1960s '61 DeVille Propeller shaft bracket

[ZGJim]

After completing the realignment of the engine/transmission, I decided to inspect the condition of the carrier bearing/support.  The rubber portion of the bearing support is split open.  What function does this rubber provide?  Comparing the rear side of the bearing to the shop manual, it appears that the slinger is missing.
Is that going to be important? 
I am going to take the prop shaft to a local drivetrain specialist tomorrow.  Just curious what y'all know about this.
Thanks

[Clewisiii]

I had my drive shaft rebuilt with new U joints and rebalanced. He asked why but after balancing admitted it was way off. I bought a new carrier bearing and support years ago and just gave it to him. I know of people who have had their originals revulconized. I don't know if the replacements are bad. But I have heard people complain about the new bearings. I tried searching if there was a better quality bearing available. But whatever Chinese company made the new bearings did not put a size, part number, or even their name on it. The driveshaft shop guy said they must not be proud of it at all.

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

I made up my own Crows Foot tool to remove that center nut from my '60 CDV.

Cut it out of 1/2" steel, and probably will never use it again.   The 1/2" Square hole is there to attach the breaker bar.   But, it did the job perfectly.

As for the rubber mounting, I would hazard a guess that it would be to isolate ant drive-line noises from the Chassis.   Plus, take a lot of shock out of the bearing as the car bounces down the road.

Bruce.