[Help] Rear bearings Replacement - 2019 Leon ST Cupra R 4Drive DSG7 (rumbling noise)

[Casty]

Hey everyone,
I’ve got a 2019 Leon ST Cupra R (300 hp, 4Drive, DSG7 and 155 000kms) and I’m getting a classic rumbling/growling noise from the rear, especially noticeable when accelerating or at constant speed. Pretty sure it’s the rear wheel bearings (or rather the complete rear hub assemblies, since these 4Drive MQB cars have integrated units).

I’m planning to replace them soon and looking for advice on parts:

• What are the exact OEM part numbers? (I’ve seen 8V0598625B/C or 5WA407621/A mentioned – can anyone confirm for this exact model?)
• For aftermarket, I’m considering SKF VKBA 7011 – does this fit perfectly on the Cupra R ST 4Drive, or is there a better/recommended alternative (FAG, etc.)?
• Any brands to avoid?

Thanks in advance for any experiences, part confirmations, or recommendations!
Casty

 

[James_R]

Before you start replacing parts, have you checked your rear tyres? A common issue is they "saw-tooth" (become misshapen) and make the exact type of noise that a failed wheel bearing does.

The last thing you want to do is replace the bearings and end up in the exact same boat.

 

[Bahnstormer_vRS]

^^^^ Exactly my thoughts, James.

Guy

Sent from my Galaxy S25 Ultra using Tapatalk

 

[Casty]

Before you start replacing parts, have you checked your rear tyres? A common issue is they "saw-tooth" (become misshapen) and make the exact type of noise that a failed wheel bearing does.

The last thing you want to do is replace the bearings and end up in the exact same boat.

thanks James, after having read more abt this, it seems like a common issue. I even read that some do swap tyres from front to back (given that they dont have directional treads), that noise stops right away.

 

[James_R]

thanks James, after having read more abt this, it seems like a common issue. I even read that some do swap tyres from front to back (given that they dont have directional treads), that noise stops right away.

It's a cheap option that's definitely worth a try

 

[cuthound]

thanks James, after having read more abt this, it seems like a common issue. I even read that some do swap tyres from front to back (given that they dont have directional treads), that noise stops right away.

I do that every year in my Cupra ST300 4drive to even out the tyre wear and thus minimise wear on the Haldex diffs.

 

[Casty]

bad news today Guys ):
We've swapped front and rear tyres, did a test drive, same rumbling noise...
We then put her on the lift with slow speed, it's definitely the rear left (from the driver' side) bearing. She looks super clean underneath though but needs a new wheel bearing set. I want to do it asap never too good riding with faulty bearings, not to mention the rumbling/screaming noise in the cabin, it's a ride killer.
Am thinking of SKF VKBA 7011 as a replacement, my mechanician claims that I shall go for premium replacement. What are your thoughts on this SKF ? Am looking at the right one here for this ST Cupra R from 2019 ? Any feedback would be top notch Gents, many thanks !

 

[Bahnstormer_vRS]

Not able to help with the part number / suitability, sorry, but just to suggest; if you’re replacing one rear bearing, will it be an idea to replace both on a precautionary basis.


Guy

Sent from my Galaxy S25 Ultra using Tapatalk

 

[Casty]

Actually i have two sets

Not able to help with the part number / suitability, sorry, but just to suggest; if you’re replacing one rear bearing, will it be an idea to replace both on a precautionary basis.


Guy

Sent from my Galaxy S25 Ultra using Tapatalk

yep, well thought this is what i was planning to do

 

[Casty]

However am stuck before ordering as I apparently found two sets from SKF: SKF VKBA 7011 and VKBA 6556 ):
Seems like 7011 fits newer models, 6556 is the correct one. Do i get it right here ?

 

[RUM4MO]

I'd trust SKF, it is them that I fitted to my 2011 Audi S4 front end, SKF is the steel company that Volvo was "spun" out of, so I have read!

Without checking the details of these two SKF kit numbers, possibly the actual outer diameter, I think that I used the SKF website to get all the info from before ordering in the hub/bearing kit for my S4.

Edit:- I had a quick look through the parts listing and both options of part numbers existed from early models until your model build, so I'd guess that one is for lower powered 4WD and the other for higher powered, I'd guess that your hub carriers are aluminium and that the hub bearing assembly is now 5WA 407 621.

When the hub bearing kit changed from 8V0 598 625B to 5WA 407 621, the kit "lost" the dodecagonan head screw and the 3 fixing ball screws, so one kit then became just the hub-bearing assembly and the ball screw and fixing bolts became separate items - although if you are buying aftermarket SKF I'd guess that they will still be including these bolts.

Another Edit:- the SKF kit that is equivalent to 5WA 407 621 is quoted as being VKBA 6556, note 8V0 598 625 B, which is the previous part number for 5WA 407 621, is not listed for use on a SEAT Leon, only for use on Audi or VW for this VKBA 6556 bearing kit, which I'd think is just an omission by SKF in their parts catalogue.

 

[Casty]

I'd trust SKF, it is them that I fitted to my 2011 Audi S4 front end, SKF is the steel company that Volvo was "spun" out of, so I have read!

Without checking the details of these two SKF kit numbers, possibly the actual outer diameter, I think that I used the SKF website to get all the info from before ordering in the hub/bearing kit for my S4.

Edit:- I had a quick look through the parts listing and both options of part numbers existed from early models until your model build, so I'd guess that one is for lower powered 4WD and the other for higher powered, I'd guess that your hub carriers are aluminium and that the hub bearing assembly is now 5WA 407 621.

When the hub bearing kit changed from 8V0 598 625B to 5WA 407 621, the kit "lost" the dodecagonan head screw and the 3 fixing ball screws, so one kit then became just the hub-bearing assembly and the ball screw and fixing bolts became separate items - although if you are buying aftermarket SKF I'd guess that they will still be including these bolts.

Another Edit:- the SKF kit that is equivalent to 5WA 407 621 is quoted as being VKBA 6556, note 8V0 598 625 B, which is the previous part number for 5WA 407 621, is not listed for use on a SEAT Leon, only for use on Audi or VW for this VKBA 6556 bearing kit, which I'd think is just an omission by SKF in their parts catalogue.

thanks for the note, we've ordered the 6556 from SKF as indicated on their website. Got a great offer from ATP, ard 60 euros per piece shipped, not bad at all. Have a great day, thanks again for taking the time answering, drive safe @RUM4MO !

 

[SuperV8]

The drive shaft bolt is FT! 200 Nm +180°
Make sure it is supplied with the correct bolt - with a smooth flange.
The earlier bolt has serrated flange and a lower torque.
Don't try and do the earlier serrated bolt upto the later 200 Nm +180°!! Ask me how I know

 

[Casty]

The drive shaft bolt is FT! 200 Nm +180°
Make sure it is supplied with the correct bolt - with a smooth flange.
The earlier bolt has serrated flange and a lower torque.
Don't try and do the earlier serrated bolt upto the later 200 Nm +180°!! Ask me how I know

thanks for the tip @SuperV8 !

 

[SuperV8]

The rear AWD bearing is the same part number as the front - which aren't the most durable (I changed mind at 90k miles due to a whump whump noise), I would carefully check your wheels & tyres for pothole damage/roundness, especially if your have 19's, as potholes could be the cause of your bearing noise by brinelling your bearing.