with a two‑piece tailshaft. The centre-bearing (also called the centre support bearing) sits between the two shaft sections, cradled in a rubber mount and bolted to the body. Its job is to support the tailshaft at mid‑span, keep the shaft correctly aligned under load, and cut down vibration and noise at highway speeds. By splitting the shaft and supporting it in the middle, Toyota keeps driveline resonance in check and improves comfort without going to an oversized one‑piece shaft.

For servicing, a healthy centre-bearing is quiet and smooth. Over time, the rubber carrier can crack or collapse and the bearing itself can wear. Owners will usually notice:

• A shudder or drone on take‑off
• Vibration felt through the floor around 60–100 km/h
• Clunking when shifting from reverse to drive or under load changes

It’s smart to inspect the centre-bearing at each major service (about every 40,000–60,000 km). Look for perished rubber, off‑centre sagging, or any roughness when the tailshaft is rotated by hand. Also check the surrounding tailshaft universal joints and mounts, because a worn uni can mimic the same symptoms.

Replacement is straightforward workshop work but benefits from care: mark the tailshaft flanges for re‑assembly in the same orientation, support the shaft properly, and renew the bearing and rubber carrier together. Refitting needs the tailshaft halves kept in phase and all fasteners torqued to the workshop manual spec. If there’s any hint of imbalance or prior vibration, getting the shaft dynamically balanced after bearing replacement is good practice. Most shops will complete the job in a couple of hours, and it’s often done alongside new unis or a transmission mount if they’re tired.

With a fresh centre-bearing, the Mark X regains that smooth, quiet cruise it’s known for — less driveline harshness, cleaner take‑offs, and fewer vibrations through the cabin on coarse-chip roads common in Australia and New Zealand.

Popular questions about the 2013 Toyota Mark X centre-bearing

What are the common signs the centre-bearing needs replacing on a 2013 Mark X?
Most drivers notice a vibration or droning that shows up on take‑off or around 60–100 km/h, plus a dull clunk on gear changes. A quick underbody check often reveals a cracked or sagging rubber carrier, or play when the tailshaft is moved by hand. Always rule out tyre and wheel issues first, then check tailshaft unis and mounts.

How long do centre-bearings typically last on these cars?
There’s no fixed interval, but many last well past 150,000 km. Heat, road grime, and lots of stop‑start or towing can shorten life. A regular look at major services and jumping on symptoms early usually keeps costs down and avoids taking out the unis or causing tailshaft imbalance.

Can the centre-bearing be replaced on its own, or does the whole tailshaft need changing?
Yes, the bearing and its rubber support can be replaced on their own. Provided the shaft yokes and unis are sound and the shaft is re‑assembled in phase, there’s no need for a complete tailshaft. If there’s any prior vibration history, ask the workshop to check runout and balance after the new bearing goes in.