FORMULA, SUPERPRO Centre Bearing Alignment for VW AMAROK T1A, T1B 4motion

Centre bearing alignment kits lower or offset the centre bearing on a two-piece tailshaft, bringing the driveline back into line after a lift. When a 4WD or bakkie with a two-piece tailshaft is raised, the rear axle moves further from the chassis, but the centre bearing stays bolted where it was. The angles between the gearbox, tailshaft sections and differential change, and the result can be vibration under acceleration or at highway speed. Use the vehicle search to find centre bearing alignment kits to suit your T1A, T1B 4motion AMAROK.

What Is a T1A, T1B 4motion AMAROK Centre Bearing?

Many bakkies and long-wheelbase 4WDs use a two-piece tailshaft, because a single shaft long enough to reach from the gearbox to the rear differential would be prone to whipping and vibration at speed. The two sections are joined in the middle by a universal joint, and the front section is supported by a centre bearing.

The centre bearing is a bearing set in a rubber mount, bolted to a crossmember or bracket on the chassis. It holds the middle of the tailshaft at a fixed height and position while letting it spin freely. Because it is mounted to the chassis, it moves with the body, not with the axle, which is why a lift changes its relationship to the rest of the driveline.

Why Does a T1A, T1B 4motion AMAROK Vibrate After a Lift?

A tailshaft runs smoothly when the angles at its universal joints are within the range the driveline was designed for and are balanced against each other. Universal joints running at an angle speed up and slow down slightly through each rotation. When the angles at each joint are matched, those variations cancel out. When they are not, the variation is passed down the driveline as vibration.

Lifting a vehicle with a two-piece tailshaft lowers the rear axle relative to the chassis. The rear section of the tailshaft, running from the centre bearing down to the differential, now runs at a steeper angle. The joint at the centre bearing, and sometimes at the differential, ends up working at a larger angle than before, unbalancing the driveline.

The vibration is often most noticeable when accelerating from low speed, when the driveline is under load, or at particular highway speeds. It may get worse when the vehicle is loaded or towing, since the rear axle position changes again.

What Does a T1A, T1B 4motion AMAROK Centre Bearing Alignment Kit Do?

A centre bearing alignment kit lowers the centre bearing, or changes its position with an offset bracket, so the middle of the tailshaft moves down with the rear axle. That reduces the angle of the rear tailshaft section and brings the joint angles back closer to their original relationship.

Kits typically use spacers that fit between the centre bearing mount and the crossmember, or a replacement bracket that holds the bearing lower or in a revised position. The amount of drop is designed to suit a particular vehicle and lift range. Fitment is specific to the vehicle, because centre bearing mounts and crossmember designs differ.

T1A, T1B 4motion AMAROK Centre Bearing Kit or Caster Wedges?

The two parts correct driveline angles at different points. A centre bearing alignment kit corrects the angle at the middle of a two-piece tailshaft by moving the bearing. Caster wedges, used on leaf-sprung rear axles, correct the angle at the differential by rotating the axle and its pinion.

Some lifted vehicles need only one, and some need both. A vehicle with a coil-sprung rear axle cannot use wedges, while a vehicle with a one-piece tailshaft has no centre bearing to lower. Having the driveline angles measured shows where the misalignment is and which correction suits it.

Does Every Lifted T1A, T1B 4motion AMAROK Need One?

No. Whether a centre bearing alignment kit is needed depends on the vehicle's driveline layout, the lift height and how sensitive the driveline is to angle changes. Some vehicles with a two-piece tailshaft run without vibration after a modest lift, while others vibrate noticeably with only a small increase in ride height.

Vehicles with a one-piece tailshaft do not have a centre bearing, so this kit does not apply to them. If a lifted vehicle does not vibrate, there may be no need to change the centre bearing position. If vibration appears after a lift, measuring the angles is the first step before deciding on a correction.

Other Causes of T1A, T1B 4motion AMAROK Driveline Vibration

Not every vibration after a lift comes from the centre bearing position. A worn centre bearing, with a perished rubber mount or a rough bearing, can cause vibration on its own. Worn universal joints, an out-of-balance tailshaft, or a tailshaft that has been reassembled out of phase can also cause vibration that changes with speed.

Wheel and tyre balance problems, particularly after fitting larger tyres, can feel similar but usually change with road speed rather than engine load. Have the driveline inspected and the angles measured before fitting parts, so the correction addresses the actual cause.

Signs of a Worn T1A, T1B 4motion AMAROK Centre Bearing

Even without a lift, centre bearings wear over time. Common signs include a vibration felt through the floor that changes with road speed, a clunk when taking off or changing between drive and reverse, and a whining or rumbling noise from under the middle of the vehicle. Visually, a cracked, split or sagging rubber mount, or a bearing that feels rough when the tailshaft is turned by hand, indicates wear.

If the centre bearing is worn, lowering it with an alignment kit will not fix the vibration. The bearing may need replacing as well, so check its condition when fitting an alignment kit.

Fitting a T1A, T1B 4motion AMAROK Centre Bearing Alignment Kit: An Overview

Fitting usually involves supporting the vehicle securely, supporting the tailshaft so it does not drop, unbolting the centre bearing from its crossmember, fitting the spacers or bracket, and refitting the bearing in its new position. Mounting bolts may need to be longer to suit the spacers, and all fasteners must be tightened to the manufacturer's torque specifications.

The tailshaft sections must stay in their original orientation, since separating and refitting them out of phase can cause vibration. After fitting, the driveline angles should be checked and the vehicle road tested at the speeds and loads where vibration occurred. A qualified technician should carry out the work.

T1A, T1B 4motion AMAROK Lifts, Loads and Ongoing Checks

The rear axle on a leaf-sprung or coil-sprung 4WD moves up and down with load, so driveline angles change as the vehicle is loaded or towing. A centre bearing alignment set for the vehicle's usual load gives the most consistent result. If you regularly carry very different loads, check for vibration in each condition.

At each service, check the centre bearing mount for cracks and the bearing for roughness, and check the mounting bolts for tightness. Any new vibration after rough tracks, water crossings or a change in load is worth having checked early, since driveline vibration can accelerate wear on universal joints, bearings and the gearbox or differential seals.

Find the Right Kit for Your T1A, T1B 4motion AMAROK with Formula 4x4

Centre bearing alignment kits belong to the Formula 4x4 alignment parts range.

Start by confirming that your vehicle has a two-piece tailshaft, and have the driveline angles measured after the lift to see where the misalignment is. Check the condition of the centre bearing at the same time. Search by your T1A, T1B 4motion AMAROK to find centre bearing alignment kits to suit your T1A, T1B 4motion AMAROK. If you are unsure what your 4WD needs, contact the Formula 4x4 team.