Parts for your 2016 Honda Odyssey-Centre bearing

2016 Honda Odyssey centre-bearing: what’s actually fitted

Based on factory service information and parts catalogues, a centre-bearing (centre support bearing for a two-piece tailshaft) is not used on the 2016 Honda Odyssey. The model sold in Australia and New Zealand (RC series) and the North American RL5 are front‑wheel drive. With no rear differential and no propeller shaft running down the middle, there’s no need for a tailshaft centre-bearing on this vehicle.

Technical sources that verify this include: Honda Odyssey Service Manual (2011–2017 RL5), Driveline/Axle sections that detail front driveshafts and a right‑hand intermediate shaft with a pressed, bracket‑mounted support bearing, Honda EPC/parts catalogues for 2016 Odyssey (RL5/RC) that list an “Intermediate Shaft (R.H.)” and its bearing but no “Propeller Shaft” or “Centre Support Bearing” group, Honda Australia model specifications confirming front‑wheel drive, and bearing manufacturers’ technical bulletins noting that centre support bearings are used on two‑piece propeller shafts found in rear‑ or all‑wheel drive layouts.

Why centre-bearing isn’t used here comes down to layout. The Odyssey’s transaxle sends drive to two front CV half‑shafts. The longer right side uses an intermediate shaft with its own support bearing bolted to the engine block/subframe. That component is sometimes confused for a tailshaft centre-bearing, but it’s a different part with a different job: keeping the intermediate shaft aligned and vibration‑free. It’s a sealed bearing with no scheduled maintenance.

• No tailshaft present: front‑wheel drive only.
• Driveline uses CV half‑shafts and a right‑hand intermediate shaft.
• Support bearing fitted to the intermediate shaft, not a “centre” tailshaft bearing.

If driveline vibration, a droning/rumbling from the right side, or visible play at the intermediate shaft bracket crops up, workshops typically inspect the intermediate shaft support bearing and the CV joints. Replacement involves removing the intermediate shaft assembly and pressing in a new bearing (or fitting an assembly, depending on parts availability). Routine servicing usually just means a visual check for leakage, torn dust shields and excess play—no periodic lubrication is required.

Referenced technical sources: Honda Odyssey Service Manual (2011–2017 RL5), Driveline/Axle – Front Driveshafts and Intermediate Shaft, Honda EPC/Parts Catalogue (2016 Odyssey RL5/RC) – Intermediate Shaft (R.H.) with Bearing, Honda Australia 2016 Odyssey RC Specifications – Front‑Wheel Drive, Bearing manufacturer technical guidance on centre support bearings for two‑piece propeller shafts.

Popular questions

Does a 2016 Honda Odyssey have a centre-bearing?
It doesn’t. The 2016 Odyssey is front‑wheel drive, so there’s no two‑piece tailshaft and no centre support bearing. The only similar item is the right‑hand intermediate shaft support bearing in the front driveline.

What do people mean by “centre-bearing” on an Odyssey?
They’re usually talking about the intermediate shaft support bearing on the right side of the transaxle. It supports the long shaft between the gearbox and the right CV axle, keeping angles correct and helping prevent vibration.

How can a worn intermediate shaft bearing be identified and what’s involved in replacement?
Common signs are a steady rumble that changes with road speed, vibration on light throttle, or noticeable play when the shaft is checked on a hoist. Replacement requires removing the intermediate shaft assembly, pressing off the old bearing and installing a new one (or swapping in a complete shaft with bearing), then re-torquing brackets and fasteners to spec and checking for leaks and alignment.