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The short version
- The Montana wheel bearing lineup splits hard at 2001: GM changed the sensor wire clip design mid year, so steel clip cars use 513121 and plastic clip cars use 513179.
- From 2003 to 2005, the front number depends on ABS: 513179 with ABS, 513203 without.
- AWD Montanas from 2001 to 2005 use a separate front number, 513187.
- The SV6’s rear hub splits by flange shape: 512308 for the 3-hole triangular flange, 512309 for the 4-hole rectangular flange.
Few minivans changed part numbers as often as the Montana did between 1997 and 2009. A sensor wire clip redesign, an ABS split, an AWD option, and a flange change on the SV6 each reset the parts counter.
Montana wheel bearing numbers at a glance
The Montana wheel bearing part number changed several times between 1997 and 2009, driven by a mid year clip redesign, an ABS split, and the AWD option.
The table below breaks out every combination the catalogs carry.
Montana wheel bearing part numbers
| Years | Detail | Number |
|---|---|---|
| 2006-2009 | Front hub, SV6 (2006 also AWD) | 513236 check price |
| 2005 | Front hub, SV6 | 513199 check price |
| 2005 | Front hub, SV6, National alt row | 513179 check price |
| 2003-2005 | Front hub, ABS | 513179 check price |
| 2003-2005 | Front hub, non-ABS | 513203 check price |
| 2001-2005 | Front hub, AWD | 513187 check price |
| 2002 | Front hub | 513179 check price |
| 2001 | Front hub, steel wire clip (1st design) | 513121 check price |
| 2001 | Front hub, plastic wire clip (2nd design) | 513179 check price |
| 1997-2000 | Front hub | 513121 check price |
| 2006-2009 | Rear hub, SV6, 3-hole triangular flange | 512308 check price |
| 2006-2009 | Rear hub, SV6, 3-hole flange, alt number | 513197 check price |
| 2006-2009 | Rear hub, SV6, 4-hole rectangular flange | 512309 check price |
| 1999-2005 | Rear hub, non-SV6 van body | match old part or VIN |
Every model year this chart resolves: 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009.
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Lookups run through the cross reference page.
2001 is a split year. Early builds used a steel sensor wire clip and take 513121, later builds switched to a plastic clip and take 513179. Match the old part rather than guessing by month.
The SV6 rear hub for 2006-2009 also splits, this time by flange shape. A 3-hole triangular flange takes 512308, and National also lists 513197 for that same flange, while a 4-hole rectangular flange takes 512309. Count the bolt holes before ordering.
Montana wheel bearing family: U-body and beyond
Pontiac built the Montana on GM’s U-body minivan platform, the same underpinnings shared with the Chevrolet Venture. The two vans came off the same lines for most of the Montana’s run.
The Pontiac Torrent arrived later as a crossover and does not share the Montana’s minivan platform, but it sits in the same brand family for anyone comparing Pontiac parts. The Pontiac hub lists both.
Minivan duty and the SV6
Family vans carry more static load than a sedan, and the Montana is no exception. Loaded trips and short in-town driving wear a bearing faster than steady highway miles do.
The SV6, built on the same architecture with different sheet metal, saw its own number changes in 2005 and again in 2006. Anyone working on one should treat the SV6 rear as its own lookup rather than assuming it matches the earlier van body.
Diagnosing a Montana wheel bearing
- Listen for a rhythmic hum. A worn Montana wheel bearing produces a growl or hum that rises and falls with road speed.
- Check for a change in a turn. Bearing noise usually gets louder turning away from the bad side and quieter turning toward it.
- Jack up the corner and check for play. With the wheel off the ground, grab it at 12 and 6 o’clock and rock it. Looseness points to hub wear.
- Spin the wheel by hand. Roughness, grinding, or clicking while spinning free points to a damaged bearing race.
- Rule out other causes before replacing. CV joint noise and worn tires can both mimic a bearing growl on a front wheel drive van.
Common questions
What changed with the Montana wheel bearing in 2001?
GM switched the sensor wire clip design partway through the year. Steel clip vans use 513121, plastic clip vans use 513179. Match the old part to confirm which design is on the vehicle.
Does ABS change the front wheel bearing on a 2003-2005 Montana?
Yes. ABS equipped vans use 513179 and non-ABS vans use 513203 for those years.
Is the AWD Montana wheel bearing different?
AWD Montanas from 2001 to 2005 use 513187 up front, separate from the front wheel drive numbers.
How does the SV6 rear wheel bearing split?
By flange shape. A 3-hole triangular flange takes 512308, a 4-hole rectangular flange takes 512309. Count the holes before ordering either one.
What about the rear bearing on the earlier van body Montana?
The catalogs do not carry a clean row for the 1999-2005 non-SV6 rear hub. Match the old part or confirm by VIN instead of guessing.