Parts for your 2014 Ford Falcon-Centre bearing

2014 Ford Falcon centre-bearing: what it does and when to sort it

Referencing technical sources, including the Ford FG/FG X Falcon Workshop Manual (Driveline/Propeller Shaft) and Australian driveline catalogues from major suppliers such as Hardy Spicer and OE-equivalent parts listings, the 2014 Ford Falcon (sedan and ute) is fitted with a two-piece tailshaft that uses a centre support bearing. It’s a standard bit of gear on these rear-wheel-drive Falcons, chosen to control vibration and handle torque over the Falcon’s wheelbase.

The centre-bearing sits midway along the tailshaft, supporting it via a rubber-mounted carrier. Its job is to keep the shaft running true under load, cutting down on shudder and driveline boom. When it wears, the rubber can crack or the bearing can get noisy, which shows up as a low drone, a whirring noise that rises with road speed, or a thump/clunk on take-off.

As part of regular servicing, it’s smart to have the centre-bearing inspected every 20,000–40,000 km, especially on vehicles that tow, run higher power, or have been lowered. A quick visual check for torn rubber, sag in the carrier, or rusty dust from the bearing is often enough to flag an issue early.

Replacement is straightforward for a workshop that knows Falcons, but there are a few must-dos:

• Mark the tailshaft halves so phasing stays the same on reassembly, helping prevent new vibrations.
• Remove shields and unbolt the centre bracket, then separate the shaft and press the old bearing off.
• Fit a quality replacement bearing and carrier, and set the specified forward preload on the bracket as per the Ford workshop manual.
• Torque all fasteners to spec, and check giubos/unis at the same time, replace if cracked or loose.

Most owners notice an immediate improvement after a fresh centre-bearing: smoother take-offs and a calmer cabin on the motorway. If vibration remains, a driveline balance check is worthwhile. For Falcons doing big kilometres across Australia and New Zealand, keeping the centre-bearing healthy is cheap insurance against bigger driveline wear down the track.

Popular questions

What are the signs my 2014 Falcon’s centre-bearing is on the way out?
Typical giveaways include a humming or droning noise that follows road speed, a shudder on acceleration, and a dull clunk when selecting Drive or taking off. Visual checks often reveal cracked carrier rubber or a sagging mount.

Can I keep driving with a noisy centre-bearing?
It’ll usually keep moving for a while, but the extra vibration can stress giubos/universal joints and diff bushes. Best bet is to book it in soon to avoid collateral damage and a bigger bill.

How much does replacement typically cost?
Costs vary with parts choice and whether other driveline bits need attention. As a guide in AU/NZ workshops, expect a few hours’ labour plus the bearing and carrier, many owners combine it with giubo/universal joint checks to save on repeat labour.