Parts for your 2021 Mitsubishi Eclipse cross-Centre bearing

Understanding the Centre Bearing on the 2021 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

When diving into the technical setup of the 2021 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, it quickly becomes apparent that a centre bearing is not part of this vehicle's drivetrain design. The reason lies primarily in the Eclipse Cross's drivetrain layout, which does not call for a centre bearing. So, why exactly does the 2021 Eclipse Cross skip this component? Let's take a closer look.

The Eclipse Cross is built on a front-wheel-drive platform, with some variants featuring Mitsubishi's All-Wheel Control (AWC) system. The driveline configuration here utilises relatively short driveshafts that transmit power from the transaxle directly to the front wheels, or in the case of AWD variants, also to the rear wheels through a rear differential and half-shafts. The key point to note is that these driveshafts are short and do not require the additional support a centre bearing provides.

A centre bearing typically comes into play on long propeller shafts, especially in vehicles with a body-on-frame design or a rear-wheel-drive layout that includes a long shaft running from the transmission to the rear differential. In such drivetrains, a long driveshaft can flex and vibrate under torque and speed, so a centre bearing is fitted to support and stabilise the shaft, reduce vibration, and prevent premature wear of components.

For the 2021 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, the AWD models use a relatively compact, direct drivetrain layout. Power from the engine and continuously variable transmission (CVT) is distributed by an electronically controlled centre differential that sends torque to the rear half shafts via a short driveshaft, which does not require intermediate support with a centre bearing. The short length and precision engineering mean the drivetrain remains balanced and rigid without the need for this additional part.

As a result, the absence of a centre bearing simplifies the drivetrain system, reduces weight, and helps maintain the smooth, efficient operation that the Eclipse Cross is known for. This design choice also means less maintenance complexity for owners, as there is no centre bearing to inspect or replace over the vehicle's lifetime.

In summary, the 2021 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross does not utilise a centre bearing because of its compact front-wheel-drive-orientated platform and AWD system layout, which employs short driveshafts that do not require intermediate support or vibration reduction offered by centre bearings.