Billet Propshaft Centre Support Bearing BMW E36/E46 

The standard propshaft centre support bearing bracket secures the propshaft using a rubber bush. While this provides excellent vibration and noise damping, it does not offer sufficient support under load. Combined with the effects of age, this leads to accelerated wear of the component, loss of correct propshaft alignment, and the development of play during gearchanges or throttle input.

Over time, the original bush becomes brittle, dries out, and cracks.

As the bush wears and sags, the propshaft geometry changes, increasing stress on the joints. During sudden drivetrain loading (launches, gearchanges, rapid throttle inputs), the bearing may shift off-axis, introducing slack into the drivetrain and resulting in sluggish and unpredictable throttle response.

Our rigid support eliminates this issue by keeping the propshaft firmly located in all conditions. The stiff mounting prevents the bearing from moving, ensuring correct shaft alignment and precise torque transmission at all times. The result is a more direct and predictable drivetrain response.

Notable benefits:

• More direct throttle response
• Firmer and more precise gearchanges
• Reduced vibrations caused by shaft misalignment or degraded rubber

IMPORTANT INSTALLATION INFORMATION:

It is essential that the entire assembly is correctly aligned and operates smoothly when using this product. Please follow the steps below:

1. Ensure the differential is correctly aligned — check the condition of its bushes, and if aftermarket items are fitted, confirm that they retain the factory position.
2. Press the bearing onto the shaft using a 38 mm sleeve or pipe, and apply force only to the inner race of the bearing to avoid damage. If replacement is required, service holes are provided to allow the use of a suitable tool.
3. Ensure the propshaft rotates freely by hand during installation and once installation is complete.
4. Loosen the engine mounts, differential mounts, and propshaft support, then rotate the propshaft by hand while gradually tightening all components.
5. Tighten the propshaft support last — this must be the final step.

A balanced propshaft is a sensible complement to this setup. If the entire drivetrain is stiffened (for example, with aluminium bushes), it is recommended to use a new factory propshaft guibo rather than aluminium or polyurethane alternatives, in order to maximise gearbox longevity.