Parts for your 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer-Centre bearing

2014 Mitsubishi Lancer centre-bearing: is it actually there?

For most 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer (CJ/CF) models sold in Australia and New Zealand—namely the front‑wheel‑drive variants like ES, LX, VRX and Aspire—a centre-bearing isn’t used. These FWD Lancers don’t have a long propeller shaft running to a rear differential, so there’s no need for a centre support bearing. This is confirmed by factory documentation: the Lancer CJ/CF Service Manual shows front drive shafts (CV half‑shafts) only, with no centre support, while the Mitsubishi ASA parts catalogue lists no centre-bearing for FWD VIN ranges.

There are exceptions. The 2014 Lancer Ralliart (AWD) and Lancer Evolution X (AWC/S‑AWC) do use a propeller shaft to the rear diff, and that shaft is a two‑piece design supported by a centre-bearing mounted to the body. Mitsubishi’s service literature (Lancer Evolution X and Ralliart Service Manuals – Propeller Shaft/Driveline sections) and the ASA parts catalogue list a “propeller shaft centre support/bearing” for these AWD variants.

Why FWD Lancers don’t use a centre-bearing: with the engine mounted transversely and drive sent directly to the front wheels via short CV shafts, there’s no long driveline span to support. A centre-bearing only becomes relevant when the vehicle has a multi‑piece prop shaft running the length of the car, which the FWD models simply don’t have.

For AWD Ralliart and Evolution owners, the centre-bearing plays a quiet but crucial role. It supports the two‑piece propeller shaft, keeping it aligned and reducing vibration as torque is sent to the rear wheels. The rubber isolator in the mount soaks up driveline movement and road harshness, while the bearing itself ensures smooth rotation at highway speed. As part of routine servicing, it’s smart to inspect the centre-bearing whenever the vehicle is on a hoist for driveline or exhaust checks—think every 20,000–30,000 km.

• Typical warning signs include a droning or humming that rises with road speed, vibration under load or on take‑off, a clunk when shifting from drive to coast, and visible cracking or separation of the rubber mount.
• It isn’t a regular “replace by” item, but once the rubber support sags or the bearing develops play/roughness, replacement is the fix. Lubrication won’t revive a sealed, worn bearing.

Replacement best practice: mark the prop shaft flanges to maintain balance, support the exhaust and heat shields, torque fasteners to spec, and check prop shaft alignment after installation. It’s also worth inspecting companion parts (flex couplings/guibos, universal or CV joints, and rear diff mount bushes) at the same time to keep driveline NVH in check. A short road test for vibration and a recheck of fasteners once settled will keep the AWD Lancer feeling tight and tidy.

Technical sources referenced: Mitsubishi Motors Lancer CJ/CF Service Manual (Front Axle/Driveshaft, no centre support for FWD), Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart and Lancer Evolution X Service Manuals (Propeller Shaft/Driveline sections describing two‑piece shaft and centre support), and Mitsubishi ASA electronic parts catalogue (centre-bearing listed for AWD only).

Popular questions

Does a 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer have a centre-bearing?
Most Australian and New Zealand 2014 Lancers are front‑wheel drive and don’t use a centre-bearing. The centre-bearing is fitted to AWD variants only—namely the Lancer Ralliart and Lancer Evolution X—which run a two‑piece propeller shaft to the rear differential.

What symptoms point to a failing centre-bearing on a Lancer Ralliart/Evo?
Common giveaways are a low droning or humming that changes with speed, vibration on take‑off or under load, a thud/clunk when shifting between acceleration and deceleration, and a visibly sagging or cracked rubber support around the bearing. If ignored, vibrations can accelerate wear in prop shaft joints and diff mounts.

How much does a centre-bearing replacement cost in Australia or NZ?
Pricing varies with parts availability and whether the bearing comes separate or with a support bracket. As a ballpark, parts and labour typically land in the mid‑hundreds to around a thousand AUD/NZD for AWD models, depending on workshop rates and any additional driveline bits found worn during the job.