The Ultimate Guide to 2016 Dodge Charger Drive Shaft Center Bearing Replacement

Are you experiencing vibrations or shuddering while driving your 2016 Dodge Charger? It could be a sign of a worn-out drive shaft center bearing. Replacing this bearing is crucial for restoring smooth driving and preventing further damage to your vehicle.

Benefits of Replacing Your Drive Shaft Center Bearing

Improved ride quality: A worn bearing can cause vibrations that can be felt through the steering wheel, seat, and floorboard. Replacing it will eliminate these vibrations, improving your driving experience.

Reduced noise: A worn bearing can also produce a grinding or squealing noise. Replacing it will eliminate this noise, providing a quieter ride.

Prevented damage: A worn bearing can lead to further damage to the drive shaft and other components. Replacing it will prevent this damage, saving you costly repairs in the long run.

How to Replace Your Drive Shaft Center Bearing

Tools and materials you'll need:

18mm socket

15mm socket

13mm socket

Ratchet

Breaker bar

Jack

Jack stands

New drive shaft center bearing

Step-by-step instructions:

Safety first: Engage the parking brake and place the car on jack stands.

Locate the drive shaft center bearing: It's usually located in the middle of the drive shaft, underneath the vehicle.

Remove the bolts: Use the 18mm socket to remove the bolts that hold the bearing in place.

Unbolt the bearing: Use the 15mm socket to unbolt the bearing from the drive shaft.

Install the new bearing: Slide the new bearing onto the drive shaft and bolt it in place.

Tighten the bolts: Use the 18mm socket to tighten the bolts that hold the bearing in place.

Lower the car: Remove the jack stands and lower the car to the ground.

Test drive: Take your car for a test drive to ensure the vibrations have been eliminated.

Stories About Replacing a Drive Shaft Center Bearing

Story 1:

"I had been experiencing vibrations in my 2016 Dodge Charger for months. I thought it was a tire issue, but replacing the tires didn't solve the problem. Finally, I took it to a mechanic who diagnosed the worn-out drive shaft center bearing. After replacing it, the vibrations disappeared, and my car drove smoothly again."

Story 2:

"My 2016 Dodge Charger started making a loud grinding noise when I accelerated. I knew it wasn't a good sign, so I took it to the dealership. They diagnosed the problem as a worn drive shaft center bearing. The dealership replaced it for me, and the noise went away. I'm glad I got it fixed quickly, because I was worried it could have caused further damage to my car."

Sections

Section 1: Effective Strategies

Use high-quality replacement parts from reputable manufacturers.

Follow the step-by-step instructions carefully.

Get the job done by a qualified mechanic if you're not comfortable working on your own car.

Section 2: Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overtightening the bolts that hold the bearing in place.

Using the wrong size bolts or sockets.

Not using a torque wrench to tighten the bolts to the correct torque specifications.

FAQs

Q: How often should I replace the drive shaft center bearing?

A: The lifespan of a drive shaft center bearing varies depending on driving habits and conditions. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), it typically lasts around 100,000 miles.

Q: Can I replace the drive shaft center bearing myself?

A: Yes, you can replace the drive shaft center bearing yourself if you have the necessary tools and mechanical knowledge. However, it's always recommended to consult with or have the job done by a qualified mechanic if you're not sure what you're doing.

Feature	Original	Replacement
Price	$150-$250	$75-$125
Labor cost	$100-$200	FREE (DIY)
Time required	2-3 hours	1-2 hours (DIY)

Tool	Size	Purpose
Socket	18mm	Remove the bolts that hold the bearing in place
Socket	15mm	Unbolt the bearing from the drive shaft
Socket	13mm	Remove the bolts that hold the driveshaft in place
Ratchet	N/A	Use with sockets to loosen and tighten bolts
Breaker bar	N/A	Use with sockets to break loose stubborn bolts

The Ultimate Guide to 2016 Dodge Charger Drive Shaft Center Bearing Replacement