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The short version
- The Contour wheel bearing splits into two jobs: press-in ball bearing up front, bolt-on hub in back.
- Front number is 510029, a press-in ball bearing used across the full 1995 to 2000 run.
- Rear number is 512024, a bolt-on hub assembly for the same years.
- The Mercury Mystique is a badge twin and uses the identical numbers, SVT included.
Ford sold the Contour as its take on a world car with European roots. The wheel bearing chart reflects that heritage: one press job at the front, one bolt-on swap at the rear.
The two numbers that matter
The front Contour wheel bearing is a press-in ball bearing that seats inside the steering knuckle. It needs a hydraulic press to remove and install, not a mallet and patience.
The rear is a bolt-on hub assembly, number 512024. It comes apart with hand tools and a torque wrench, no press required.
Ford Contour wheel bearing part numbers
| Years | Detail | Number |
|---|---|---|
| 1995-2000 | Front, press-in ball bearing | 510029 check price |
| 1995-2000 | Rear, bolt-on hub | 512024 check price |
Every model year this chart resolves: 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2000.
Price links lead to Amazon searches for that number. As an Amazon Associate this site earns from qualifying purchases.
Lookups run through the cross reference page.
The front job needs a press and shop equipment most driveways do not have. The rear job needs neither, just a jack and a torque wrench.
Quoting one job as if it covers both corners leads to a surprise bill or a stalled repair.
A shared chart across two badges
The Mercury Mystique rode on the same platform as the Contour. It shares every wheel bearing number, front and rear, across all trims including SVT.
Ford’s broader lineup sits at the Ford vehicles hub. The compact that replaced the Contour sits at Ford Focus wheel bearing coverage.
European bones, American badge
Enthusiasts still call the Contour the American Mondeo, since it borrowed its platform from Ford of Europe. That same platform later underpinned the Jaguar X-Type. Few Contour owners expect that connection.
The front press-in culture carries across both cars. A shop that has pressed a Contour bearing already knows the drill for the X-Type.
Diagnosing a Ford Contour wheel bearing
- Listen for a rhythmic hum. A failing Contour wheel bearing hums or growls, and the pitch rises with road speed.
- Note which direction gets louder. Noise that grows in one direction points to that side’s bearing; see this cornering noise guide.
- Rule out the tires. Uneven tread wear can mimic a bearing hum, and tire noise is often mistaken for a bearing.
- Check for play by hand. Rock the tire at 12 and 6 o’clock with the wheel jacked up. That method appears in the wheel bearing check guide.
- Consider recent pothole hits. A hard impact can damage a bearing without an immediate noise, so check after any harsh hit.
Common questions
Does the Mercury Mystique use the same wheel bearing as the Ford Contour?
Yes. The Mystique and Contour shared a platform and every wheel bearing number across all trims including SVT.
Can the front Contour wheel bearing be replaced without a press?
No. The front bearing, 510029, seats into the knuckle and needs a hydraulic press for removal and installation.
Is the rear Contour wheel bearing a full hub assembly?
Yes. The rear uses 512024, a bolt-on hub unit that replaces as a complete assembly with hand tools.
Did the SVT Contour use a different wheel bearing?
No. The SVT changed brakes and suspension tuning. It kept the same 510029 front and 512024 rear numbers as every other Contour.
Is the Jaguar X-Type wheel bearing related to the Contour?
The X-Type shares the same European platform lineage and the same front press-in approach. It carries its own part numbers, not the Contour’s.