OVERVIEW
Genuine VW/Audi differential tapered roller bearing, part number 002-517-185-M. This bearing supports the differential within the specified transmission assembly. Its tapered rolling surfaces provide the bearing interface required at that position, helping maintain controlled differential support when the transmission is assembled and adjusted correctly.
Technical details
- Original part number: 002-517-185-M / 002517185M.
- Published nominal bearing dimensions: 46 x 75 x 18 mm.
- Tapered roller bearing for the specified transmission differential position.
- Supplied individually as pictured. It is not a complete differential rebuild kit.
- Some transmission assemblies use a different bearing on the opposite side. Do not assume two identical bearings are required without checking the gearbox diagram.
- Differential, shims, output seals, housing components and mounting hardware are separate.
- Confirm the transmission code, original bearing number and mounting position. Vehicle year and engine alone do not establish the correct bearing for every gearbox variant.
Common reasons to replace
Replacement may be required during a transmission or differential rebuild when inspection identifies pitted rolling surfaces, scoring, rough rotation, damaged rollers or cage damage. Excessive differential bearing clearance or noise traced to this bearing position can also require repair.
Inspect the mating bearing surfaces, housing, differential and lubrication condition before fitting a new bearing. Noise that changes with vehicle speed can originate from wheel bearings, gears, other transmission bearings or driveline components. Diagnose the source rather than replacing a differential bearing solely on the basis of a general noise symptom.
Metal contamination or damage elsewhere in the transmission requires evaluation of the complete assembly. Replacing one bearing without correcting worn mating components, incorrect preload or a lubrication problem can leave the original cause unresolved.
Installation and rebuild notes
Follow the factory rebuild procedure for the exact transmission code. Use the specified pullers, press tools and supports, applying installation force to the appropriate bearing component. Avoid transferring installation loads through the rollers or damaging the housing and differential seats.
Measure and set differential bearing preload or clearance as required by the gearbox procedure. Existing shim thickness must not be assumed correct after bearings or other related components have been replaced. Inspect companion bearings and renew seals or fasteners required by the repair instructions.
Maintain cleanliness throughout assembly and use the prescribed transmission lubricant and fill procedure. Verify rotation, adjustment and final operation after the rebuild. The published bearing dimensions do not replace the gearbox's measurement and assembly specifications.
Fitment
| Vehicle | Model years | Engine | Chassis and transmission | Application restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volkswagen GTI | 2022–2024 | 2.0L turbo gasoline, EA888 Gen 4 | Mk8, front-wheel drive; 6-speed manual | Transmission differential bearing; confirm gearbox code and the original bearing position. Cataloged in the standard-differential service group. |
| Volkswagen Golf R | 2018–2019 | 2.0L turbo gasoline, EA888 Gen 3 | Mk7.5, 4Motion; 6-speed manual | Transmission differential bearing; confirm gearbox code and original bearing position. The opposite-side bearing may have a different part number. |
| Audi A3 | 2006 | 2.0L turbo gasoline, BPY | 8P hatchback, front-wheel drive; 6-speed manual | Left transmission differential bearing; match original bearing and gearbox code. Not the right-side 02M-517-185-A bearing. |
Confirm the gearbox code, original bearing number and bearing position before ordering. One bearing is supplied.