Parts for your 2014 Mitsubishi Asx-Centre bearing

2014 Mitsubishi ASX centre-bearing — what’s fitted and how to look after it

Based on Mitsubishi’s factory workshop manual for GA2W/GA4W (ASX/RVR/Outlander Sport) and the Mitsubishi ASA parts catalogue for AWD variants, the 2014 ASX uses a two-piece propeller (tail) shaft with a centre support bearing on 4WD/AWD models. Front-wheel drive ASX models don’t have a prop shaft, so a centre-bearing isn’t fitted or required on those vehicles.

For AWD examples where a centre-bearing is present, it’s there to keep the two-piece tailshaft running smooth and true down the tunnel. The bearing itself supports the shaft mid-span and is cushioned by a rubber mount that isolates vibration. That combo helps the ASX feel refined at highway speeds and stops the driveline from droning or shuddering when taking off.

This bearing is sealed, so there’s no periodic greasing to do during routine servicing. What matters is inspection: a quick look for a torn or perished rubber mount, evidence of the bearing moving off-centre, or any shiny witness marks around the support bracket. On a road test, a tired centre-bearing usually shows up as a low-frequency vibration that comes in with speed, a thump on take-off, or a droning/humming from the middle of the car that changes with load.

• Common symptoms of wear:
  • Vibration on acceleration or at certain speeds
  • Clunking or shudder on take-off
  • Droning/rumbling from the centre tunnel
  • Rubber support cracked, split, or sagging

Replacement is straightforward workshop fare but does involve removing the tailshaft assembly. Best practice is to match-mark the flanges before removal, support the exhaust/heat shields as needed, then drop the shaft and press off the old bearing. The new bearing and support are installed in the correct orientation, and the shaft refitted with the original alignment to preserve balance. Fasteners should be tightened to the torque values in the Mitsubishi service manual, and the shaft checked for free, smooth rotation. If joints at either end of the shaft (CV/universal) are also worn, some workshops may recommend refurbishing or replacing the complete assembly to avoid repeat labour.

There’s no fixed kilometre interval for centre-bearing replacement, many last well past 150,000 km depending on road conditions and load. Regular inspections during scheduled servicing, plus prompt attention to any new vibrations, will keep the ASX’s AWD driveline feeling tidy and dependable.

• Does the 2014 ASX 2WD have a centre-bearing?
  FWD variants don’t use a tailshaft, so there’s no centre-bearing fitted. Only AWD/4WD models have the two-piece propeller shaft with a centre support bearing.
• What are the tell-tale signs the ASX centre-bearing needs replacing?
  Look for a deep vibration at certain speeds, a shudder or clunk on take-off, and a droning noise from the tunnel. A quick underbody check may show a cracked or sagging rubber support around the bearing.
• Is it safe to keep driving with a failing centre-bearing?
  Short trips might be possible, but continued use risks increased vibration, damage to the tailshaft joints, and fatigue to surrounding mounts. It’s wise to book the repair sooner rather than later.