Parts for your 2010 Volkswagen Amarok-Wheel hubs

2010 Volkswagen Amarok wheel hubs — what they do and how to look after them

Referencing Volkswagen’s ElsaWin workshop manual for Amarok (2H, 2010–), the Volkswagen ETKA parts catalogue, and major bearing manufacturers’ catalogues (FAG and SKF), the 2010 Volkswagen Amarok is fitted with wheel hubs at both axles. The front uses a bolt-on hub-and-bearing unit with an integrated ABS encoder ring, and the rear uses hub assemblies at the live axle. So, wheel hubs are absolutely relevant to servicing this model.

The hub is the bit that the wheel bolts to (5-stud pattern), but it does much more than hold a rim. It houses the wheel bearing, sets the wheel’s running position, and provides the encoder for the ABS/ESP system to read speed. On the Amarok, the front hub unit is sealed and preloaded from factory, meaning there’s no periodic greasing or adjustment, when it wears, it’s replaced as a complete assembly. On 4Motion variants, the front CV shaft passes through the hub, but the service approach is similar.

Because the bearings are sealed, “maintenance” is mostly inspection. At each service or every 20,000 kilometres (sooner if towing or driving corrugations), it’s smart to:

• Check for play by rocking the wheel at 12 and 6 o’clock, and listen for a growl while spinning.
• Scan for ABS faults and look for tone ring damage or sensor corrosion.
• Feel for heat after a drive, a hot hub can signal bearing drag.
• Inspect wheel studs and nuts, clean threads and torque correctly to avoid warping or stud stretch.

Tell-tales that a hub is on the way out include a droning noise that rises with road speed, uneven tyre wear, wandering or vibration in the steering, ABS/ESP lights, and brake shudder that isn’t a rotor issue. If any of that shows up, replacement is the fix. The front hub unit unbolts from the steering knuckle, the rear depends on drum or disc setup. Use quality parts with the correct ABS encoder type, clean the mating faces, and follow the Amarok’s model-specific torque values (single-use axle/hub nuts are typically replaced).

After fitting, road test, recheck torque, and book a wheel alignment if the knuckle was disturbed. Looked after this way, Amarok hubs usually deliver long, quiet service across Aussie and Kiwi roads.

Popular questions

Does the 2010 Amarok use serviceable front bearings or complete hub units?
It uses complete, sealed hub-and-bearing assemblies at the front. They’re preloaded and non-adjustable, so when worn or noisy they’re replaced as a unit, which also maintains correct ABS encoder clearance.

What symptoms point to a failing wheel hub on an Amarok?
Common signs are a speed-related drone or rumble, steering vibration, ABS/ESP warnings, heat at the hub after a drive, and detectable play when rocking the wheel. If noise changes when cornering, that can help pinpoint the side.

Should both front hubs be replaced together?
It’s not mandatory. Replace the faulty side after confirming the diagnosis. That said, on higher-kilometre vehicles used for towing or off-road work, many owners choose to do both sides to minimise downtime and achieve matched wear.