Parts for your 2018 Holden Colorado-Centre bearing

2018 Holden Colorado centre-bearing: what it does and when to replace it

Based on the Holden RG Colorado Service Manual (Driveline/Propeller Shaft section), GM Global Service Information for 2017–2019 RG models, the Isuzu TFR/TFS (D‑MAX) workshop manual used for the shared platform, and Australian driveline catalogues from Hardy Spicer/Spicer, the 2018 Holden Colorado with a two‑piece propeller shaft is fitted with a centre support bearing (often called a centre-bearing). This applies to most Crew/Space Cab 4x2 and 4x4 variants. Some short‑wheelbase Single Cab models may run a one‑piece tailshaft and therefore won’t have a centre-bearing.

On vehicles where it’s fitted, the centre-bearing supports the middle of the two‑piece tailshaft, keeping it aligned under load so the ute accelerates smoothly without shudder. It carries the shaft’s weight, controls whip, and lets the universal joints work at sane angles. That means less vibration through the chassis, better NVH on the highway, and longer life for the U‑joints and gearbox/transfer case.

As part of regular servicing on a 2018 Colorado, it’s smart to eyeball the centre-bearing every 10,000–20,000 km or at each service. Look for cracked or oil‑soaked rubber, a sagging support, roughness when the shaft is rotated by hand, and any play that lets the shaft move up and down. Off‑road use, towing, lift kits, heavy loads, and corrugations all accelerate wear.

Common symptoms of a crook centre-bearing include:

• Shudder on take‑off or under load, often worse uphill
• Driveline vibration that follows road speed (not engine rpm)
• Clunking on throttle on/off or when shifting
• Rumbling/whirring from under the cab

Replacement is straightforward but benefits from the right steps. Mark the tailshaft flanges and yoke so phasing stays identical on reassembly. Support the shaft, remove the centre bracket and tailshaft sections, press off the old bearing, and fit a quality replacement with the correct inner diameter and bracket style for the RG Colorado. While there, check the U‑joints, slip yoke spline condition, and the centre bracket bush. Refit with the bearing square in its mount, align the shaft, and torque fasteners to the workshop spec. A quick road test for vibrations and a recheck of fasteners after a few hundred kilometres is good practice.

There’s no fixed replacement interval, many last well past 150,000 km, but once the rubber perishes or the bearing gets noisy, it’s time. Leaving it too long can flog out U‑joints and cause extra gearbox or diff wear, so if it’s vibrating or shuddering, it’s worth sorting promptly.

FAQs

Does every 2018 Holden Colorado have a centre-bearing?
Most Crew/Space Cab 4x2 and 4x4 RG Colorados use a two‑piece tailshaft with a centre-bearing. Some short‑wheelbase Single Cab models may have a one‑piece shaft and won’t have one. A quick under‑vehicle check will tell the story: if the shaft is in two sections with a bracket mid‑way, it’s got a centre-bearing.

What are the tell‑tale signs my centre-bearing is failing?
Shudder on take‑off, vibration that tracks with road speed, clunks when getting on/off the throttle, and a sagging or cracked rubber support are the big giveaways. A rumble or growl from mid‑chassis is another clue.

Is it safe to keep driving with a worn centre-bearing?
Short trips at low speed might be manageable, but it’s not ideal. A failing bearing can hammer the U‑joints and mounts, and in extreme cases lead to loss of driveline control. It’s best to book it in and get it replaced before it escalates.