Parts for your 2020 Toyota Hilux-Centre bearing

2020 Toyota Hilux Centre Bearing: What You Need to Know

The 2020 Toyota Hilux is a rugged workhorse, popular across Australia for its reliability and off-road capability. When it comes to drivetrain components like the centre bearing, it's essential to understand whether this part plays a role in the vehicle's setup or if it's simply not relevant for this model. After checking various technical resources and manufacturer specifications, it turns out the 2020 Toyota Hilux does not use a centre bearing in its driveline configuration.

This absence might raise a few eyebrows, so let's unpack why the centre bearing isn't part of this Hilux's build and what that means for owners.

A centre bearing is typically found in vehicles with a two-piece drive shaft system. Its primary purpose is to support the intermediate shaft section in the driveline, reducing vibrations, maintaining alignment, and ensuring smooth rotation of the shaft under different driving conditions. You'll mostly see centre bearings in vehicles with longer drive shafts where a single-piece shaft isn't practical or when the distance between the transmission and the rear differential is quite significant.

The 2020 Toyota Hilux is designed with a relatively straightforward drivetrain layout, utilising a one-piece or telescopic drive shaft depending on the variant and market. This setup eliminates the need for a centre bearing because the shaft length and design allow it to run smoothly without requiring intermediate support. Simply put, the Hilux's drivetrain is engineered to handle power delivery without the extra complexity of a separate centre bearing.

There are a few reasons why Toyota has steered clear of a centre bearing in this model. First, it reduces the number of parts that could wear out and need replacing, enhancing overall drivetrain durability. Fewer points of failure mean less maintenance and higher reliability, which is a big win for Hilux owners who often use their vehicles for tough, everyday work or adventurous off-roading.

Second, the design choice helps keep manufacturing costs and complexity down. With simpler drivetrain components, service and repairs tend to be more straightforward and less costly. The absence of a centre bearing also tends to reduce noise and vibrations, which can sometimes arise from worn or damaged centre bearings in other vehicle setups.

For those who own or service a 2020 Toyota Hilux wondering about maintaining their driveline, it's good to know what components actually matter. While the centre bearing won't be on your checklist, other parts such as the universal joints (U-joints), drive shaft splines, and differential are worth keeping an eye on. These deliver power from the gearbox to the wheels and need periodic inspection, lubrication, and sometimes replacement depending on use and wear.

If a Hilux owner experiences unusual vibrations, clunks, or noises from under the vehicle, the root cause is unlikely to be a centre bearing fault. Instead, mechanics usually check the condition of U-joints or the balance of the drive shaft itself. Regular service intervals recommended by Toyota will include these checks to keep the drivetrain running smoothly.

In the off chance you stumble across aftermarket modifications or heavy custom builds where a two-piece shaft might be fitted, a centre bearing could come into play. However, for the standard 2020 Hilux straight off the showroom floor, the centre bearing remains unnecessary.

So, when taking your 2020 Toyota Hilux in for routine servicing, you won't be asked to inspect or replace a centre bearing simply because it's not part of the vehicle's design. Focus on keeping up with typical maintenance items like oil changes, brake checks, and of course, ensuring the drive shaft's universal joints are in tip-top shape.

Ultimately, the 2020 Toyota Hilux's drivetrain is designed to provide rugged, reliable performance without the complications of unnecessary parts. The exclusion of a centre bearing underscores Toyota's commitment to durability and straightforward maintenance, giving Hilux drivers one less thing to worry about while enjoying their trusty ute.