The APDTY 155545 driveshaft center support bearing is a replacement hanger bearing assembly designed for the center section of the rear driveshaft on 2015-2020 Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger rear-wheel-drive (RWD) vehicles. This part allows you to replace a failed center support bearing without purchasing an entire driveshaft assembly, offering a cost-effective repair solution for driveline vibration and noise issues.
Key Takeaways
- Fits 2015-2020 Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger RWD models on the center section of the rear driveshaft
- Replaces OE part numbers 53010735AB, 52123974AH, 52123974AC, 52123974AD, 52123974AG, 52123974AE, 52123974AF
- Eliminates the need to replace the entire driveshaft assembly, reducing repair costs
- Installation requires removal of a blind snapring and CV joint removal, similar to inner CV axle service
- Specifications: 1.181-inch internal diameter, 7.375-inch hole centers
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What Does the Driveshaft Center Support Bearing Do?
The driveshaft center support bearing, also called a center hanger bearing or carrier bearing, is a rubber-mounted bearing assembly that supports the middle section of a two-piece rear driveshaft. In rear-wheel-drive vehicles with longer wheelbases, the driveshaft is split into two sections connected by a universal joint or CV joint, with the center support bearing mounted to the vehicle's underbody or crossmember.
This bearing allows the driveshaft to rotate freely while absorbing vibration and maintaining proper driveshaft alignment between the transmission and rear differential. The rubber mounting isolates noise and vibration from entering the cabin, and the bearing itself supports the weight and rotational forces of the spinning driveshaft.
When the center support bearing fails, you'll typically experience:
- Vibration at highway speeds, especially under acceleration
- Clunking or squeaking noises from underneath the vehicle
- Roughness or grinding sensation through the floor or seats
- Increased cabin noise during acceleration
Which Vehicles Does APDTY 155545 Fit?
The APDTY 155545 center support bearing is engineered specifically for the following rear-wheel-drive applications:
- 2015-2020 Chrysler 300 (RWD)
- 2015-2020 Dodge Challenger (RWD)
- 2015-2020 Dodge Charger (RWD)
This part is designed for installation on the center section of the rear driveshaft only. Always verify your specific year, make, and model using the vehicle compatibility chart on the product page before ordering, as certain trim levels or drivetrain configurations may vary.
What Are the Symptoms of a Failing Center Support Bearing?
A worn or damaged driveshaft center support bearing produces several distinctive symptoms:
- Vibration at speed: Most noticeable at highway speeds (55-70 mph), often worsening under acceleration or load
- Clunking or knocking: Audible when shifting from park to drive, or during acceleration and deceleration
- Squeaking or squealing: High-pitched noise from underneath the vehicle, may change with vehicle speed
- Roughness through the floor: Tactile vibration felt through the floor, seats, or steering wheel
- Visible damage: Torn rubber mount, rusty or seized bearing, or excessive play when inspected on a lift
Ignoring a failing center support bearing can lead to driveshaft misalignment, accelerated wear on U-joints or CV joints, and potential driveshaft separation—a serious safety hazard. Address symptoms promptly to prevent more extensive driveline damage.
APDTY 155545 Specifications and OE Replacement Numbers
The APDTY 155545 is manufactured to meet or exceed OE specifications for direct fitment on compatible Chrysler and Dodge RWD platforms. Below are the key specifications and OE part number cross-references:
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| APDTY Part Number | 155545 |
| Internal Bearing Diameter | 1.181 inches |
| Mounting Hole Centers | 7.375 inches |
| Application | Center section of rear driveshaft (RWD) |
| OE Part Numbers Replaced | 53010735AB, 52123974AH, 52123974AC, 52123974AD, 52123974AG, 52123974AE, 52123974AF |
These OE part numbers represent various production versions from Chrysler, Dodge, and Mopar. The APDTY 155545 is designed as a direct replacement for all listed OE numbers.
How Do You Install the APDTY 155545 Center Support Bearing?
Replacing a driveshaft center support bearing is an intermediate to advanced repair that requires proper tools, safety equipment, and mechanical knowledge. While this is not an easy repair, it is achievable for experienced DIYers and professional technicians. The process involves separating the driveshaft sections and removing a blind snapring, similar to servicing an inner CV joint on a front-wheel-drive axle.
