JXB Dodge WD Durango/Jeep WK2 Grand Cherokee Driveshaft Center Support Bearing Carrier Upgrade

Description

Applications and fitment

Confirm the model, transmission, driveshaft and any exclusions listed for your application.

Dodge WD Durango/Jeep WK2 Grand Cherokee Driveshaft Center Support Bearing Carrier Upgrade

Dodge WD Durango 3rd gen (2011+)

Jeep WK2 Grand Cherokee 4th gen (2011+)

Does not fit the Durango SRT Hellcat with the 1-pc aluminum driveshaft.

Manufacturer application and installation reference

Manufacturer details

The stock center support bearing carrier is permanently molded to the center bearing with thin rubber that sags and cracks over time and does not adequately support the driveshaft under load. This rubber generally fails long before the bearing itself has reached the end of its life. Since the center bearing is molded to the OEM carrier and difficult to service, it’s often easier to get a new driveshaft than replace the center support bearing.
When the bushing wears and sags, it changes the alignment of the driveshaft, putting more stress on the joints. During rapid loading of the driveshaft (launches, shifts, and quick application of the throttle), the bearing is allowed to travel off-center, introducing slack in the driveline, which results in laggy and unpredictable driveline response.
Our upgraded driveshaft carriers keep the driveshaft firmly in place at all times. The more solid bushings ensure the bearing cannot move from center, maintaining torque delivery and driveshaft alignment at all times, resulting in more direct driveline response under all conditions.
Benefits as described by our customers include:
More direct throttle response
Firmer, more direct shifts
More instantaneous launches
Reduction in vibration due to driveshaft misalignment and/or rubber deterioration
Smoother low-speed on/off throttle behavior (1st gear in parking lots)

The first video below was recorded on an Audi, and the 2nd on a BMW, but Chrysler (and everyone else’s) OEM carrier design is similar. The shaft is not well-supported by the soft OEM carrier, so it’s allowed to travel off-center during rapid loading and unloading. The second video shows a comparison of how much an OEM carrier gives under load and the improvement with the JXB carrier.

Installation doesn’t require removal of the driveshaft. The 2-part design clamps around the OEM bearing. The old carrier must be removed, so a cutting tool is required. Below is the installation of this part on an 2014 Durango.

The exact steps to access the carrier will vary slightly by model, but the removal and installation of the new carrier are the same. The basic steps are:
Remove any braces or splash shields preventing exhaust and heat shield removal
Remove or lower exhaust in area of center support bearing
Remove heat shielding covering center support bearing
Cut off OEM carrier and remove rubber support material with razorblade, leaving base layer of rubber intact on the bearing
Clamp new carrier around OEM bearing

Dodge WD Durango 3rd gen (2011+)
Jeep WK2 Grand Cherokee 4th gen (2011+)
Does not fit the Durango SRT Hellcat with the 1-pc aluminum driveshaft.

Street and Track refer to the durometer (stiffness) of the bushings. Track are roughly twice the durometer of the street bushings. Both track and street are many times stiffer than stock and will hold up to whatever abuse are thrown at them, but the street bushings are better at soaking up drivetrain noise and vibration. Usually both street and track are completely silent and vibration-free, but in cases where there is an underlying drivetrain issue causing the driveshaft to vibrate badly, the track bushings may not be able to soak it all up, where the street bushings can.
We generally recommend street bushings for any car that’s not purpose-built for track or overland use, since the street bushings have a much lower chance of transmitting drivetrain NVH to the cabin at high speeds or under heavy throttle loads.
If you’re not sure which to go with, the “Give me Both!” option will give you a full set of each of the street and track bushings. You can use all street, all track, or even mix and match them to find the perfect balance of performance and NVH-absorption.

Full Assemblies
Street – CHR03A0-S
Track – CHR03A0-T
Both – CHR03A0-B

Spare Bushing Sets
Street – BSH09A0
Track – BSH09A1

Spare Hardware Set
SHS05A0

Off-road use only.

Ships directly from JXB. Shipping options depend on the items and destination. Expedited shipping requires a confirmed quote. Contact Echo for a shipping quote.