So today I was under my car and decided to re-grease my driveshaft bearing, center support bearing, or prop-shaft bearing. Regardless of what it is called. I have attached pictures with different methods to re-grease OR replace this bearing. Whichever you choose.



I decided to remove my shaft from the car as I was exploring the design of the shaft and the possibility of removing the center support bearing. I decided to drill a small hole to re-grease the bearing.

Through my observation I can see that the bearing has a large boot side and small boot side.









Inside the squares in the photo, you can see the differences.

The bearing only comes off one way, which is towards the small diameter side of the driveshaft. FIRST we have to remove the coupler.





Once the coupler is removed, get ready for the removal of the bearing. Luckily I had a friend that is going to install mine for me. He uses a TALL hydraulic press to gently press the in and out. Some others have used hammers but I don't know if that is a good idea.

Hopefully this helps someone. GOOD LUCK!

 

A couple more photos just to add more detail.

 

My research on this exact subject is that others have said you can grease this bearing by using a #10 grease gun needle and inserting from the rear of the vehicle toward the front, there are small enough clearances to allow the needle to be inserted to grease this.

 

On my particular vehicles without removing the bearing cover or drilling a pinhole, the needle will bend and make a mess. I had no other option other than removing the metal cover and piercing the bearing itself. Regardless, replacement is the best option if the bearing is beyond repair. This was only to give insight of the details involved and what someone might go through.

Hopefully this helps someone out.

 

Some more information on the installation of the bearing.

 

Great clear pics!!

 

Hello Gophat,

I was wondering if the hole can be drilled with the shaft on the car to grease the joint? It seems like the small amount of metal shaving would not be able to enter the bearing. Did you use a some kind of silicone to seal the hole from water or debris? Thank you.

Blessings,

BKM

 

Where did you purchase the new bearing? I can't seem to find any listings with the part number in the photo.

 

 

It does help. This noise significantly degrades the quality of the ride. I'll try re-greasing the bearing through the existing pin holes, but I'm not looking forward to the cost of having a mechanic replace the bearing, or the whole prop shaft.

Seems weird the holes are there to grease it but they are useless.

 

Hello Gophat,

Three questions:
(1) What vesion of the XType do you have (Base, Premium, Sport)?
(2) Where did you get the bearing TP158?
(3) Are you happy with it's performance?

I'm in Canada, eBay has a product that doesn't seem to be compatible with my car (C2S38967E), however TB158 on eBay.uk is compatible (X400 [2001-2009] Saloon). For that reason I'm contacting you to clarifying what you drive and where you bought your bearing. Cheers

 

Hello Gophat:

Installing a new center bearing in my X Type looks doable from your excellent photos and explanations. Question...When installing the new bearing, does it slide easily up the shaft until it reaches the bearing "LIP" or does the new bearing need to be pressed the length of the shaft? Will the installation require a "press" or can the new bearing be installed on the "Lip" using the old bearing race to negotiate it into place? Thankyou

 

I remember using the old bearing and a rubber mallet. Up until the point of the ridge or lip where it seats, there is no fight. Good luck.

I only changed the bearing one time. My vehicle is a 2002 manual transmission 2.5. Never gave me an issue since.

 

Fantastic write up, just what I need to do mine, I bought the bearing last year but have struggled to find any tips on how to change it, great help from the forum as always.

 

Hi I am contemplating the bearing replacement. When the bearing slides down the shaft does it easily clear the balance weight on the shaft or does that need to be removed and relaced?

I tried greasing but to no avail. The noise is still there between 30kph and 70kph at about 3 harmonics 30, 60 and 70kph. It goes away after about 30 kilometers.

I did read someone suggested an adative for either the transfer case or the diff? I am concerned that no one seems to confirm this replacementnecessarily fixes the problem?

 

Gophat Can some one please confirm that when the bearing slides down the prop shaft(aft) does it easily clear the balance weight on the end of the prop shaft shaft or does the balance weight need to be removed and relaced?