Parts for your 2017 Mitsubishi Eclipse cross-Centre bearing

2017 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross centre-bearing: what’s fitted and when

Based on Mitsubishi technical references — notably the Eclipse Cross Service Manual (GK series, Group 22A Propeller Shaft) and the Mitsubishi ASA/ACP electronic parts catalogue — a centre-bearing (centre support bearing) is used only on 2017 Eclipse Cross models equipped with S-AWC all-wheel drive. Those AWD variants run a two-piece propeller shaft to the rear differential, supported mid-way by a rubber-isolated centre-bearing. Front-wheel-drive variants don’t use a centre-bearing because they have no propeller shaft, the transaxle drives the front wheels directly, so there’s nothing to support along the vehicle’s length.

For owners of AWD models where a centre-bearing is fitted, here’s what it does and how to look after it.

The centre-bearing’s job is to hold the two-piece prop shaft steady, keeping it aligned while the driveline deals with torque, bumps and body movement. It sits in a rubber mount that soaks up vibration, helping the Eclipse Cross feel smooth and quiet on Aussie and Kiwi roads. When it’s healthy, most drivers will never think about it, when it’s tired, it can cause a low droning hum, a buzz through the floor, or a shudder on take-off and at motorway speeds.

There’s no scheduled replacement interval for the centre-bearing on the 2017 Eclipse Cross AWD, it’s replaced on condition. As part of routine servicing, a workshop should:

• Visually check the prop shaft centre-bearing and bracket for perishing, cracking, sag or torn rubber.
• Spin and wiggle the shaft by hand (vehicle safely raised) to feel for roughness or excessive play.
• Inspect nearby driveline hardware — universal joints/CV joints, guibo (flex) coupling if fitted, mounting bolts and heat shields.

Common symptoms that suggest the centre-bearing needs attention include:

• A rhythmic hum or droning that changes with road speed, not engine revs.
• Vibration under load or a shudder on take-off that improves when coasting.
• Visible misalignment or a sagging rubber support when viewed from underneath.

Replacement is straightforward for a driveline specialist or dealer technician. The prop shaft is marked for orientation, removed in sections, and the centre-bearing is pressed off and on with care to avoid damaging the rubber isolator. Reassembly uses new hardware where specified and factory torque values, then a road test to confirm the vibration is gone. Because other parts can mimic the same symptoms (tyres, rear diff mount, engine/trans mounts, wheel bearings), a proper diagnosis is worth its weight in gold before authorising parts. Budget-wise, expect the bearing itself to be relatively modest, with most of the cost in labour for removal/refit. Keeping underbody shields intact and avoiding impact damage off-road helps the bearing live a long, quiet life.

If the vehicle is front-wheel drive, none of the above applies — there’s no prop shaft and no centre-bearing to service, which is exactly why FWD examples save weight, cost and complexity in this area.

• Does every 2017 Eclipse Cross have a centre-bearing?
  Only the S-AWC all-wheel-drive variants do. Front-wheel-drive models don’t have a propeller shaft, so they don’t use a centre-bearing. A quick check: if there’s a shaft running from front to rear under the car, it’s AWD and will have a centre-bearing.
• What noises point to a worn centre-bearing?
  Think low droning or a speed-related vibration felt through the seat or floor, often worse under load and smoother on overrun. Shudder on take-off can also be a clue. Always rule out tyres and wheel balance first.
• Is there a set replacement interval?
  No set interval. It’s replaced on condition after inspection. Many last well past typical ownership if the rubber support stays intact and the prop shaft hasn’t been knocked or misaligned.