Audi 8V A3/S3/RS3, 8S TT/TTS/TTRS, VW Mk7 Golf R/Alltrack/SportWagen Driveshaft Center Support Bearing Carrier Upgrade
Holds the driveshaft where it should be. Isolation dampers minimize vibrations.
The stock center support bearing carrier holds the driveshaft in place with rubber so thin about 20 lbs of force moves it from center to the end of its travel. During launches and shifts, the driveshaft is allowed to travel off-center, decreasing throttle response and causing oscillations through the drivetrain. As they age, the carrier rubber sags and dry rots, ruining the driveshaft alignment.
The Solution
This upgraded unit keeps the driveshaft firmly in place at all times, and its solid construction ensures it will never wear out. The thick bushings ensure the driveshaft cannot move from center, maintaining driveshaft alignment at all times. Isolation dampers separate the carrier frame from the body, minimizing NVH transmission.
The Bushings
Two options are available for the bushings, both of which are many times over better than the stock bushings. We’ve paid close attention to the NVH levels associated with this upgrade. After extensive design iterations, we’ve come up with custom isolator bushings that separate the carrier from the body of the vehicle and mounting hardware. These carriers substantially reduce NVH levels.
The street bushings absorb most of the NVH from the drivetrain. Some light NVH is possible at some speeds in the form of a soft hum. With a modified exhaust or windows down you’ll probably never hear it.
The track bushings are for those who want no-compromise drivetrain performance. These may create a substantial amount of cabin noise. Not sure which is for you? Try them both, they’re interchangeable!
Holds the driveshaft where it should be. Isolation dampers minimize vibrations.
The stock center support bearing carrier holds the driveshaft in place with rubber so thin about 20 lbs of force moves it from center to the end of its travel. During launches and shifts, the driveshaft is allowed to travel off-center, decreasing throttle response and causing oscillations through the drivetrain. As they age, the carrier rubber sags and dry rots, ruining the driveshaft alignment.
The Solution
This upgraded unit keeps the driveshaft firmly in place at all times, and its solid construction ensures it will never wear out. The thick bushings ensure the driveshaft cannot move from center, maintaining driveshaft alignment at all times. Isolation dampers separate the carrier frame from the body, minimizing NVH transmission.
The Bushings
Two options are available for the bushings, both of which are many times over better than the stock bushings. We’ve paid close attention to the NVH levels associated with this upgrade. After extensive design iterations, we’ve come up with custom isolator bushings that separate the carrier from the body of the vehicle and mounting hardware. These carriers substantially reduce NVH levels.
The street bushings absorb most of the NVH from the drivetrain. Some light NVH is possible at some speeds in the form of a soft hum. With a modified exhaust or windows down you’ll probably never hear it.
The track bushings are for those who want no-compromise drivetrain performance. These may create a substantial amount of cabin noise. Not sure which is for you? Try them both, they’re interchangeable!
Holds the driveshaft where it should be. Isolation dampers minimize vibrations.
The stock center support bearing carrier holds the driveshaft in place with rubber so thin about 20 lbs of force moves it from center to the end of its travel. During launches and shifts, the driveshaft is allowed to travel off-center, decreasing throttle response and causing oscillations through the drivetrain. As they age, the carrier rubber sags and dry rots, ruining the driveshaft alignment.
The Solution
This upgraded unit keeps the driveshaft firmly in place at all times, and its solid construction ensures it will never wear out. The thick bushings ensure the driveshaft cannot move from center, maintaining driveshaft alignment at all times. Isolation dampers separate the carrier frame from the body, minimizing NVH transmission.
The Bushings
Two options are available for the bushings, both of which are many times over better than the stock bushings. We’ve paid close attention to the NVH levels associated with this upgrade. After extensive design iterations, we’ve come up with custom isolator bushings that separate the carrier from the body of the vehicle and mounting hardware. These carriers substantially reduce NVH levels.
The street bushings absorb most of the NVH from the drivetrain. Some light NVH is possible at some speeds in the form of a soft hum. With a modified exhaust or windows down you’ll probably never hear it.
The track bushings are for those who want no-compromise drivetrain performance. These may create a substantial amount of cabin noise. Not sure which is for you? Try them both, they’re interchangeable!
Fitment
MkVII Volkswagen Golf/GTI/R
8S/8V Audi A3/S3/RS3
8S/8V Audi TT/TTS/TTRS
Why Spherical?
Rubber bushings act like little springs at each suspension pivot point. They allow suspension geometry to change under load, ruining your alignment and causing unwanted handling characteristics like steering wander, binding, camber, caster, and toe changes, and lack of steering and suspension feedback. Spherical bearings do not bind or flex under load, creating perfect suspension joints.
Construction
We use only the highest quality motorsport-grade PTFE-lined bearings for best performance and lifespan. We use high strength 7075 aluminum for the bolt sleeves, and 6061 for the bearing cups. Bearings are interference-fit into the cups, so they won’t creak or rattle. Both internal and external retaining rings ensure everything will always stay in place.
Please note that lifespan will vary based on the application and driving conditions. Spherical bearings do have moving parts, so they do wear. Our bearing kits are fully rebuildable. Please contact us for rebuild kits.
