Parts for your 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander-Centre bearing

2019 Mitsubishi Outlander centre-bearing: do you have one, and what to do about it

Based on Mitsubishi’s technical information, a centre-bearing (also called a centre support or hanger bearing) is fitted to 2019 Outlander models that use a conventional mechanical AWD system with a two-piece propeller shaft. The Mitsubishi Motors Service Manual (Group 27A – Propeller Shaft) describes a two-piece shaft with a centre support for AWD petrol/diesel Outlanders (e.g., GF7W/GF8W model codes). The Mitsubishi ASA/CAPS parts catalogue likewise lists a propeller shaft support for these variants. If the vehicle is front-wheel drive only, there’s no propeller shaft and therefore no centre-bearing. The Outlander PHEV also doesn’t use a centre-bearing because its Twin Motor 4WD layout drives the rear axle electrically with no mechanical propshaft (as outlined in Mitsubishi’s Outlander PHEV System Technical Guide).

For AWD petrol/diesel 2019 Outlanders that do have one, the centre-bearing’s job is to support the two-piece prop shaft, keeping everything aligned and smooth as torque heads to the rear diff. It cushions vibration through a rubber isolator and carries the shaft’s weight at the midpoint, which helps reduce noise and harshness at highway speeds and under load.

Tell-tale signs the centre-bearing is on the way out include a droning or humming that rises with road speed, a shudder on take-off, and a thump when transitioning on and off the throttle. On inspection, look for cracked or separated rubber in the support, play in the bearing, or torn bearing seals. It’s also worth checking the mounting bracket bushes and fasteners for looseness.

Servicing is straightforward workshop fare: the shaft comes out as an assembly, the flanges are marked for re-install alignment, and the centre support bracket is unbolted from the body. Many OEM catalogues supply the propeller shaft as a complete unit, so the centre-bearing may not be sold separately from Mitsubishi, however, reputable aftermarket suppliers often offer a replacement centre support bearing on its own. If replacing just the bearing, press work and careful alignment are essential to avoid imbalance. Always follow the workshop manual for torque specs and the phasing/indexing marks so the shaft runs true.

As a rule of thumb in Australia and New Zealand, it’s smart to have the centre-bearing checked whenever there’s a complaint about driveline vibration, after underbody knocks, or during major services around the 100,000–150,000 km mark—especially if the Outlander tows or sees rough roads. Fresh flange bolts, correct torque, and confirming the rear diff mount condition will help the new bearing live a long, quiet life.

• If the 2019 Outlander is FWD: no centre-bearing is fitted.
• If it’s the PHEV: no centre-bearing is fitted (electric rear drive, no propshaft).
• If it’s a conventional AWD petrol/diesel: a centre-bearing is fitted with the two-piece prop shaft.

Popular questions about 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander centre-bearing

How can someone tell if their 2019 Outlander actually has a centre-bearing?
Check the build plate/trim for AWD and look underneath: if there’s a long propeller shaft running from the front transaxle to the rear differential, it’s an AWD with a two-piece shaft and a centre support in the middle. FWD models won’t have a rear diff or propshaft, while PHEV models use electric rear drive and no shaft at all.

What symptoms point to a failing centre-bearing on an AWD 2019 Outlander?
Common signs include a speed-related hum or droning, vibration under load, a shudder on take-off, and a thud or clunk when lifting off or getting back on the throttle. Visual inspection may show cracked rubber around the support or excessive play when the shaft is moved by hand.

Do owners need to replace the whole prop shaft, or can just the centre-bearing be changed?
Mitsubishi often supplies the propshaft as a complete assembly, but quality aftermarket centre support bearings are available separately. If replacing just the bearing, correct press techniques, indexing, and balance are critical. Many workshops prefer the complete assembly route for simplicity, others will fit a separate bearing to keep costs down, provided the shaft remains correctly phased and balanced.