Parts for your 2020 Holden Colorado-Centre bearing

2020 Holden Colorado centre-bearing: fitment, purpose and service tips

Based on the Holden RG Colorado service information for MY2020 and GM/Holden Electronic Parts Catalogue listings, the 2020 Holden Colorado (especially Dual Cab and most 4x4 utes) uses a two-piece tailshaft with a centre support bearing (often called a centre-bearing). Aftermarket catalogues from major driveline suppliers also list a dedicated propeller shaft centre support bearing for 2012–2020 Colorado, confirming fitment. Note: a few short-wheelbase 4x2 single cabs may run a one-piece shaft without a centre-bearing, but that’s the exception rather than the rule for 2020 models sold in AU/NZ.

On a 2020 Holden Colorado set up with a two-piece tailshaft, the centre-bearing’s job is to support the shaft between the gearbox/transfer case and the rear diff. It keeps driveline angles in check, cuts vibration and noise, and helps the universal joints live a longer, quieter life. Think of it as the mid-ship hanger that steadies the whole driveline when the ute’s loaded, towing a van, or skipping down a corrugated road.

Good servicing looks like regular checks of the rubber isolator for cracks or separation, and a spin test for roughness or play. A workshop will also eyeball tailshaft phasing and the mount alignment, because a small misalignment can cause a big shudder. It’s smart to inspect the uni joints and transmission/transfer case mounts at the same time.

Common signs it’s on the way out include:

• Shudder on take-off or under load
• Droning/vibration around 40–80 km/h
• Clunk when shifting from reverse to drive
• Torn or sagging rubber hanger, or visible slop in the shaft

For most Colorados, having the centre-bearing checked every 10,000–15,000 km (or annually) as part of underbody servicing is a safe bet. Heavy towing, outback tracks and water crossings can speed up wear, so shorten the interval if the ute works hard.

When replacement time comes, a technician will mark the tailshaft orientation, drop the centre bracket, separate the shaft, and press the old bearing off the yoke. The new bearing is pressed on square, the carrier is installed, and everything is torqued to the factory spec before a road test. If there’s any doubt, they’ll balance the shaft and recheck driveline angles. Quality OEM or reputable aftermarket bearings are recommended, polyurethane carriers can be harsher for NVH, so most owners stick with rubber for daily use.

Lifts and load changes alter driveline geometry. If the Colorado’s been raised, it may need shimming or angle correction to keep the centre-bearing happy and the ride smooth.

Popular questions about 2020 Holden Colorado centre-bearing

Does every 2020 Colorado have a centre-bearing?
Most Dual Cab and 4x4 2020 Colorados do, because they run a two-piece tailshaft. Some short-wheelbase 4x2 single cabs may have a one-piece shaft and won’t use a centre-bearing. A quick look under the ute or a check against the VIN in a parts catalogue will confirm what’s fitted.

What does a failing centre-bearing feel like?
Drivers usually notice a take-off shudder, a droning or buzzing between about 40–80 km/h, or a clunk when loading and unloading the driveline. If the rubber hanger has torn, the shaft can sit low or move more than it should. Left too long, it can knock out uni joints and increase wear elsewhere.

How much does replacement typically cost?
Parts range roughly from a couple of hundred to several hundred dollars depending on brand, with labour commonly 1–2 hours. Many owners land somewhere around the $400–$800 mark fitted. Costs vary with condition (uni joints, balance) and whether additional alignment work is needed.