Parts for your 2017 Subaru Xv-Centre bearing

Centre-Bearing on the 2017 Subaru XV: What You Need to Know

When it comes to the 2017 Subaru XV, the question of whether a centre-bearing is part of the drivetrain setup is a common one. After digging into technical sources and understanding the vehicle's layout, it turns out the 2017 Subaru XV does not use a centre-bearing. This might come as a surprise if you're familiar with certain rear-wheel or all-wheel-drive vehicles where a centre-bearing is a vital component, but here's the lowdown on why this part isn't necessary for the Subaru XV.

The Subaru XV is built with a symmetrical all-wheel-drive system featuring a relatively compact drivetrain design. Its layout primarily consists of a single driveshaft running from the gearbox to the rear differential. Because of this setup, there is no need to split the driveshaft into two sections, which is typically where a centre-bearing would be used.

Centre-bearings come into play in vehicles that have long, two-piece driveshafts. These two-piece shafts are necessary when the distance between the gearbox and the rear differential is quite large, or when the vehicle's architecture simply demands it because of size or design constraints, such as in some larger SUVs, trucks or certain rear-wheel-drive cars. The centre-bearing supports the driveshaft at the split-point, holding it steady, reducing vibrations, and allowing the two shaft sections to rotate smoothly in tandem.

In the case of the Subaru XV, the all-wheel-drive setup benefits from a more direct and compact driveshaft design which runs from the gearbox to the rear diff without interruption. This eliminates the need for the extra support that a centre-bearing offers. The system is designed for smooth power delivery without the added mechanical complexity or components, which helps with reliability and cost-effectiveness.

So, why is this good news? Without a centre-bearing, owners of the 2017 Subaru XV won't have to worry about this particular component wearing out, making noise, or causing additional servicing concerns. Centre-bearings can develop issues like worn rubber mounts or metal fatigue over time, creating annoying clunks, vibrations, and potential drivetrain damage if left unchecked. Subaru's straightforward single driveshaft design bypasses these potential headaches, delivering a simpler and more robust drivetrain experience.

To keep the XV's drivetrain in prime condition, regular maintenance still plays a crucial role. This involves checking the universal joints and overall condition of the driveshaft, along with ensuring the differential fluids are topped up and replaced at the recommended intervals. These checks help maintain smooth power delivery and reduce wear on drivetrain components.

If you're unfamiliar with centre-bearings in the first place, it can be helpful to know a bit about what they do in other vehicles. When fitted, a centre-bearing supports a two-piece driveshaft by carrying the weight and reducing vibration from the rotating shaft sections. It typically consists of a rubber-mounted bearing assembly fixed to the chassis, which allows the driveshaft to spin freely while absorbing shocks and impacts from the road.

Replacing a centre-bearing can be a bit more involved than swapping out more common components like brakes or tyres. It usually means removing the driveshaft sections, carefully taking out the old bearing, and installing a new one while checking alignment and balancing. Because they are frequently rubber-mounted, centre-bearings can deteriorate over time, especially if exposed to harsh road conditions, heat, or lack of lubrication. An old or failing centre-bearing often leads to noticeable drumming or vibration noises, which can increase during acceleration or at certain speeds.

In a serviced vehicle that does have a centre-bearing, it's a wise idea to include bearing inspection during regular servicing intervals, especially past the 100,000-kilometre mark or when experiencing symptoms. Timely replacement of this component keeps vibrations in check and extends the life of the drivetrain parts connected to it.

But since the 2017 Subaru XV skips this part entirely, owners can enjoy the benefits of a simplified drivetrain that cuts down on potential points of failure. This aligns well with Subaru's reputation for reliability and the vehicle's design philosophy focused on efficiency and all-wheel traction without overcomplicating the mechanical layout.

Ultimately, understanding that the 2017 Subaru XV doesn't have or require a centre-bearing helps owners and mechanics focus their attention on more relevant maintenance areas. It means fewer components to worry about and a drivetrain that's straightforward to maintain without compromise on performance or smoothness.