Parts for your 2017 Ford Ranger-Centre bearing

Centre Bearing on the 2017 Ford Ranger: What You Need to Know

The 2017 Ford Ranger is a popular mid-sized utility vehicle well-known for its robust performance and off-road capabilities. When looking into components like the centre bearing, it's important to understand whether this particular part is relevant for this model. After digging through technical sources and workshop manuals, it turns out the 2017 Ford Ranger does not use a centre bearing in its drivetrain setup. Here's why.

A centre bearing is typically found on vehicles with a two-piece drive shaft system. This design splits the drive shaft into two sections connected via a bearing located roughly in the middle, hence the name 'centre bearing'. The bearing's job is to support the drive shaft, reduce vibration, and allow the shaft sections to rotate smoothly. You'll commonly find centre bearings on older 4WD models or large trucks where the distance between the transmission and the rear differential is quite long, necessitating a split shaft for strength and balance.

For the 2017 Ford Ranger, however, this is not the case. The Ranger employs a single-piece drive shaft design that runs directly from the transfer case to the rear differential without requiring a centre support. The single-piece drive shaft is sufficient given the length and power characteristics of this model's drivetrain. This means there is no need for a central support bearing to stabilise the shaft. The design keeps things simpler and reduces potential points of failure and maintenance.

So why is there no centre bearing on the 2017 Ford Ranger? It comes down to engineering choices and modern manufacturing. The Ford Ranger's chassis and drivetrain layout have been designed around durability and efficiency. Using a one-piece drive shaft reduces complexity, cost, and weight. Additionally, it removes the need for that extra bearing assembly which can wear out and lead to vibration or noise issues down the track.

This also means that if you're servicing your 2017 Ford Ranger, centre bearing maintenance is not something to worry about. You won't find this part listed in service manuals or replacement parts catalogues for this vehicle. Instead, the focus should be on maintaining the drive shaft itself and related components such as universal joints (U-joints) and the differential.

Universal joints are the critical flexible couplings that accommodate the movement and angles between the drive shaft and other components. In some cases, these joints do require greasing or replacing especially if you notice any clunking noises or vibrations under acceleration. Keeping these joints in good condition ensures smooth torque transfer without damage or discomfort.

It's a good idea to have your drive shaft inspected during regular servicing intervals. Look for any signs of wear such as dents, bends, or rust damage along the shaft. While the lack of a centre bearing means one less thing to fix, vigilance over other drivetrain components helps avoid unexpected breakdowns.

If you are experiencing vibration or noise issues while driving your Ranger but have ruled out the universal joints and drive shaft condition, the cause could be worn wheel bearings, tyres, or suspension components rather than a centre bearing.

So, when it comes to the 2017 Ford Ranger, the takeaway is pretty straightforward. There is no centre bearing fitted on this vehicle due to the single-piece drive shaft design. This design choice benefits owners by simplifying maintenance and contributing to the vehicle's overall reliability. Instead of worrying about a centre bearing, keep an eye on other drivetrain parts and ensure your vehicle gets serviced regularly for smooth and trouble-free driving.