I've been chasing a possible driveline noise and slight vibration. I know I need a rear diff output seal, but is my center support/bearing bad (pic attached)? There's no noise if I rotate it slowly, and the front looks normal. The rear rubber seems detached from the collar. There's the metal collar of the mount, then a non-metallic ring, and then the rubber. If I loosen the mount, I can get the rubber to slip past the non-metal ring, and I can put a screwdriver in there. Is it supposed to connect or is this normal? I can push the shaft laterally over 1/8", but not a huge amount.

I've seen threads saying the center support needs to be pressed on. Is this so, or is there a home version of the procedure?
Thanks!

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that looks dried, if it was never replaced, it's about time. you need a 3 prong puller to pull it out, but don't need anything to press it in. The new support bearing comes with the whole bracket.

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98 ML320 (gone but not forgotten)

If that's the center bearing for the driveshaft, then get a new one before it leaves you stranded. They're not that expensive and only and hour or two to replace with hand tools. I did not need a puller, but mine failed at 80 mph and DID leave my wife stranded--300 miles from home!

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Lenny

There are only three sports: bullfighting, motor racing and mountaineering; all the rest are merely games. --Ernest Hemingway

'10 GL550/'04 BMW 545/'99 BMW 323/'98 ML320/'87 VW GTI (race)