Parts for your 2016 Ford Ranger-Centre bearing

Centre Bearing on the 2016 Ford Ranger: Is It Needed?

When looking into the drivetrain of the 2016 Ford Ranger, especially the rear-wheel-drive or 4x4 versions, one might wonder if a centre bearing is part of the setup. The good news for owners and enthusiasts is that the 2016 Ford Ranger does not actually use a separate centre bearing in its driveshaft assembly. This is mainly due to the design of the driveshaft itself and the vehicle's drivetrain layout.

The 2016 Ford Ranger typically comes with a one-piece or two-piece driveshaft depending on model and driveline configuration. However, the two-piece driveshafts, which would sometimes require a centre bearing, are not commonly fitted with one due to the Ranger's moderate length wheelbase and the space available under the vehicle. Instead, Ford utilises a fully supported design that avoids the need for an independent centre bearing unit.

Why wouldn't the 2016 Ford Ranger need a centre bearing? Well, centre bearings generally come into play on longer wheelbase vehicles where a single driveshaft would be too long and prone to vibrations or bending. In such cases, the driveshaft is split into two sections connected by a centre bearing to keep it steady and reduce stress on the components. The Ford Ranger's design and drivetrain engineering effectively manage the driveshaft length and vibration without requiring this additional component.

From a practical standpoint, leaving out the centre bearing reduces complexity and potential wear points for the Ranger. Each additional bearing is a component that can wear out, seize or cause noise, so the absence of a centre bearing means there is one less maintenance or replacement concern for owners. The robust design ensures smooth power delivery from the transmission to the rear differential through its driveline with minimal fuss.

In the case that a recipient vehicle or a modified version of a Ford Ranger does feature a two-piece driveshaft with a centre bearing (for example, aftermarket modifications for extreme off-roading or custom builds), this bearing supports the driveshaft's middle point and dramatically improves durability and smoothness when dealing with long driveshafts. However, this is outside the typical factory setup for a 2016 Ford Ranger.

So, for most owners wandering whether to bother looking for or servicing a centre bearing on their 2016 Ford Ranger, the answer is a straightforward no. Instead, the main focus shifts towards regular inspection and maintenance of universal joints (U-joints), the differential, and ensuring the driveshaft itself is in good condition. These parts take over the roles needed to keep the rear-drive system operating correctly without the added worry of a centre bearing fail or replacement.

This practical design choice is a plus for everyday users as it lowers maintenance times and parts costs. It's one less component to squeak, rattle or break down over the lifetime of the vehicle. Plus, with a solid and well-engineered drivetrain, the Ranger offers reliable power transfer for both work and play without the added complexity.