Earlier this evening I replaced the center support bearing and U joints on my 2 piece driveshaft. I used Spicer joints and a Timken support bearing, since I don't want to have to do this project again any time soon. The Timken support bearing is only sealed on the front and not the rear like the original one. I'm thinking I need a slip joint boot like some of the newer trucks have. Neither my truck or a parts truck I recently had had a boot in this location. Was one there from the factory? I don't see one listed for my 94 F150 anywhere. Has anyone else encountered this issue when replacing this part? I'm not sure which one would fit. Would one from a newer F150 or F250 fit, or would it be too large in diameter? I'm also open to any other thoughts on keeping moisture and dirt out of the back of the support bearing. Also, how much grease should be pumped into the grease fitting on the slip joint?

 

 

Just replaced mine on my '87 F250 and it looks exactly the same as yours. Isn't there a seal on the slip joint that seals on the shaft just after the splines?

 

There is a small seal on the front of the slip joint, but there isn't anything to keep the support bearing from getting water or dirt in it.

 

I wish it was a sealed bearing. Surely someone has a good idea for keeping debris out.

 

I wonder if the bearing itself is sealed because I just installed the same one.

 

They are sealed bearings. With that metal shield around it.

 

If you look close at the picture I posted of the new part installed, it doesn't really appear to be sealed and has grease exposed on the bearing. The factory part was enclosed.

 

Well, a new issue has come up. At speeds around 40-60 mph there is often but not always a vibration. It gets worse as load increases especially when going up a hill. I believe it is related to this center support. It seems to me that there is too much play in the rubber insulator. I can move it a noticeable amount by hand. If I recall correctly this wasn't possible with the original.

The OEM unit was much heavier duty than this Timken one. The bearing was much larger and the rubber insulator was thicker. The part just seemed much better made. I'm glad this part wasn't expensive, since it will soon end up in the garbage can.

Has anyone else encountered this problem with replacement center supports?