Parts for your 2013 Mazda Bt-50-Wheel hubs

2013 Mazda BT-50 wheel-hubs: what they do and when to sort them out

Yes, wheel-hubs are very much used on the 2013 Mazda BT‑50. Technical documentation backs this up: the Mazda BT‑50 UP/UR Workshop Manual (Front Hub and Knuckle, Rear Axle sections) and the Ford Ranger PX/T6 platform service literature describe a sealed front hub/bearing assembly mounted to the steering knuckle, and rear hubs on the live axle. There are no manual freewheeling hubs from factory, the front end uses a sealed hub/bearing and an axle disconnect system.

On this ute, the wheel-hub is the bit that the wheel bolts onto. Inside is a sealed bearing unit that lets the wheel spin smoothly while keeping everything aligned and tight. Up front, the BT‑50 runs a unitised, sealed hub/bearing (with an encoder for ABS), and the rear hub supports the axle and brake hardware. They cop plenty of heat, water crossings, corrugations, towing loads and side loads off‑road, so keeping an eye on them makes sense.

What to look for during servicing:

• Humming or growling that rises with road speed, especially on gentle cornering.
• Play when rocking the wheel at 12 and 6 o’clock (with the vehicle safely lifted).
• ABS warning lights or erratic speed readings (the encoder is part of the hub/bearing).
• Uneven tyre wear, hot hub after a drive, or grease/dust seal damage.

These hubs are sealed, so there’s no periodic repacking or adjustment—think inspect and replace rather than service internally. During routine services, a tech should spin each wheel by hand, check for roughness, noise and free play, inspect the ABS sensor and wiring at the knuckle, and ensure wheel studs and the hub face are clean and true. Avoid blasting the hub/seal area with a pressure washer.

When replacement is due, the front usually involves removing the brake caliper and disc, disconnecting the ABS sensor, freeing the driveshaft from the hub and unbolting or pressing out the hub/bearing from the knuckle (procedure varies by build). The rear requires pulling the axle shaft, renewing the bearing and seal, and reassembling with correct preload/retainer procedure. Always follow the BT‑50 workshop manual for fastener torque, press methods and sensor care, and replace any distorted nuts/bolts and seals. Quality parts and proper torque on the wheel nuts go a long way to keeping the hubs quiet and the tyres wearing evenly.

Popular questions about 2013 Mazda BT‑50 wheel-hubs

Do 2013 BT‑50s have manual locking hubs?
No. The 2013 BT‑50 uses sealed front hub/bearing units and an axle disconnect system on the T6 platform. There are no factory manual freewheeling hubs, the hubs are always bolted up to the CVs with engagement handled internally.

How long do BT‑50 hub bearings usually last?
Plenty make it well past 150,000 km, but lifespan depends on tyre size, load, corrugations, water/mud use and wheel offset. If the ute tows heavy or does lots of off‑road work, earlier replacement isn’t unusual. Noise, play or ABS faults are your early warnings.

Can a tired hub damage other parts?
Yes. A rough or loose hub can chew out tyres, stress CV joints, upset ABS/traction control and increase braking distances. Fixing a noisy hub early is cheaper than chasing the knock‑on effects later.