Parts for your 2018 Suzuki Splash-Centre bearing

Centre Bearing on the 2018 Suzuki Splash: Is It Used and What You Need to Know

When it comes to the 2018 Suzuki Splash, there is some curiosity about whether this model uses a centre bearing in its drivetrain setup. After consulting various technical sources, including factory service manuals and drivetrain schematics for the Suzuki Splash, it becomes clear that the 2018 Splash does not use a centre bearing in its design.

The reason why a centre bearing is not relevant or used on the 2018 Suzuki Splash largely comes down to the vehicle's drivetrain configuration. The Splash utilises a simple front-wheel-drive (FWD) system, where power is delivered from the engine to the front wheels via a transaxle assembly. This eliminates the need for a long or multi-piece propeller shaft that would normally require a supporting centre bearing.

Centre bearings typically come into play on vehicles where the drivetrain layout demands a two-piece driveshaft or a long prop shaft to transfer power from the gearbox or transfer case to the differential at the rear axle. This is commonly seen on rear-wheel-drive (RWD) or four-wheel-drive (4WD) vehicles, where the shaft runs the length of the vehicle's chassis underbody. The bearing supports and stabilises the shaft at the midpoint, reducing vibration and wear by taking the load off the shaft's joints and mounts.

Since the Suzuki Splash's engine and transmission are located at the front and the driven wheels are also at the front, there is no long shaft running under the vehicle's length. Instead, each front wheel is connected by relatively short half-shafts or CV axles directly to the transaxle. This layout means no centre bearing is needed or installed.

For buyers or owners of a 2018 Suzuki Splash, this is good news because it means less complexity in the drivetrain and potentially lower maintenance costs. The absence of a centre bearing means there are fewer moving parts that can wear out over time. For example, there is no need to worry about centre bearing bushings or the rubber mount deteriorating, or about the bearing itself seizing or becoming noisy.

On the other hand, it's important to understand what a centre bearing actually does when it is fitted to a vehicle that requires one. Vehicles equipped with a two-piece driveshaft assembly rely on the centre bearing to act as a pivotal support. This helps keep the shaft aligned and balanced during operation, reducing vibration and preventing excess stress and wear on universal joints, splines, and other components.

Maintenance of a centre bearing in vehicles that have one typically involves periodic inspection for signs of wear such as vibration, clunking noises, or visible damage to the bearing or its mounting rubber surround. Over time, the rubber can degrade, causing the bearing to lose support and potentially allowing the driveshaft to come into contact with the underbody, leading to costly repairs if left unaddressed.

Replacing a worn centre bearing is usually straightforward but should be tackled promptly to prevent further damage to the drivetrain. The process generally requires removing the driveshaft, extracting the old centre bearing, pressing in a new one, and then reinstalling the driveshaft with proper alignment and torque settings.

Although the centre bearing is not relevant to the Suzuki Splash, drivers of other vehicles that feature this component should include a check of the bearing as part of regular servicing intervals. It is a relatively low-cost preventative maintenance step that can save headaches and bigger bills down the track.

For the 2018 Suzuki Splash owners, the absence of the centre bearing means normal servicing focuses more on the half-shafts and CV joints. These parts still require inspection and maintenance since they are critical to front-wheel-drive operation. Common signs of wear include clicking noises during steering or acceleration and visible boot tears that allow grease to escape and contaminants to enter.

In conclusion, the 2018 Suzuki Splash does not use a centre bearing due to its front-wheel-drive layout and drivetrain design. This reduces mechanical complexity and maintenance needs related to this part. However, understanding the role of a centre bearing in other vehicles can help put its importance into perspective and why it matters when it is installed.