General installation overview (not step-by-step instructions):
- Lift and support the vehicle: Use a hydraulic lift or jack stands rated for the vehicle weight. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
- Mark driveshaft orientation: Before removal, mark the driveshaft flanges and U-joint/CV joint orientation to ensure proper phasing during reinstallation.
- Remove the driveshaft: Unbolt the driveshaft from the transmission and rear differential flanges. Support the driveshaft to prevent damage to U-joints or CV joints.
- Locate the blind snapring: Behind the CV joint knuckle on the center section, there is a snapring similar to those found on inner CV joints. Position the snapring correctly to allow separation.
- Separate the driveshaft sections: Use a press or slide hammer to knock the CV joint off the shaft once the snapring is positioned or removed.
- Remove the old bearing: Unbolt the old center support bearing from its mounting bracket.
- Install the APDTY 155545: Mount the new bearing assembly, ensuring proper alignment and torque specifications.
- Reassemble the driveshaft: Press or tap the CV joint back onto the shaft, ensuring the snapring seats properly.
- Reinstall the driveshaft: Align the marks made during disassembly and torque all fasteners to factory specifications.
- Test drive: After installation, test drive the vehicle at various speeds to confirm the vibration and noise have been eliminated.
Safety note: Always consult a factory service manual for your specific vehicle for torque specifications, snapring locations, and detailed procedures. Improper driveshaft installation can result in dangerous vibration, component failure, or driveshaft separation at speed.
Why Replace Just the Bearing Instead of the Entire Driveshaft?
Original equipment driveshafts for 2015-2020 Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger vehicles can be extremely expensive, often costing several hundred dollars or more. In many cases, the only failed component is the center support bearing itself—the driveshaft tubes, U-joints, CV joints, and yokes may still be in excellent condition.
Replacing only the center support bearing with the APDTY 155545 offers several advantages:
- Cost savings: Significantly less expensive than a complete driveshaft assembly
- Retain OE components: Keep the original driveshaft tubes and joints if they are still in good condition
- Effective repair: Eliminates vibration and noise just as effectively as full driveshaft replacement when the bearing is the only failed component
- Environmentally responsible: Reduces waste by repairing rather than replacing the entire assembly
While the installation process requires mechanical skill and appropriate tools, the labor investment is often worthwhile given the substantial parts cost savings compared to full driveshaft replacement.
Frequently asked questions
Will APDTY 155545 fit my 2018 Dodge Charger with all-wheel drive?
No. The APDTY 155545 is designed specifically for rear-wheel-drive (RWD) models only. All-wheel-drive Charger models use a different driveline configuration and require different parts. Always verify your vehicle's drivetrain type and consult the compatibility chart before ordering.
Can I replace the center support bearing without removing the entire driveshaft?
No. The driveshaft must be removed from the vehicle to access and replace the center support bearing. The repair requires separating the driveshaft sections by removing a blind snapring and pressing or knocking the CV joint off the shaft, which cannot be done while the driveshaft is installed.
What tools do I need to replace the center support bearing?
You will need a hydraulic jack or lift, jack stands, hand tools (sockets, wrenches), a snapring plier set, marking tools, and either a hydraulic press or slide hammer to separate the CV joint from the shaft. A torque wrench is essential for proper reassembly. Consult a service manual for your specific vehicle for detailed tooling requirements.
How long does a center support bearing typically last?
Center support bearing life varies based on driving conditions, road quality, and maintenance. Most bearings last 80,000 to 150,000 miles or more under normal conditions. Exposure to road salt, water, and contaminants can accelerate wear. Regular inspections during routine maintenance can catch failing bearings before they cause secondary driveline damage.
The APDTY 155545 driveshaft center support bearing provides a cost-effective repair solution for 2015-2020 Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger RWD owners experiencing driveline vibration and noise. By replacing only the failed bearing instead of the entire driveshaft assembly, you can restore smooth, quiet operation while keeping more money in your wallet. While the installation process requires mechanical skill and proper tools, the labor investment pays off in substantial parts savings. Verify your vehicle's compatibility using the chart on the product page, and restore your Chrysler or Dodge to smooth, vibration-free performance with the APDTY 155545.