Parts for your 2020 Toyota Rav4-Centre bearing

2020 Toyota RAV4 centre-bearing: whether it’s there, what it does, and how to look after it

Technical documentation shows the 2020 RAV4 may or may not use a centre-bearing, depending on the drivetrain. Toyota’s New Car Features (XA50) outlines two AWD types for this model year: a mechanical AWD system on non-hybrid petrol variants that drives the rear wheels via a propeller shaft, and the Hybrid’s E-Four system that uses an electric motor on the rear axle with no propeller shaft. The Toyota Repair Manual and Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) for the XA50 list a two-piece propeller shaft with a centre support bearing for the mechanical AWD models, while FWD and Hybrid AWD models are not fitted with a prop shaft and therefore have no centre-bearing.

So, the centre-bearing is relevant to 2020 RAV4 non-hybrid AWD models and not relevant to FWD or Hybrid AWD (E-Four) models.

On AWD petrol models where it’s fitted, the centre-bearing supports the two-piece prop shaft between the transaxle and rear differential. Its job is to keep the shaft aligned, cut down vibration and noise, and handle the loads as the drivetrain moves under torque. When the rubber support or the bearing wears, drivers may notice a droning sound that rises with road speed, a thump on take-off, or a shudder through the floor at around 40–80 km/h.

Servicing is straightforward but best done with the right gear. The bearing is sealed, so there’s no routine greasing, instead, it’s about inspection. During scheduled services (or every 60,000–80,000 km if you’re doing lots of highway kays), a technician should check the rubber support for cracks, look for play in the bearing, and ensure mounting bolts are tight. If the vehicle’s used off-road or for towing, add more frequent checks.

When replacement is needed, the prop shaft usually comes out as an assembly. Good practice is to mark the flange positions so the shaft goes back in the same orientation to maintain balance. The centre-bearing is pressed on, so a workshop press and the correct supports are important. While it’s apart, the uni joints and slip joint should be checked, and new fasteners or thread-lock used where the repair manual specifies. Some workshops replace the complete propeller shaft to avoid balance dramas, others will press in a quality bearing and support, then road-test for NVH. Either way, following the Toyota Repair Manual settings for bearing position and mount torque is key.

• Common symptoms: mid-body vibration, droning/whirring with speed, thump on take-off, visible tearing of the rubber support.
• Service tip: if you’ve lifted the suspension or changed driveline angles, keep an eye on the bearing and mounts, as altered geometry can shorten their life.

Technical sources referenced: Toyota New Car Features (XA50) describing E-Four vs. mechanical AWD layouts, Toyota RAV4 (XA50) Repair Manual procedures for propeller shaft/centre support bearing, Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue entries listing the propeller shaft and centre support bearing for AWD non-hybrid variants.

Popular questions

Does my 2020 RAV4 actually have a centre-bearing?
If it’s a non-hybrid AWD, yes—there’s a two-piece prop shaft with a centre support bearing. If it’s FWD or a Hybrid with E-Four, there’s no prop shaft, so no centre-bearing to worry about.

What are the signs the centre-bearing needs attention?
Listen and feel for a low droning that rises with speed, a vibration through the floor around 40–80 km/h, or a thump/clunk on take-off. Underneath, a torn rubber support or excess play in the bearing is a giveaway.

Can the centre-bearing be replaced on its own?
Yes, many workshops press off the old bearing and fit a new bearing/support. Others prefer a complete prop shaft assembly to protect balance and save time. The best option depends on condition, budget, and parts availability.