Parts for your 2013 Volkswagen Amarok-Wheel bearings

2013 Volkswagen Amarok wheel bearings

Wheel bearings are definitely fitted and relevant on the 2013 Volkswagen Amarok. Volkswagen Group’s ETKA parts catalogue for model code 2H (Amarok) lists front hub-and-bearing units and rear wheel bearing sets for 2013 builds, and the Volkswagen repair manual (ElsaPro/ELSA) includes procedures titled “Front Wheel Bearing, Removing and Installing – Amarok 2010>” and “Rear Wheel Bearing – Amarok 2010>.” Major bearing manufacturers (SKF, FAG/Schaeffler, NTN) also catalog direct-fit wheel bearing kits for the 2013 Amarok, confirming the part’s presence front and rear.

On this ute, the front end uses a sealed hub assembly with an integrated bearing. It’s designed for long life with no regular greasing required. The rear runs serviceable bearings on the live axle, wear, contamination or seal damage can still take them out over time—especially on vehicles that tow, carry heavy loads, hit corrugations, or see beach work and creek crossings.

What wheel bearings do here is straightforward: they let the wheels spin smoothly around the hub with minimal friction while keeping everything located dead straight. That means quieter driving, even tyre wear, accurate ABS/ESC inputs (the tone ring or encoder is part of or adjacent to the bearing/hub on the front), and tidy fuel economy. When they start to fail, owners usually notice a humming or growling that rises with road speed, a rumble when turning one direction, or vague steering feel. Left to worsen, a bad bearing can overheat, chew out the hub or stub axle, and in the worst case allow wheel wobble—nobody wants that out bush or on the motorway.

As part of routine servicing on a 2013 Amarok, a quick wheel-bearing check is smart:

• Road test for speed-related hum and change of noise on gentle lane-change.
• With the ute safely lifted, rock each wheel at 12 and 6 o’clock to feel for play, and spin by hand for roughness.
• Inspect for leaks at rear axle seals and for metal dust around the hub.

Replacement is the fix for a noisy or loose bearing. The front hub/bearing is a bolt-on sealed unit, new axle/hub bolts are generally single-use stretch items, so factor that in. The rear bearing involves pulling the axle shaft and renewing the bearing, retainer and seal—diff oil top-up is normal. After any bearing work, torque the wheel nuts correctly and avoid blasting hubs with pressure washers. There’s no set replacement interval, many last well past 150,000 km, but harsh use can shorten that. If the Amarok’s doing heavy towing or regular water crossings, having the bearings checked at each service is cheap insurance.

Popular questions about 2013 Volkswagen Amarok wheel bearings

How can an owner tell which wheel bearing is failing on a 2013 Amarok?

A steady hum that changes with road speed is the classic sign. If the noise gets louder when loading one side (gentle swerve right makes left side louder, and vice versa), that points to the opposite front bearing. A lift-and-spin check for roughness or free play will usually confirm it.

Can the Amarok’s wheel bearings be greased or adjusted?

The front bearings are sealed hub units and aren’t serviceable—when worn, the whole hub assembly is replaced. The rear bearings are serviceable during repair, but they’re not a periodic “grease and adjust” item, correct preload/assembly and fresh seals during replacement is the go.

Is it safe to drive long distances with a noisy wheel bearing?

Not recommended. A failing bearing can heat up and deteriorate quickly, potentially damaging the hub or axle and affecting braking/ABS behaviour. If there’s rumble or play, plan repair sooner rather than later—especially before a towing trip or remote run.