Parts for your 2017 Nissan Pathfinder-Centre bearing

Centre Bearing and the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder: What You Need to Know

The 2017 Nissan Pathfinder is a midsize SUV designed with a modern unibody chassis and front-wheel-drive based all-wheel-drive system. Because of this setup, the 2017 Pathfinder does not utilise a traditional centre bearing on its drivetrain. Unlike older, body-on-frame SUVs and trucks that often use a two-piece driveshaft supported by a centre bearing, the Pathfinder's drivetrain layout doesn't require one.

Why is a centre bearing not relevant or fitted to the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder? It all comes down to the vehicle's design and how power is transferred to the wheels. The Pathfinder employs a transversely mounted engine and a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) powering the front wheels directly, with power sent to the rear axle via half shafts when all-wheel drive is engaged. There isn't a long driveshaft running from the transmission to a rear differential needing support along its length.

Centre bearings are commonly fitted in vehicles with longitudinal engine layouts and rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive systems that use a long, two-piece driveshaft. The bearing is installed between the two driveshaft sections to support the shaft and reduce vibration. But since the Pathfinder uses a compact AWD system integrated within its transaxle and rear differential setup, it only has short half shafts to the rear wheels, which do not require centre bearings.

Therefore, if you own a 2017 Nissan Pathfinder or are researching parts for it, you won't find or need a centre bearing. Instead, the focus for drivetrain maintenance will be on different components such as the CV joints, differential fluid, and half shaft bearings, where applicable.

For vehicles where centre bearings are a key component, such as larger four-wheel-drive trucks or SUVs with body-on-frame construction, the centre bearing has an important role. It supports the middle section of a two-piece driveshaft, helping to maintain alignment, absorb vibration, and extend the life of the driveshaft and related parts. Without it, the long driveshaft can flex excessively or cause vibrations which may lead to premature wear and failure.

In those types of vehicles, the centre bearing is typically fitted on a rubber mount bracket bolted to the chassis. This rubber isolator helps dampen vibrations and movement from the driveshaft while still holding it securely in place. Over time this rubber can deteriorate and cause issues such as vibration, noise, or even driveshaft misalignment.

Replacing a worn centre bearing involves removing the driveshaft from the vehicle, which can be a bit of a task depending on the vehicle's design. The rubber mount and bearing are replaced as a unit. It is usually recommended to inspect the entire driveshaft while the vehicle is lifted, checking for any damaged U-joints or imbalance issues.

Regular maintenance of the centre bearing, when applicable, usually includes keeping an eye (or ear) out for signs of wear such as unusual noises - often a humming or rumbling sound - vibration through the vehicle floor, or looseness in the driveshaft. Addressing these issues early can prevent more serious drivetrain damage down the track.

Since this doesn't apply to the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder, owners should focus on maintaining the key AWD components instead. Checking and changing the differential fluid at the intervals specified in the owner's manual helps ensure the rear differential and half shafts continue to work smoothly. Also, inspecting CV joints and boots for damage or leaks is crucial, as failure of these parts can cause loss of drive to the rear wheels and expensive repairs.

In essence, the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder's design bypasses the need for a centre bearing altogether by utilising a more compact and integrated AWD system. This makes it simpler in terms of drivetrain maintenance when compared to larger 4WD vehicles that rely on body-on-frame construction and long driveshafts. So, if you're servicing a 2017 Pathfinder, you won't be bothering with centre bearings, but rather ensuring the CV joints, differentials, and half shafts are in tip-top shape.