Parts for your 2016 Mitsubishi Asx-Centre bearing

Centre Bearing on the 2016 Mitsubishi ASX: Is It Used and What You Should Know

When looking into the 2016 Mitsubishi ASX and the role of a centre bearing, it's important to first understand the vehicle's drivetrain layout and design. The centre bearing is a component typically found on vehicles with a two-piece or split driveshaft. Its purpose is to support the intermediate driveshaft, helping to reduce vibrations and maintain alignment between the transmission and the rear differential, especially in rear-wheel or all-wheel drive vehicles with longer driveshafts.

For the 2016 Mitsubishi ASX, technical documentation and repair guides confirm that it does not use a centre bearing. This is because the ASX relies on a front-wheel-drive-based architecture with an optional all-wheel-drive system that uses a constant velocity (CV) joint-driven shaft arrangement rather than a traditional two-piece driveshaft setup. Essentially, the driveshaft configuration on the ASX is direct and compact enough that the support of a centre bearing is unnecessary.

The Mitsubishi ASX comes with a transversely mounted engine and a front-wheel-drive system as standard, with optional all-wheel drive that uses a transfer case and half shafts to send power to the rear wheels. In this setup, the drivetrain components are shorter and divided into shafts with CV joints, which accommodate suspension movement and drive torque without needing an intermediate bearing support. This contrasts sharply with vehicles that have a rear-wheel-drive layout with a longitudinal engine and a long, two-piece driveshaft where vibrations and misalignment risks require a centre bearing to stabilise the shaft.

Because the 2016 Mitsubishi ASX does not have a two-piece driveshaft, it does not need a centre bearing. This design choice helps simplify the drivetrain, reduce weight, and minimise potential points of failure. With fewer moving parts and no intermediate shaft, the need for a centre bearing simply does not arise.

Now, if the concept of a centre bearing is new or if someone owns a vehicle with one, it can be helpful to understand what this part does and how to look after it. A centre bearing supports the intermediate driveshaft in split-shaft setups and contains a bearing inside a rubber or polymer housing that holds the shaft in place while absorbing vibrations. Over time, the rubber can degrade or the bearing can wear out, leading to driveline vibrations, noise, and even damage to other drivetrain components if left unaddressed.

Maintaining a centre bearing usually involves inspection during regular servicing, especially on vehicles driven over rough or off-road conditions, or ones with high mileage. Symptoms that the centre bearing may need replacement include a noticeable vibration at certain speeds, a clunking or rattling noise from underneath the vehicle, or visible wear on the driveshaft support. If a technician notices signs of wear or damage, the bearing assembly is typically replaced as a single unit because the bearing itself is pressed into the housing and not serviceable separately.

Replacing a centre bearing requires the driveshaft to be removed so the new bearing support can be installed. Proper alignment and torque settings are crucial to prevent vibration or premature failure. It's also a wise idea to check related components like universal joints and CV joints during the repair because worn parts often coincide. Regular service and early intervention will extend the life of the driveshaft and keep the vehicle running smoothly.

For the owner of a 2016 Mitsubishi ASX, however, these particular worries about a centre bearing don't apply, given the drivetrain configuration. The best way to keep the ASX's drivetrain in good shape is through regular servicing as per the manufacturer's schedule, which will typically include checks of the CV joints, boots, and transmission fluid levels. Since the system is less complex without a centre bearing, maintenance tends to focus more on the axle shafts and transfer case (in AWD models) to ensure power delivery remains reliable and quiet.

Overall, the absence of a centre bearing on the Mitsubishi ASX reflects its design philosophy aimed at efficiency and reliability in a compact urban SUV. This factor also keeps servicing simpler and potentially less costly compared to vehicles with more complex driveline assemblies. While the centre bearing is an essential part for some drivetrains, the ASX manages smooth power delivery with a more straightforward setup.