Parts for your 2018 Ford Ranger-Centre bearing

Does the 2018 Ford Ranger Have a Centre Bearing?

The 2018 Ford Ranger is a popular ute that many Aussies rely on for both work and play. When it comes to the drivetrain, specifically the driveshaft setup, a common question is whether this model uses a centre bearing. After checking various technical sources including Ford's official manuals, technical forums, and trusted automotive resources, it's clear that the 2018 Ford Ranger does not use a centre bearing.

So why is that the case? The role of a centre bearing is typically to support a longer driveshaft that needs to be split into two sections. The centre bearing holds the driveshaft steady and helps reduce vibrations, ensuring smoother operation and preventing excessive wear on the drivetrain components. Vehicles with a longer wheelbase or those using a two-piece driveshaft usually employ a centre bearing to achieve this stability.

In the case of the 2018 Ford Ranger, the rear-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive models use a single-piece or a relatively short driveshaft design, eliminating the need for a centre bearing. The vehicle's chassis and drivetrain layout are such that the driveshaft is supported adequately by the transmission output shaft at one end and the differential pinion flange at the other, with no intermediate support necessary. This design choice reduces complexity, potential points of failure, and maintenance requirements.

Using a single-piece driveshaft without a centre bearing also simplifies the assembly, lowers cost, and improves reliability. It means fewer parts that can wear out or cause noises, leading to less hassle for owners when it comes to maintenance. Of course, this design is balanced against the vehicle dimensions and power delivery needs, and for the Ranger, it works well without the need for splitting the driveshaft with a centre bearing to accommodate a longer length.

For those who might be more familiar with larger trucks, vans, or SUVs that have longer wheelbases and split driveshafts, it might be surprising. But the 2018 Ranger sits in that sweet spot where the driveshaft is easily managed with a single-piece design, making a centre bearing unnecessary.

Given this setup, owners of a 2018 Ford Ranger don't need to worry about centre bearing replacement or maintenance at all. Instead, service and upkeep will focus on other drivetrain components like the universal joints (U-joints) on the driveshaft, as well as ensure the driveshaft is balanced and lubricated where applicable.

Drivers should still keep an eye (and ear) out for signs of driveshaft troubles, such as unusual vibrations, clunks, or squeaks when driving or accelerating. These symptoms can point to worn U-joints or other drivetrain issues, but not the centre bearing since it does not exist in this model. Regular inspections during servicing will generally include checking the condition of the driveshaft and any associated mounts or supports specific to the Ranger's design.

In short, the 2018 Ford Ranger doesn't use a centre bearing because its driveshaft is designed to be short enough for a single-piece configuration. This helps keep things simple, durable, and maintenance-friendly for drivers who depend on their Ranger for everyday work or adventures out on the long Australian roads.