Centre Bearing Alignment

Nolathane centre bearing alignment kits correct the position of your tailshaft centre bearing after a suspension lift. When a 4WD or ute is raised, the angle between the two sections of a two-piece tailshaft changes, and the centre bearing is left working out of line. The result is driveline vibration, extra load on universal joints and a shorter life for the centre bearing itself. Nolathane alignment kits reposition the centre bearing to suit the new ride height, restoring smooth, quiet power delivery.

Designed for specific lifted vehicles, each kit uses simple spacer plates or brackets that fit to the existing centre bearing mount, so the driveline can be corrected without modifying the tailshaft.

What the Tailshaft Centre Bearing Does

Many utes, longer-wheelbase 4WDs and some passenger vehicles use a two-piece tailshaft, also called a driveshaft or propshaft, to carry drive from the gearbox or transfer case to the rear differential. A single long shaft would be prone to vibration and whip at speed, so the shaft is split into two shorter sections, joined by a universal joint.

The centre bearing, also called a carrier bearing or support bearing, holds the shaft where the two sections meet. It?s mounted to a crossmember or bracket on the chassis through a rubber-insulated housing. The centre bearing keeps the shaft at the correct height and angle, allows it to spin freely, and absorbs some vibration before it reaches the body.

How a Lift Affects the Centre Bearing

The front section of a two-piece tailshaft is usually positioned by the gearbox or transfer case and the centre bearing, while the rear section runs to the differential. When the vehicle is lifted, the differential sits further below the chassis, but the centre bearing stays where it was.

This changes the working angles of the universal joints and puts the two shaft sections out of their intended alignment. The centre bearing is then forced to carry the shaft at an angle it wasn?t designed for, and the uni joints operate at steeper, unbalanced angles.

Signs Your Centre Bearing Needs Realigning

• Vibration felt through the floor, seats or gear lever, particularly at certain road speeds
• A shudder when taking off from a stop, especially when loaded or towing
• A hum or rumble from under the centre of the vehicle
• Clunking from the driveline when changing between drive and overrun
• Premature wear or failure of the centre bearing rubber or bearing
• Worn or noisy universal joints
• Any of these symptoms appearing after fitting a lift kit or taller springs

How Centre Bearing Alignment Kits Work

Nolathane centre bearing alignment kits fit between the centre bearing housing and its chassis mount. Lowering the centre bearing to suit the increased ride height brings the two shaft sections back towards their correct working angles, balancing the angles at the universal joints.

Depending on the vehicle, kits use spacer plates or brackets, and on some designs the correction can be set according to how much the vehicle has been raised. Each kit includes the plates or brackets, plus the bolts, washers and nuts needed for installation.

Each listing shows the applicable vehicles, transmission type where relevant, and kit contents.

Benefits of Correcting Centre Bearing Alignment

• Reduced driveline vibration at cruising speeds and when taking off
• Longer centre bearing life, as the bearing runs in line instead of at an angle
• Less load on universal joints, helping them last longer
• Smoother, quieter power delivery for towing, touring and daily driving
• A more complete lift, addressing a common side effect of raising a vehicle

Identifying Your Driveline

Before ordering, confirm your vehicle?s driveline layout:

• Check for a two-piece tailshaft: look under the vehicle between the gearbox or transfer case and the rear differential. A centre bearing, usually a round rubber-mounted housing bolted to a crossmember, means you have a two-piece shaft.
• Confirm your transmission type: some kits differ between manual and automatic models.
• Note your lift height: alignment kits are designed for typical lifts. Very large lifts may need further driveline work.

Single-piece tailshafts don?t use a centre bearing. If your vehicle has one, a tailshaft spacer may be the right solution instead.

When a Spacer Kit Isn?t Enough

Centre bearing alignment kits correct the most common driveline issues on vehicles with moderate lifts. With larger lifts, significant changes in pinion angle, or a modified driveline, a centre bearing kit alone may not remove all vibration.

In these cases, a driveline specialist can measure the actual uni joint angles, check the tailshaft length and balance, and recommend further correction. That may mean pinion angle adjustment, or a custom or modified tailshaft. Measuring the driveline before and after a lift is the most reliable way to diagnose persistent vibration.

Inspecting the Centre Bearing

While fitting an alignment kit, take the opportunity to inspect the centre bearing:

• Check the rubber insulator for cracks, tears or separation from the housing
• Spin the shaft by hand and feel for roughness or noise in the bearing
• Check the universal joints for play or notchiness
• Make sure the centre bearing mounting bolts and crossmember are secure

A worn centre bearing or uni joint should be replaced before or during the alignment correction, so the driveline runs smoothly once realigned.

Installing a Centre Bearing Alignment Kit

Centre bearing alignment kits suit professional workshops and experienced home mechanics. As a general guide:

• Park the vehicle on level ground at its lifted ride height, chock the wheels, and secure the transmission.
• Support the tailshaft near the centre bearing.
• Loosen and remove the centre bearing mounting bolts.
• Fit the Nolathane spacer plates or brackets between the centre bearing and its mount, as shown in the kit instructions.
• Refit the centre bearing using the supplied hardware, and tighten all fasteners to the manufacturer?s specification.
• Road test the vehicle at a range of speeds and check for any remaining vibration.

Lifetime Warranty

Nolathane centre bearing alignment kits are backed by a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects in material and workmanship, for the original vehicle they?re fitted to. It reflects our confidence in the materials, design and manufacturing standards behind every Nolathane component.

Who Centre Bearing Alignment Kits Suit

Nolathane centre bearing alignment kits suit owners of lifted 4WDs and dual cab utes with two-piece tailshafts, and drivers experiencing driveline vibration or take-off shudder after a lift. They?re also used by touring and towing vehicles that need a smooth, reliable driveline over long distances, and by workshops completing lift kit installations and post-lift driveline corrections.

Shop Centre Bearing Alignment Kits

Tailshaft vibration is one of several alignment problems covered by Nolathane's alignment parts range.

Find the centre bearing alignment kit for your vehicle, then order online with fast shipping or have it fitted by a Nolathane reseller. Our fitment guarantee means you get the right kit first time, and our local support team can help you confirm your driveline layout and the correct kit for your lift.