Examination
The center bearing consists of a ball bearing assembly surrounded by a rubber pad. The bearing assembly is press-fitted but the rear end of the front driveshaft section is secured with a circlip. The center bearing is protected on both sides by dust caps, but water and dirt can still get into the bearing and destroy it. Vibrations of the propeller shaft can also lead to bearing failure. In order to carefully inspect the center bearing, you will have to remove the driveshaft (see Section Removal and installation of cardan shaft). Conversely, every time you remove the driveshaft for any reason, take the opportunity to inspect the bearing. Rotate the bearing and check how freely it rotates. If the bearing is difficult to turn, or there is a feeling that sand has got inside, replace it. Also check the rubber cushion. If it is cracked or worn, replace it.
Replacement
1. Apply landing marks on the front and rear sections of the propeller shaft.
2. Loosen the screws and remove the clamping sleeve, then separate the cardan shaft sections. Remove the rubber bushing, washer and clamping bushing from the front section of the propeller shaft.
3. Check the condition of the rubber bushing of the splined coupling. If it is torn or cracked, replace it.
4. Remove a lock ring of the central bearing and anther.
1 — Retaining ring
2 - duster
5. Using a puller, remove the bearing assembly.
6. When installing the puller on the center bearing assembly, make sure that it pulls exactly the hub; if he pulls on the outer ring of the assembly, this can lead to a rupture of the rubber, after which the entire bearing assembly will have to be replaced.
7. If it is necessary to replace the bearing or support, the assembly will have to be taken to a car service workshop, since a press is required to disassemble and assemble the bearing and support.
8. Make sure the boot is still on the driveshaft, then press the center support assembly onto the shaft so that it is flush with the boot.
9. On models with a driveshaft equipped with splined sections, install the clamping sleeve, washer, and rubber bushing onto the front section of the shaft. Lubricate the splines with molybdenum disulphide grease, then assemble the driveshaft. Make sure the labels are aligned correctly. Do not tighten the clamping sleeve until the driveshaft is completely installed.
10. Install the cardan shaft (see Section Removal and installation of cardan shaft).
11. On models with a driveshaft without splined sections, apply a special blocking compound to the threads of the driveshaft cross holder mounting bolt, then tighten the bolt to the required torque.
12. On models with a splined propeller shaft, tighten the clamping sleeve to the required torque.