how to tell if my Honda Accord wheel bearings are bad

Honda Accord 9th Generation (2013-2017)

Error Codes

2-4 hours

Time

medium

Difficulty

medium

Severity

4 min read

610 words

Problem Statement

Learn how to diagnose and fix bad wheel bearings in your Honda Accord. Step-by-step guide with symptoms, diagnostic steps, and repair instructions.

Affected Component

Suspension

Estimated Time

2-4 hours

⚠️ Safety Warnings

Important safety information - read before proceeding

•Always ensure the vehicle is securely lifted and supported with jack stands before working underneath.
•Wear safety glasses and gloves to protect against debris and sharp edges.

Symptoms

•Unusual noise (grinding or humming) when driving, especially when turning
•Vibration or wobbling in the steering wheel while driving
•Decreased handling stability or difficulty maintaining a straight line
•Uneven tire wear on one or more tires
•A noticeable increase in road noise at higher speeds
•Potential ABS warning light activation (in some cases)

Diagnostic Steps

1
Inspect the tires for uneven wear patterns that could suggest bearing issues.
2
Lift the vehicle using a jack and secure it with jack stands for safety.
3
Grab the wheel at the 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock positions and shake it to check for play.
4
Rotate the wheel by hand and listen for any grinding or roughness that should not be present.
5
Check for any visible signs of damage or corrosion on the wheel hub and bearing assembly.
6
Test drive the vehicle to see if the noise changes when turning left or right.

Solution

💡 Expert Tip

For complex repairs like this, consider taking photos at each step. This helps if you need to reverse a step or consult with a mechanic. Also, keep all removed parts organized - you may need to reference them during reassembly.

Verification

After completing the repair, verify that the issue has been resolved:

✓Test the affected component to ensure it functions correctly
✓Check for any error codes or warning lights
✓Monitor the vehicle for a few days to ensure the issue does not recur

Prevention Tips

To prevent this issue from occurring again:

•Follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule
•Address warning signs early before they develop into major issues
•Use quality parts and fluids recommended for your vehicle
•Keep detailed records of all repairs and maintenance

Tools & Equipment Required

•Hydraulic jack
•Jack stands
•Lug wrench
•Socket set
•Bearing puller
•Torque wrench
•Bungee cord or wire

Parts Required

•Wheel bearings (specific to Honda Accord model)
•Brake rotor (if worn)
•Brake pads (if needed)

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Symptoms

•Unusual noise (grinding or humming) when driving, especially when turning

•Vibration or wobbling in the steering wheel while driving

•Decreased handling stability or difficulty maintaining a straight line

•Uneven tire wear on one or more tires

•A noticeable increase in road noise at higher speeds

•Potential ABS warning light activation (in some cases)

Diagnostic Steps

1
Inspect the tires for uneven wear patterns that could suggest bearing issues.
2
Lift the vehicle using a jack and secure it with jack stands for safety.
3
Grab the wheel at the 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock positions and shake it to check for play.
4
Rotate the wheel by hand and listen for any grinding or roughness that should not be present.
5
Check for any visible signs of damage or corrosion on the wheel hub and bearing assembly.
6
Test drive the vehicle to see if the noise changes when turning left or right.

Solution

1. Preparation

Gather necessary tools and parts, ensuring safety equipment is available.
Park the vehicle on a flat surface, turn off the engine, and engage the parking brake.

2. Lift the Vehicle

Use a hydraulic jack to lift the front or rear of the vehicle, depending on which wheel bearings are being inspected.
Secure the vehicle with jack stands to ensure safety while working underneath.

3. Remove the Wheel

Use a lug wrench to loosen and remove the lug nuts on the affected wheel.
Remove the wheel and set it aside.

4. Remove the Brake Components

Use a socket set to remove the caliper bolts and slide the caliper off the rotor.
Secure the caliper with a bungee cord or wire to avoid stress on the brake line.
Remove the brake rotor by unscrewing any retaining screws or pulling it off the hub.

5. Inspect and Replace Wheel Bearings

If the wheel bearing is pressed into the hub, use a bearing puller to remove the old bearing.
Clean the hub area and install the new wheel bearing using a bearing press, ensuring it is seated properly.
Reassemble components in the reverse order:
- Reattach the brake rotor and caliper.
- Reinstall the wheel and tighten lug nuts to the manufacturer’s specified torque.

6. Final Checks

Lower the vehicle back to the ground.
Check the wheel for any play and ensure everything is securely fastened.