Parts for your 2016 Holden Commodore-Centre bearing

2016 Holden Commodore centre-bearing: what it does and how to look after it

Technical sources including Holden/GM Global Service Information for VF Series (Propeller Shaft – Description and Operation, Two‑Piece Tailshaft procedures) and the Holden Electronic Parts Catalogue for VF (Group 4.65 Propeller Shaft – Centre Support Bearing) identify a two‑piece tailshaft with a centre support bearing across VF Commodore models (2013–2017). That makes the centre‑bearing relevant and fitted to the 2016 Holden Commodore.

On the 2016 Holden Commodore, the centre‑bearing sits midway along the two‑piece tailshaft, supporting and isolating the shaft as it runs from the transmission to the rear differential. Its rubber‑mounted carrier helps control vibration, keeps the shaft aligned under load, and smooths out NVH so the cabin stays quiet and composed. It’s a humble bit of kit that makes a big difference to how the car feels on the road.

When the centre‑bearing starts to tire, owners often notice a rumble or droning that rises with road speed, a shudder on take‑off, or a thump on gear changes as the rubber carrier sags or splits. Left alone, it can accelerate wear in the universal joints and create extra stress on the transmission mount and diff pinion.

As part of regular servicing, a quick under‑car check pays dividends:

• Inspect the carrier rubber for cracks, separation, or sagging.
• Check for excessive play by moving the tailshaft near the bearing, feel for roughness when rotated by hand.
• Look for shiny witness marks or contact points that hint at misalignment.
• Listen for speed‑related droning on road tests, especially under light throttle.

Replacement is straightforward for a trained technician but it’s more than a bolt‑off, bolt‑on job. Correct phasing of the shaft halves, marking their relative positions, and torquing fasteners to spec are critical to avoid new vibrations. Heat and a press are typically used to remove and install the bearing, the carrier bracket must be refitted square and the tailshaft aligned so the driveline angles sit within tolerance. It’s smart to inspect the universal joints and centre CV (where fitted) at the same time, and replace any torque‑to‑yield bolts specified by the service manual.

With quality parts and proper setup, a fresh centre‑bearing brings back that trademark Commodore smoothness and keeps the driveline happy for the long haul.

Popular questions about the 2016 Holden Commodore centre‑bearing

How do you tell if the centre‑bearing is failing on a VF Commodore?
Most drivers notice a speed‑related rumble, vibration on take‑off, or a clunk shifting from reverse to drive. A visual check often shows a cracked or sagging rubber carrier. If noises change with load but not engine rpm, the tailshaft and centre‑bearing are prime suspects.

Can the centre‑bearing be replaced without balancing the tailshaft?
If the shaft halves are reassembled exactly as marked and the bearing is installed true, additional balancing isn’t always required. However, if the original balance marks are lost, or new vibrations appear, a professional balance is recommended to meet factory NVH targets.

How long does a centre‑bearing last on a 2016 Commodore?
There’s no fixed interval, many last well past 150,000 km, but harsh roads, heavy towing, or worn mounts can shorten life. Regular inspections during scheduled services help catch deterioration early before it affects other driveline parts.