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The short version
- An A3 wheel bearing splits at the rear on drivetrain, which is unusual for Audi.
- 512336 is cited for front wheel drive and 512566 for quattro on the 2015 onward cars.
- The front on those years splits on bearing outside diameter instead, 512566 at 80mm and 513379 at 85mm.
- So one end asks about the drivetrain and the other asks for calipers.
Audi usually describes a part rather than a car, and the A4 and A6 pages both turn on measurements. This one does both at once.
The rear splits on drivetrain
512336 is cited for front wheel drive rears and 512566 for quattro on 2015 onward cars.
On the 2006 to 2013 cars the pair is 512336 for front wheel drive and 513253 for quattro.
Look underneath for a driveshaft running back to a rear differential. That settles it faster than reading a badge.
The front asks for a measurement
On 2015 to 2017 cars, 512566 is cited at 80mm and 513379 at 85mm outside diameter.
Nothing in the vehicle description separates them, so the answer lives on the old part.
The A4 does the same thing with inner ring length. That is covered on the A4 page.
A3 wheel bearing part numbers
| Years | Detail | Number |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 to 2017 | Front, 80mm outside diameter | 512566 check price |
| 2015 to 2017 | Front, 85mm outside diameter | 513379 check price |
| 2009 to 2013 | Front | 513253 check price |
| 2006 to 2008 | Front, front wheel drive | 513262 check price |
| 2015 to 2016 | Rear, quattro | 512566 check price |
| 2015 to 2017 | Rear, front wheel drive | 512336 check price |
| 2007 to 2013 | Rear, quattro | 513253 check price |
| 2006 to 2013 | Rear, front wheel drive | 512336 check price |
Every model year this chart resolves: 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016 and 2017.
Price links lead to Amazon searches for that number. As an Amazon Associate this site earns from qualifying purchases.
Cross referencing is on the cross reference page, and dimensions on the sizes page.
A Volkswagen underneath
This shares its platform with the Golf and the Jetta, which matters for both parts supply and for what a shop already knows.
513253 also turns up under Volkswagen listings, so a search under the other badge is worth running.
A comparison is on the Jetta page.
Why you may not be able to order ahead
If the deciding detail is a measurement on the part you are removing, you cannot buy before you start the job.
Either accept the car will sit while a box arrives, or hold both candidates and return one.
Tooling is on the tools pillar, and the make overview is on the Audi page.
Diagnosing an A3 wheel bearing
- Confirm the drivetrain before ordering a rear part.
- Measure the old front part once it is off.
- Weave at road speed and note the loaded direction.
- Rock the wheel at twelve and six.
- Rule out the tires before buying a hub.
Those are on the checking page and the tire noise page.
Common questions
Which A3 wheel bearing do I need?
At the rear, check the drivetrain. At the front on a newer car, measure the outside diameter.
Does quattro change the rear part?
Yes. 512566 is cited for quattro and 512336 for front wheel drive on the newer cars.
Can I use a Volkswagen part?
513253 appears under both. Confirm the number against your own car.
Can I order before removing the old part?
Not on the newer fronts, where the deciding detail is a measurement.
Do I need a press?
On parts of the range yes. Budget for tooling or a shop.
Is it the same as an A4?
The approach is the same but the numbers differ. Check your own part.
Should I replace both sides?
Only what is worn.