Parts for your 2017 Mazda Cx-5-Centre bearing

Centre Bearing on the 2017 Mazda CX-5: Is It Used and What You Need to Know

The 2017 Mazda CX-5 is a popular midsize SUV known for its smooth driving dynamics, stylish design, and reliability. When it comes to driveline components, one question that often pops up is whether a centre bearing is used on this vehicle, and if so, what its purpose is and how to maintain it. After referencing technical sources and amassing knowledge about the CX-5's drivetrain setup, it's clear that a centre bearing is not a feature found on the 2017 Mazda CX-5.

So why is this the case? To understand why the 2017 Mazda CX-5 does not use a centre bearing, it helps to know what a centre bearing actually does and in which scenarios it is necessary.

A centre bearing is commonly found in vehicles with a two-piece or multi-piece driveshaft, typically when the length of the driveshaft is too long to be effectively supported by just the transmission and differential ends. The centre bearing supports the middle section of the driveshaft, stabilising the shaft and reducing vibration, rattling, and potential wear. They are usually mounted on a bracket that attaches to the vehicle's underbody, essentially holding the driveshaft in place and allowing it to rotate smoothly.

On the other hand, the 2017 Mazda CX-5 features a drivetrain setup that does not require a centre bearing. The majority of models either come with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configurations that use a single-piece driveshaft or shorter half shafts for the rear wheels. The engine's power delivery setup in the CX-5 ensures that the driveshaft length is manageable without the need for an additional support bearing in the middle.

Specifically, Mazda designed the CX-5 with compact and efficient packaging that utilises constant velocity (CV) joints and half shafts to transfer power from the transaxle to the wheels. This design avoids the necessity for a two-piece driveshaft, thus eliminating the need for a centre bearing as you might find in larger rear-wheel drive or heavy-duty four-wheel drive vehicles.

Because the 2017 Mazda CX-5 does not have a centre bearing, there is no need to worry about centre bearing failure, replacement, or maintenance as part of its regular servicing schedule.

For vehicles that do have a centre bearing, maintenance is an important aspect of ensuring smooth driveline operation. But for CX-5 owners, this means fewer components to keep an eye on and less complexity when it comes to driveline servicing.

That said, the absence of a centre bearing doesn't mean the driveshaft and related components on the Mazda CX-5 don't need attention. Regular inspection of CV joints, boots, and half shafts is still necessary, as these parts are critical in transferring power efficiently without causing vibration or noise. Typically, any clunking sounds, vibrations, or visible grease leakage around CV joints could indicate the need for service.

A common misconception is that all vehicles with all-wheel drive need a centre bearing, but this is not the case. It very much depends on the drivetrain design and how the power is routed. Mazda's design for the CX-5 optimises for reliability and ease of maintenance by avoiding unnecessary parts like centre bearings.

So, for 2017 Mazda CX-5 drivers enjoying their SUV on Aussie roads, the good news is they don't need to worry about the centre bearing. By following standard servicing practices such as regular tyre rotations, brake inspections, and driveline checks focusing on CV joints and half shafts, the CX-5 will continue performing smoothly without the fuss of centre bearing maintenance.

If you experience vibrations, noises, or driveline issues, it's always a smart idea to get a professional inspection as there could be other components involved. But rest assured, a faulty centre bearing is not something to worry about on the 2017 Mazda CX-5 because that part simply isn't part of the vehicle's drivetrain design.