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The short version
- Front hub is bolt-on part 513126, covering the full 1990 to 1998 US run of the big hatchback.
- Rear hub is bolt-on part 512146, the same years, the same simple job.
- Neither corner needs pressing or adjusting, since both are sealed, bolt-on cartridge hubs.
- The classic 900 does not share these numbers, its own front hub is 513106 through 1993, then 510052.
Saab built a reputation on quirks, but ordering a 9000 wheel bearing is refreshingly free of them. Two part numbers cover the entire US run, one for the front and one for the rear. Nothing about the 9000 wheel bearing order requires cross-checking trim levels or engine codes.
Two numbers, front and rear
Every 9000 wheel bearing built for the US market falls under one of these two numbers.
Both corners use a sealed hub assembly, so there is no press, no bearing race, and no adjustment involved.
Saab 9000 wheel bearing part numbers
| Years | Detail | Number |
|---|---|---|
| 1990-1998 | Front hub, bolt-on | 513126 check price |
| 1990-1998 | Rear hub, bolt-on | 512146 check price |
Every model year this chart resolves: 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997 and 1998.
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.
Do not carry these numbers over to a classic 900. That car uses its own front hub, part 513106 for 1990 through 1993, then part 510052 after that. A 9000 wheel bearing order placed against a 900 chassis will not fit, so match the platform before the part number.
The easy Saab of its era
Saab’s lineup from this period was not known for parts simplicity, and the full Saab catalog reflects that. The 9000 wheel bearing order is the exception, not the rule.
The later 9-5, published alongside this page, runs its own separate listings. Treat each Saab platform as its own order and the 9000 wheel bearing job stays simple.
Bolt-on means no press work
A bolt-on hub bolts straight to the knuckle with the bearing sealed inside, which is why a 9000 wheel bearing swap skips the press entirely. There is no race to drive out and no adjustment to set afterward.
Confirm the diagnosis before ordering, since a bad CV joint or worn tire can mimic the same drone. Sources for that check include a wheel bearing check and a look at whether the sound is tire noise or a wheel bearing.
Diagnosing a Saab 9000 wheel bearing
- Listen for a load-sensitive drone. A failing 9000 wheel bearing typically gets louder under cornering load, not just at speed.
- Jack up the wheel and check for play. Grip the tire at 12 and 6 o’clock and rock it, looking for movement in the hub.
- Spin the wheel by hand. Roughness or grinding while spinning free points to the bearing rather than a tire or CV issue.
- Rule out the tire and CV joint. Swapping tires side to side or listening for a click in turns can separate those from bearing noise.
- Confirm front or rear before ordering. The 513126 front and 512146 rear are not interchangeable, so match the noisy corner first.
Common questions
Does the Saab 9000 wheel bearing require a press?
No. Both the front and rear hubs are bolt-on cartridge units, so a 9000 wheel bearing replacement is a bolt-off, bolt-on job at each corner.
Is the front 9000 wheel bearing the same as the rear?
No, they use separate numbers. The front hub is 513126 and the rear hub is 512146, and the two are not interchangeable.
Will a classic 900 hub fit a 9000?
No. The 900 uses its own numbers, 513106 through 1993 and 510052 after, and neither matches the 9000 wheel bearing listings.
Does the 9000 wheel bearing need adjustment after installation?
No adjustment is required. Both hubs are sealed bolt-on assemblies, unlike older adjustable tapered setups.
How can wheel bearing noise be told apart from tire noise?
Wheel bearing drone tends to change with cornering load, while tire noise stays fairly constant regardless of steering input. A side to side tire swap is a simple way to isolate the source, and noise that shifts in turns points back to the bearing.