Parts for your 2017 Honda Cr-v-Centre bearing

Centre Bearing on the 2017 Honda CR-V: What You Need to Know

When it comes to the 2017 Honda CR-V, understanding whether a centre bearing is part of its drivetrain setup is key for anyone keeping an eye on maintenance or looking into potential repairs. After checking through reliable technical sources and service manuals, it turns out that the 2017 Honda CR-V does not use a centre bearing. This is largely down to the design of its drivetrain and how power is delivered to the wheels.

The 2017 CR-V, being a compact SUV with a front-wheel-drive based platform (with all-wheel drive variants available), employs a different type of driveshaft configuration compared to vehicles that require a centre bearing. Typically, centre bearings are found on vehicles with a two-piece driveshaft system, where the driveshaft is split into two sections with a bearing in the middle to provide support and reduce vibration. This is commonly seen in larger rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive vehicles with longer driveshafts.

Because the 2017 Honda CR-V uses either a single-piece driveshaft for front-wheel drive models or a more compact design for the AWD versions, the length and configuration of its driveshaft do not necessitate a centre bearing. The AWD system uses a secondary drive shaft running to the rear wheels, but it's designed in a way that eliminates the need for a centre bearing to support length or movement. Instead, the system relies on carefully designed Universal Joints and CV joints to absorb movement and maintain smooth power delivery.

There are a few reasons why the 2017 CR-V's design avoids the use of a centre bearing:

• Shorter Driveshafts: The driveshafts in the CR-V are relatively short, so the risk of excessive vibration or shaft flexing is minimal without additional support.
• Space Efficiency: Without the need for a centre bearing, Honda engineers have more room to optimise underbody space and reduce overall vehicle weight.
• Design Simplicity: Fewer parts means less potential for wear and failure, which can translate to better reliability and less maintenance.

So for anyone servicing or maintaining a 2017 Honda CR-V, there is no need to worry about checking or replacing a centre bearing because the vehicle simply does not have one. Instead, the focus should be on the condition of the CV joints, driveshaft boots, and other components more relevant to the CR-V's drivetrain.

That said, if someone is coming from a rear-wheel drive or older four-wheel drive vehicle background where centre bearings are common, it is useful to understand the role those bearings play, so we'll take a little side step to explain that.

Centre bearings act as a support system for driveshafts that are broken into two parts because of their length. They sit mounted to the chassis, holding the driveshaft alignment steady and preventing wobble or vibration during rotation. This reduces stress on the transmission and on the shafts themselves, preventing premature wear or failure. When centre bearings wear out, drivers might notice strange vibrations, noises, or difficulty driving smoothly at certain speeds, which signals it's time for replacement.

In vehicles equipped with centre bearings, regular maintenance involves looking out for signs of bearing wear, such as:

• Excessive vibration or noise coming from under the vehicle during acceleration or cruising.
• Visible damage or wear on the rubber isolator between the bearing and mounting bracket.
• Rust or corrosion that could weaken the bearing's integrity.

When it comes time to replace a centre bearing, it's important to use quality aftermarket or OEM parts and to ensure proper alignment during installation. Incorrect fitting may cause imbalance and lead to the same drivetrain issues the replacement aims to fix. Greasing the bearing and inspecting associated mounts during servicing is recommended to extend bearing life and keep the driveshaft running smoothly.

Since the 2017 Honda CR-V does not have this component, owners and mechanics can direct their attention towards maintaining other critical parts of the drivetrain. For example, ensuring that CV boots are intact and not leaking grease, keeping regular checks on the transmission fluid levels if applicable, and monitoring the condition of the axles and joints will go a long way in maintaining smooth and reliable performance.

So, if you're servicing a 2017 CR-V and wonder whether you should look for a centre bearing, the answer is no. Focus your efforts on the components Honda designed this reliable SUV around. This understanding helps provide peace of mind when it comes to service intervals and parts replacement, making the CR-V a smart option for Aussies who want hassle-free ownership.