Parts for your 2018 Holden Commodore-Centre bearing

2018 Holden Commodore centre-bearing: what’s fitted and when it matters

Technical sources confirm the 2018 Holden Commodore (ZB) only uses a centre-bearing on all-wheel-drive (AWD) variants, front-wheel-drive (FWD) models don’t have one. The Holden/GM Service Information for ZB Commodore (E2XX) in the Driveline/Axle – Propeller Shaft “Description and Operation” notes an AWD propeller shaft running from the power take-off unit to the rear drive module, supported mid-tunnel by a centre support bearing. The Opel Insignia B electronic parts catalogue (the ZB’s donor platform) also lists a centre support for the AWD propeller shaft assembly. GKN’s Twinster AWD technical overview for the rear drive module used on ZB AWD further describes a front-to-rear prop shaft arrangement consistent with a centre-bearing support. FWD ZB models have no prop shaft, making a centre-bearing not relevant to those vehicles.

For owners of AWD V6 ZB Commodores (such as RS-V, Calais V, VXR and Touring AWD), the centre-bearing is a quiet achiever that keeps the two-piece prop shaft stable and smooth. Its rubber-isolated mount controls alignment and damping under load so the car doesn’t buzz, drone or thump through the tunnel when power is sent to the rear. It helps the shaft handle high road speeds and torque transfers without letting vibration creep into the cabin, which is especially important with the Twinster rear drive module shuffling torque side-to-side.

As part of routine servicing, it’s smart to have the centre-bearing and its bracket inspected every 40–60,000 kilometres, or sooner if there are driveline noises. Tell-tale signs of wear include a low-frequency hum that rises with road speed, a shudder on take-off, or a clunk when backing on and off the throttle. A torch check from underneath (on a hoist) should look for perished rubber in the support, torn isolator, contact marks on the tunnel and any play in the prop shaft CVs.

On many ZB AWDs the centre-bearing is supplied by GM as part of the complete propeller shaft assembly rather than a separate service part. Workshops will typically replace the whole shaft if the bearing is gone, then road test for NVH and confirm AWD operation. Aftermarket options may offer a separate bearing, but proper pressing, alignment and dynamic balance are critical to avoid new vibrations. Best practice during any shaft work is to mark orientation before removal, use new fasteners where specified in GM SI, torque the brackets evenly, and recheck for exhaust or heat-shield interference.

If the car is a 2.0-litre FWD ZB, there’s no centre-bearing fitted—so any vibration will be from tyres, engine/trans mounts or front driveshafts, not a prop shaft support.

• Common symptoms on AWD: droning at 60–100 km/h, tunnel vibration on take-off, thump on throttle transitions.
• Service tip: inspect rubber isolator and bracket at regular intervals, replace complete prop shaft if bearing is non-serviceable.
• FWD models: centre-bearing not applicable—no prop shaft present.

Popular questions

Does my 2018 Holden Commodore have a centre-bearing?
Only the AWD V6 models do. If it’s a FWD 2.0-litre (petrol or diesel), there’s no prop shaft and no centre-bearing. A quick look underneath for a front-to-rear shaft is the easiest check.

What are the signs a centre-bearing is failing on a ZB AWD?
Expect a speed-related hum, a shudder on take-off, or a dull thump as load changes. If the rubber support is torn, the shaft can run off-centre and transmit vibration into the floor.

Can the centre-bearing be replaced on its own?
GM typically supplies the propeller shaft as a complete assembly for ZB AWD, so many workshops replace the lot. Some aftermarket bearings exist, but correct pressing and rebalancing are crucial to avoid NVH issues.