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The short version
- An A6 wheel bearing on the 2012 onward cars is split by measurement, exactly like the A4.
- 513301 is cited for a 15mm inner ring length and 512574 for 19mm, under the same years.
- The older cars split on cylinder count instead: 513227 for the V6 and 513353 for the V8.
- So the newer cars need calipers and the older cars need the engine badge.
Audi handles fitment differently from almost everyone else. Where other makers describe a car, Audi describes a part.
That is more honest, and much less convenient, because you cannot answer it from the registration document.
The inner ring length
Across 2012 to 2017, 513301 is cited for a 15mm inner ring length and 512574 for a 19mm one.
The same pair appears under the A4 and the A5, so it is a family trait rather than one model’s quirk.
Measure the inner race along the axle line, not across the face. Four millimeters is the whole difference.
The A4 version of this is on the A4 page.
The older cars split on cylinders
513227 is cited for the V6 cars across 2005 to 2011 and 513353 for the V8 on 2009 to 2011.
On 2005 to 2008 the V8 is also cited with 513227, so the split arrives partway through.
A6 wheel bearing part numbers
| Years | Detail | Number |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 to 2017 | Front, 15mm inner ring length | 513301 check price |
| 2012 to 2017 | Front, 19mm inner ring length | 512574 check price |
| 2009 to 2011 | Front, V8 | 513353 check price |
| 2005 to 2011 | Front, V6 | 513227 check price |
| 2005 to 2008 | Front, V8 | 513227 check price |
Every model year this chart resolves: 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 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.
Quattro is not the question here
Most of these are all wheel drive, which on many vehicles would be the first thing to check. On this one it mostly is not.
The front listings turn on dimensions and cylinder count rather than on drivetrain, so do not spend time on a question the catalog is not asking.
Why you cannot order ahead
If the deciding measurement lives on the part you are removing, you cannot buy before you start.
Either accept the car will be off the road while a box arrives, or have both candidates on the shelf and return one.
These are pressed bearings on much of the range, so tooling matters too. That is on the tools pillar and the press tools page.
A heavy car that hides its noise
These are well insulated and heavy, which is a poor combination for early detection.
The weight loads the hub hard while the cabin hides the sound it makes, so owners often arrive late.
Those are on the vehicle weight page and the noise page. The make overview is on the Audi page.
Diagnosing an A6 wheel bearing
- Confirm the failure fully before dismantling, since you cannot order until it is apart.
- Drive with the windows down, because the cabin hides early noise.
- Weave at road speed and note the loaded direction.
- Measure the old part once it is off.
- Note the cylinder count on an older car.
Those are on the checking page and the tire noise page.
Common questions
How do I choose an A6 wheel bearing?
On a newer car, measure the inner ring length. On an older one, check whether it is a V6 or a V8.
Is it the same as an A4 part?
The 15mm and 19mm pair is shared. Confirm the number against your own part.
Does quattro change the front part?
Not in the way drivetrain does on most vehicles. The listings turn on dimensions and cylinders.
Can I order before removing the old part?
Not on the newer cars. The deciding measurement is on the part itself.
Do I need a press?
On much of the range yes. Budget for tooling or for a shop.
Why did I not hear it sooner?
The cabin insulation is very good, which masks early bearing noise.
Should I replace both sides?
Only what is worn.