A method and apparatus for more simply and efficiently coupling and decoupling a cylinder in a printing machine. The coupling and decoupling apparatus includes a bearing bushing (11) in a fixed bushing (28). The bearing bushing (11) carries an axial force loaded spindle (10) that is axially displaceable within the bushing (11) between a coupling position in a centering portion (9) of the cylinder and a decoupling position in which a braking system (24, 25) is engaged.