🔧 Wheel Bearing - Front Press-Fit Replacement

Your Accord uses a press-fit front wheel bearing, so the job requires removing the steering knuckle and pressing the old bearing out, then pressing the new one in. This is a more advanced repair because a press is needed to do it correctly without damaging the knuckle or hub.

Difficulty Level: Advanced | Estimated Time: 4-6 hours per side

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Support the car securely on jack stands before removing the wheel.
• Use a hub nut that matches the axle nut size exactly to avoid rounding it.
• The axle nut is staked from the factory; it must be replaced after removal.
• Do not reuse a noisy or rough bearing; replace the bearing and hub seal as a set if damaged.
• Keep the brake hose and ABS wire supported so they do not stretch or twist.
• Battery disconnect is not required for this repair.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands
• Wheel chocks
• Breaker bar
• Torque wrench
• Honda axle nut socket
• 17mm socket
• 19mm socket
• 21mm socket
• 24mm socket
• Ratchet
• Extensions
• Ball joint separator (specialty)
• Hub puller or slide hammer (specialty)
• Hydraulic press (specialty)
• Snap ring pliers
• Hammer
• Brass drift
• Bungee cord or wire hanger
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Front wheel bearing - Qty: 2
• Front axle nut - Qty: 2
• Front knuckle snap ring - Qty: 2
• Front wheel hub seal - Qty: 2

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Chock the rear wheels.
• Loosen the axle nut before lifting the car.
• Loosen the wheel lug nuts before raising the vehicle.
• Plan to replace bearings in pairs if both sides are noisy.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Loosen the axle nut and lug nuts

• Use a Honda axle nut socket and breaker bar to loosen the axle nut while the wheel is still on the ground.
• Use a 19mm socket to loosen the lug nuts.
• Do not fully remove the axle nut yet.

Step 2: Raise and secure the car

• Use a floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum) to lift the front of the vehicle.
• Support it with jack stands.
• Remove the wheel with a 19mm socket.

Step 3: Remove the brake components

• Use a 17mm socket to remove the brake caliper bracket bolts.
• Use a 14mm socket to remove the caliper slide bolts if needed for access.
• Hang the caliper with a bungee cord or wire hanger.
• Remove the brake rotor by hand. If stuck, tap it gently with a hammer.

Step 4: Remove the axle nut and axle from the hub

• Fully remove the axle nut with the Honda axle nut socket.
• Push the axle inward through the hub. If it sticks, use a brass drift and hammer lightly.
• Do not damage the axle threads.

Step 5: Disconnect the steering and suspension links

• Use a 17mm socket or 19mm socket to remove the lower ball joint nut, depending on the hardware on your car.
• Use a ball joint separator (specialty) to free the ball joint from the knuckle.
• Remove the tie rod end nut with a 17mm socket, then separate it from the knuckle if needed.
• Support the knuckle so the CV axle does not bind.

Step 6: Remove the knuckle

• Disconnect the ABS wire bracket from the knuckle using a 10mm socket.
• Remove the strut-to-knuckle bolts with a 19mm socket and breaker bar.
• Remove the steering knuckle from the car.
• Mark bolt positions if camber bolts are present.

Step 7: Press out the hub and bearing

• Use a hydraulic press (specialty) to press the hub out of the bearing.
• Remove the snap ring with snap ring pliers.
• Use the hydraulic press (specialty) to press the old bearing out of the knuckle.
• Clean the bore carefully before installing the new bearing.

Step 8: Install the new bearing and hub

• Use the hydraulic press (specialty) to press the new bearing into the knuckle straight and even.
• Install the new snap ring with snap ring pliers.
• Press the hub into the new bearing using the hydraulic press (specialty).
• Torque to factory specification for the hub/knuckle components using the service manual for your exact trim.

Step 9: Reinstall the knuckle and suspension parts

• Reinstall the knuckle onto the strut using a 19mm socket.
• Reconnect the ball joint and tie rod end using a 17mm socket.
• Reattach the ABS wire bracket with a 10mm socket.
• Torque to factory specification for all steering and suspension fasteners.

Step 10: Reassemble brakes and wheel

• Reinstall the rotor and brake caliper with a 17mm socket.
• Install a new axle nut and snug it with the Honda axle nut socket.
• Reinstall the wheel with a 19mm socket.
• Torque to factory specification for axle nut and lug nuts.

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✅ After Repair

• Spin the wheel by hand to check for smooth rotation.
• Check for ABS warning lights after start-up.
• Test drive slowly and listen for noise changes.
• Recheck axle nut and lug nut torque after a short drive.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $500-$900 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $120-$260 (parts only)

You Save: $380-$640 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 4-6 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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