Parts for your 2017 Subaru Outback-Centre bearing

Centre Bearing Information for the 2017 Subaru Outback

When it comes to the 2017 Subaru Outback and the topic of centre bearings, it's important to first establish whether this vehicle actually uses one. The 2017 Subaru Outback is built on Subaru's well-known symmetrical all-wheel-drive system, paired with a Horizontally Opposed Boxer engine and a Lineartronic CVT transmission. This combination influences how the drivetrain and prop shafts are arranged and supported.

Based on technical sources and factory service manuals, the 2017 Subaru Outback does not utilize a centre bearing in its drivetrain setup. Instead, the Outback's design uses a single, relatively short prop shaft from the transmission to the rear differential. This configuration eliminates the need for extra support in the middle of the shaft - hence there is no centre bearing.

So why does the 2017 Subaru Outback not require a centre bearing? It comes down to the type of drivetrain layout that Subaru has implemented. Centre bearings are typically found in vehicles with longer driveshafts or multi-piece prop shafts. When a shaft is lengthy, it tends to flex or vibrate under load, so a centre bearing acts as an additional support point to keep the shaft stable and reduce vibrations. This is common in certain rear-wheel-drive cars or trucks with more complex drivetrains.

However, in the case of the 2017 Outback, the relatively compact rear AWD setup and shorter prop shaft design means the driveshaft is self-supporting with the bearings located at either end - at the transmission and the rear differential. This simplicity also helps improve reliability and reduces the number of parts that might wear out or need maintenance over time.

Since no centre bearing is fitted, owners of a 2017 Subaru Outback do not need to worry about replacing or servicing this particular component. Instead, maintenance attention generally focuses on other drivetrain parts such as the CV joints, rear differential fluid, and general transmission servicing to keep the AWD system running smoothly.

In essence, the absence of a centre bearing in the 2017 Outback aligns with Subaru's engineering priorities on reliability and efficient AWD performance. Fewer moving parts and supports mean fewer potential failure points, which is ideal for grassy fields, Aussie bush tracks, or urban roads.