Parts for your 2017 Honda Odyssey-Centre bearing

Centre Bearing on the 2017 Honda Odyssey: Is It Used and What You Should Know

For those curious about the drivetrain layout of the 2017 Honda Odyssey and whether this model makes use of a centre bearing, it's important to first understand what a centre bearing is and under what conditions it's typically found in vehicles.

A centre bearing is a support bearing located along the driveshaft in vehicles with a two-piece driveshaft. Its job is to hold the sections of the driveshaft in place, dampen vibrations, and allow the shaft to transmit engine power smoothly to the rear differential or rear wheels. This setup is most commonly seen in rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive vehicles that have a long driveshaft situation, especially where the driveshaft is too long to be a single continuous piece.

When it comes to the 2017 Honda Odyssey, the question arises: does this people-mover have a centre bearing as part of its drivetrain?

The answer is no. The 2017 Honda Odyssey does not use a centre bearing. This is because the Odyssey is a front-wheel drive vehicle powered by a transverse-mounted engine connected to a transaxle. In simpler terms, the Odyssey's drivetrain sends power directly to the front wheels from the engine and transmission assembly, which are positioned sideways in the engine bay. This layout eliminates the need for a long driveshaft running the length of the vehicle to the rear wheels and thus no need for a centre bearing.

In addition to the front-wheel drive configuration, Honda engineered the Odyssey to have a relatively compact drivetrain that optimises space and efficiency for its passenger-heavy design. So, the drivetrain is neat and contained up front, and there is no long driveshaft that would require intermediary support through a centre bearing.

Why doesn't the Odyssey use a centre bearing? Because its drivetrain doesn't require one. The entire powertrain is essentially concentrated around the front axle, eliminating the alignment and vibration challenges that a centre bearing typically helps manage. Vehicles that use two-piece driveshafts, like large trucks or certain rear-wheel drive SUVs, rely on centre bearings to support long rotating shafts and keep them stable and balanced. The Odyssey just doesn't have that setup.

This also means there is no maintenance, inspection or replacement of a centre bearing needed on the 2017 Honda Odyssey. Owners and mechanics instead focus on maintaining related drivetrain components such as CV joints, transmission fluid, engine mounts, and front-wheel-drive axle boots. These parts carry the load of smooth power delivery and vehicle control.

Centre bearings are crucial in vehicles that require them, as a worn or damaged centre bearing can lead to vibrations felt through the cabin, unusual noises, and even potential damage to the driveshaft or differential if left alone. But with the Odyssey's front-wheel drive arrangement, those issues do not apply. So while the centre bearing is an important part on many vehicles, it simply isn't relevant for this popular family van.