Parts for your 2017 Ford Fiesta-Centre bearing

Understanding the Centre-Bearing on the 2017 Ford Fiesta: Is It Needed?

When it comes to the 2017 Ford Fiesta, it's important to know what parts make up its drivetrain and which ones don't come into play. Among those parts often discussed in some vehicles is the centre-bearing. So, does the 2017 Ford Fiesta have a centre-bearing? The straightforward answer is no, the 2017 Ford Fiesta does not use a centre-bearing in its drivetrain setup.

To understand why, it helps to look at what a centre-bearing is and why some vehicles have them. A centre-bearing is typically used in cars with a two-piece or multi-piece driveshaft. This is common in rear-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive vehicles where the driveshaft is split into separate sections. The centre-bearing supports the driveshaft's intermediate section, stabilising it and reducing vibrations caused by the shaft's rotation. However, the 2017 Ford Fiesta is primarily a front-wheel-drive vehicle, and it uses a completely different drivetrain layout - which means the kind of long, rotating shafts that need centre-bearings simply aren't there.

The 2017 Ford Fiesta uses a transversely mounted engine coupled with front-wheel drive, which typically employs shorter CV (constant velocity) axles to transfer power from the transmission to the front wheels. These shorter axles are designed to work without the need for centre-bearing support. This setup is simpler, lighter, and more compact, which contributes to fuel efficiency and easier servicing.

Because of this front-wheel-drive design and the lack of a long, two-piece driveshaft, the 2017 Ford Fiesta doesn't require a centre-bearing as part of its drivetrain components. This means fewer moving parts under the car, and less routine maintenance related to driveshaft bearings. Instead, maintenance efforts focus on other areas, such as the CV joints, differential fluids, and suspension components.

If a centre-bearing was fitted, the story would be quite different. That's why it's useful to take a moment to understand what a centre-bearing does where it is used, and what servicing it involves for those vehicles fitted with one.

For vehicles equipped with a centre-bearing, its primary role is to support the driveshaft in the middle, especially in longer shafts that spin at high speeds. Without a proper centre-bearing, the driveshaft could wobble or vibrate excessively, leading to uncomfortable driving conditions and potential damage to the drivetrain. The centre-bearing acts as a steady anchor point, keeping the driveshaft stable and aligned. It also houses a bearing that ensures smooth rotation and minimises friction.

When it comes to maintenance, centre-bearings generally need to be inspected for wear or damage during regular servicing intervals, especially if the vehicle travels long distances or carries heavy loads regularly. Signs that a centre-bearing might be failing include unusual vibrations, clunking noises when accelerating or decelerating, or even drivetrain binding. Replacement usually involves removing the driveshaft, pressing out the old bearing, and installing a new one - a task best left to mechanics who have experience with drivetrain components.

Servicing a centre-bearing properly can extend the life of the entire drivetrain. Greasing and ensuring proper fitment prevent premature wear and help maintain smooth power delivery to the wheels. While it might sound like a small part, a faulty centre-bearing can cause a domino effect of issues that become costly if not addressed promptly.

Back to the 2017 Ford Fiesta, this vehicle sidesteps the need for dealing with centre-bearing maintenance altogether due to its front-wheel-drive design. Instead, owners of the Fiesta will find it more useful to keep tabs on their CV joint boots and suspension mounts, as these components experience more wear in front-wheel-drive cars. Regular checks on these parts, along with routine oil and filter changes, help ensure the Fiesta runs smoothly without any unusual vibrations or noises typically associated with worn centre-bearings in other cars.

So, if someone is browsing parts or considering repairs for the 2017 Ford Fiesta, they won't need to worry about centre-bearing replacement or maintenance. The vehicle's drivetrain design keeps things straightforward, letting owners focus on maintaining the usual suspects in their car's running gear. It's a neat example of how design choices in vehicle architecture affect the kinds of maintenance tasks that come up during ownership.