### Center Bearing

#### REPLACEMENT

The center bearing is a sealed unit which must be replaced as an assembly if defective.

1. Remove the driveshaft assembly. Refer to the necessary service procedure.
2. Paint a matchmark across where the flanges behind the center yoke are joined. This is for assembly purposes. If you don't paint or somehow mark the relationship between the two shafts, they may be out of balance when you put them back together.
3. Remove the bolts and separate the shafts. Make a matchmark on the front driveshaft half which lines up with the mark you made on the flange half.
4. You must devise a way to hold the driveshaft while unbolting the companion flange from the front driveshaft. Do not place the front driveshaft tube in a vise, because the chances are it will get crushed. The best way is to grip the flange somehow while loosening the nut. It is going to require some strength to remove.
5. Press the companion flange off the front driveshaft and press the center bearing from its mount.
6. The new bearing is already lubricated. Install it into the mount, making sure that the seals and so on are facing the same way as when removed. Also make sure the F mark is facing the front of the car.
7. Slide the companion flange on to the front driveshaft, aligning the marks made during removal. Install the washer and lock nut. If the washer and lock-nut are separate pieces, tighten them to 145–175 ft. lbs. If they were a unit. tighten it to 180–217 ft. lbs. Check that the bearing rotates freely around the driveshaft. Stake the nut (always use a new nut).
8. Connect the companion flange to the other half of the driveshaft, aligning the marks made during removal. Tighten the bolts securely.
9. Install the driveshaft.

   Fig. 1: Before installing the center bearing, position the ``F'' mark so it is facing the front of the car

   Fig. 2: Always use a new nut, and stake it after tightening