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The short version
- On a late Century wheel bearing order, ABS decides everything: 513179 with it, a different hub without it.
- The long middle run is simple: 513121 from 1997 to 2002.
- Rears split the same way late on: 512237 with ABS, 512221 without, for 2003 to 2005.
- The catalogs disagree on the exact non-ABS front number, which is worth knowing before you order.
Buick sold the Century to people who kept cars for decades, which means plenty of these are still getting bearings today. The parts picture is friendly except at the very end of the run.
ABS or not, at both ends of the car
With ABS, the front Century wheel bearing is 513179 and the rear is 512237 for the last two years, with 512151 covering ABS rears back to 1997.
Without ABS, the rear is 512221 and the front is where the catalogs argue.
One catalog lists 513203 for 2003 to 2005 cars without ABS. Another lists 513160 for 2003 with a superseding number after it.
Rather than pick a winner here, take your VIN to the counter for that one specific case. Everything else on this page is agreed by both sources.
Century wheel bearing part numbers
| Years | Detail | Number |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 to 2005 | Front, ABS | 513179 check price |
| 2003 to 2005 | Front, without ABS | 513203 check price |
| 2003 | Front, without ABS, parallel listing | 513160 check price |
| 1997 to 2002 | Front hub | 513121 check price |
| 1994 to 1996 | Front hub | 513087 check price |
| 1991 to 1993 | Front, kit | 513016-K check price |
| 2004 to 2005 | Rear, ABS | 512237 check price |
| 2003 to 2005 | Rear, without ABS | 512221 check price |
| 1997 to 2003 | Rear, ABS | 512151 check price |
| 1994 to 1996 | Rear hub | 512078 check price |
| 1990 to 1993 | Rear hub | 513018 check price |
Every model year this chart resolves: 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005.
Price links lead to Amazon searches for that number. As an Amazon Associate this site earns from qualifying purchases.
Number lookups run through the cross reference page.
Half of Buick shares these numbers
The 513121 and 513179 pair also serves the LeSabre, Park Avenue, Regal and Riviera in their respective years, and the Regal twin of this car matches it almost exactly. Listings for any of them widen your options.
The bigger sedan’s page is the LeSabre page, and the make overview is on the Buick page.
All bolt-on work
Every number in the table is a complete hub assembly or a kit, held on with bolts. No pressing, which suits the driveway mechanic these cars tend to belong to now.
The usual fight is corrosion in the hub bore rather than the fasteners. That is covered on the stuck removal page.
Diagnosing a Century wheel bearing
- Confirm whether the car has ABS before ordering anything for 2003 to 2005.
- Take the VIN to the counter for a late non-ABS front, given the catalog disagreement.
- Weave gently at speed and track the drone.
- Rock each wheel at twelve and six.
- Rule out tire wear, common on softly sprung cars that sit.
The method is on the checking page and the tire noise page.
Common questions
Which Century wheel bearing covers the most years?
513121, from 1997 through 2002 up front. It is the safe answer for the majority of survivors.
How do I know if my car has ABS?
Turn the key on and look for the amber ABS lamp during the bulb check, or look for a toothed ring and sensor wire at the hub.
Why do two catalogs give different non-ABS numbers?
A mid-run supersession is the likely story. We record the disagreement rather than guess, and the VIN settles it.
Is the Regal the same?
For these years, effectively yes. The listings name both cars together.
Do I need a press?
No. Hubs bolt on at all four corners.
Can a bad hub light the ABS lamp?
On ABS cars yes, since the sensor is in the assembly. See the ABS light page.