Parts for your 2014 Holden Commodore-Centre bearing

2014 Holden Commodore centre-bearing

Based on technical sources, the 2014 Holden Commodore (VF series) uses a two-piece tailshaft with a centre-bearing (also called a centre support bearing). This layout is documented in the Holden/GM Service Information (VF Commodore, Driveline—Propeller Shaft, Description and Operation) and reflected in the Holden Electronic Parts Catalogue, which lists a “Propeller Shaft Centre Support Bearing” for VF sedan, Sportwagon and ute variants. HSV Gen-F workshop literature for the same platform also specifies a two-piece shaft with a centre-bearing to control NVH and driveline angles. So yes—centre-bearing is relevant and fitted on this model.

On the 2014 Commodore, the centre-bearing sits mid-span on the two-piece tailshaft, cradled in a rubber support and bolted to the body. Its job is to hold the shaft steady, keep driveline angles in check, and soak up vibration as the engine and transmission move under load. This helps the big rear-drive Holden feel smooth on take-off and calm at highway pace, particularly in the 60–100 km/h band where tailshaft harmonics can creep in.

Because it’s a sealed bearing, there’s no greasing regime in regular servicing, instead, condition-based checks are the go. A tired centre-bearing typically shows up as a low rumble that rises with road speed, a shudder under load, or a thump on initial take-off as the rubber support sags and allows the shaft to misalign. Visual inspection from underneath often reveals perished or torn rubber around the support bracket, or obvious droop at the shaft’s midpoint.

• Listen for: dull drone or rumble between roughly 40–90 km/h, shudder on acceleration, clunk on take-off.
• Look for: cracked/split support rubber, off-centre shaft position, loose or rusty bracket hardware.
• When replacing: mark tailshaft phasing before removal, follow Holden SI torque specs, and keep the shaft balanced, many shops replace the bearing and support as a unit.
• Complementary checks: inspect the flex coupling/guibo (where fitted), universal or CV joints, transmission mount and diff bushes—these often fail in clusters and can mimic the same vibrations.
• Road test: verify smooth take-off and cruise, then recheck bracket fasteners after a few hundred kilometres.

There’s no fixed replacement interval, the part lasts well if the vehicle isn’t hammered over rough roads or towing heavy loads. For best results, owners should have a driveline specialist or experienced workshop handle removal and pressing of the bearing, as improper phasing or torque can introduce new vibrations.

Does a 2014 Holden Commodore actually have a centre-bearing?

Yes. Holden’s VF Service Information for the driveline states the model uses a two-piece tailshaft with a centre support bearing, and the Holden EPC lists the centre-bearing assembly across VF body styles and powertrains. HSV Gen-F documentation for the same platform backs this up.

What are the common signs the centre-bearing is failing on a VF?

Typical symptoms include a drone or rumble that follows road speed, a shudder on acceleration, and a thump on initial take-off. Underneath, the support rubber may be cracked or sagging, letting the tailshaft sit off-centre. These symptoms can overlap with worn guibos, uni/CV joints, or diff bushes, so a proper inspection is smart.

Can it be serviced, or does it need full replacement?

The bearing is sealed and not serviceable. The usual fix is to remove the tailshaft, press off the old bearing, and fit a quality replacement with the support. Keeping the shaft correctly phased and torqued is critical, many workshops also recommend inspecting and, if needed, replacing the flex coupling and mounts at the same time to keep the driveline quiet and smooth.