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The short version
- A Soul wheel bearing at the rear splits on ABS fitment on the 2010 cars only.
- 512434 is cited with four wheel ABS and 512435 without, then 512434 alone through 2013.
- From 2014 the listing moves to 512495 and the question disappears entirely.
- One model year carries the split, which makes 2010 the year to slow down on.
Antilock braking became standard partway through this car’s life. The encoder ring the sensor reads is built into the bearing seal, so the changeover year carries two numbers.
The 2010 split
512434 is cited for 2010 cars with four wheel ABS and 512435 for cars without it.
Every year after that uses one number, so 2010 is the only year needing the check.
Watch the dash at startup for a light that comes on and goes out, or look for a sensor wire at the hub.
That is on the ABS light page.
Soul wheel bearing part numbers
| Years | Detail | Number |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 to 2018 | Rear | 512495 check price |
| 2011 to 2013 | Rear | 512434 check price |
| 2010 | Rear, with four wheel ABS | 512434 check price |
| 2010 | Rear, without ABS | 512435 check price |
Every model year this chart resolves: 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018.
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.
A tall body on a small platform
This puts a tall boxy body on compact car underpinnings, which sits more weight higher than the platform was designed around.
Cornering transfers more of that weight onto the outside hubs than a low car of the same mass would.
It is not dramatic, but it is worth knowing when a hub goes earlier than the mileage suggests.
That is on the vehicle weight page.
Light enough that impacts dominate
These are light, and light cars are gentle on bearings in ordinary use.
Most failures trace back to an event rather than wear. A curb strike or a bad pothole does more damage on a small wheel with a short sidewall.
Ask what it hit before assuming wear. That is on the pothole page.
Cheap to fix
Bolt on hubs keep this among the cheapest jobs on the site, and it suits a first attempt.
The saving on the very cheapest parts comes out of the seal and the encoder ring, and a poor encoder lights the dash immediately.
Those are on the price tiers page, and the make overview is on the Kia page.
Diagnosing a Soul wheel bearing
- Check for ABS if the car is a 2010.
- Ask what it has hit, because impacts explain most failures here.
- Weave at road speed and note which side loads the noise.
- 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 Soul wheel bearing do I need?
512495 from 2014, 512434 for 2011 to 2013, and on a 2010 it depends on ABS.
How do I tell if a 2010 has ABS?
Watch for the dash light at startup, or look for a sensor wire at the hub.
What happens if I fit the wrong one?
A non ABS hub on a car with ABS lights the dash immediately.
Why did mine fail at low mileage?
Impact damage is the usual cause on a car this light.
Does the tall body matter?
It puts more weight higher, which transfers more onto the outside hubs in corners.
Do I need a press?
No. These use bolt on hub units.
Should I replace both sides?
Only what is worn.