Honda Civic Wheel Bearing Replacement: A Comprehensive Guide

Replacing a wheel bearing on a Honda Civic can be a daunting task, but with the right tools and knowledge, it's a job that can be completed at home. In this article, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about Honda Civic wheel bearing replacement cost, including the tools you'll need, the steps involved, and the potential costs.

Tools You'll Need

Before you start, you'll need to gather the following tools:

• Jack and jack stands
• Lug wrench
• Socket wrench
• Torx bit set
• Hammer
• Pry bar
• New wheel bearing

Steps Involved

Once you have your tools, you can begin the replacement process. Here are the steps involved:

1. Safety first: Park your car on a flat, stable surface and engage the parking brake.
2. Loosen the lug nuts: Use the lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts on the wheel that has the faulty bearing, but do not remove them completely.
3. Jack up the car: Place the jack under the designated jack point near the wheel that needs to be replaced and raise the car until there is approximately 6 inches of clearance between the ground and the tire.
4. Remove the lug nuts and wheel: Remove the lug nuts completely and pull the wheel straight toward you to detach it from the hub.
5. Remove the caliper bracket: Use the Torx bit set to remove the bolts that hold the caliper bracket in place. Carefully lift the caliper bracket off the rotor and hang it out of the way using a piece of wire or a bungee cord.
6. Remove the rotor: The rotor may be held in place by one or two small screws. Remove these screws and slide the rotor off the hub.
7. Remove the old wheel bearing: Use a hammer and pry bar to carefully pry the old wheel bearing out of the hub. Be careful not to damage the hub or the surrounding components.
8. Install the new wheel bearing: Press the new wheel bearing into the hub using a press or a hammer and socket. Make sure the bearing is fully seated and flush with the hub.
9. Reinstall the rotor: Slide the rotor back onto the hub and tighten the retaining screws.
10. Reinstall the caliper bracket: Lift the caliper bracket back into place and tighten the bolts.
11. Reinstall the wheel: Place the wheel back on the hub and tighten the lug nuts.
12. Lower the car: Slowly lower the car using the jack.
13. Tighten the lug nuts: Use the torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer's specifications.

Honda Civic Wheel Bearing Replacement Cost

The Honda Civic wheel bearing replacement cost can vary depending on the year, model, and location. However, you can expect to pay between $300 and $600 for the parts and labor. If you're doing the replacement yourself, you can save on labor costs, but you'll still need to purchase the parts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When replacing a wheel bearing on a Honda Civic, there are a few common mistakes to avoid:

• Using the wrong tools: Make sure you have the correct tools for the job, including a torque wrench to properly tighten the lug nuts.
• Damaging the hub: Be careful when prying the old wheel bearing out of the hub. If you damage the hub, you may need to replace it, which can be a costly repair.
• Not tightening the lug nuts properly: Loose lug nuts can cause the wheel to come off while driving, which can be extremely dangerous. Make sure to tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer's specifications.

Effective Strategies

To save money on your Honda Civic wheel bearing replacement cost, consider the following strategies:

• Shop around for parts: Compare prices from different auto parts stores and online retailers to find the best deal on the parts you need.
• Do the replacement yourself: If you're handy and have the time, you can save on labor costs by doing the replacement yourself.
• Get multiple quotes: If you're having the replacement done by a mechanic, get quotes from multiple shops to compare prices.

Humorous Stories

To lighten the mood, here are a few humorous stories related to wheel bearing replacement:

• The Persistent Mechanic: A mechanic was working on a customer's car when he noticed that the wheel bearings were worn. He told the customer that they needed to be replaced, but the customer refused. The mechanic tried to explain the importance of replacing the bearings, but the customer was adamant. Finally, the mechanic gave up and said, "Okay, but don't come back to me when your wheels fall off." A few weeks later, the customer was back in the shop with his wheels hanging on by a thread. The mechanic looked at him and said, "I told you so."

• The Wheelbarrow Wheel: A man was driving down the road when he heard a strange noise coming from his car. He pulled over and looked under the car, but he couldn't see anything wrong. He started driving again, but the noise got louder. He pulled over again and this time he looked under the car and saw that one of the wheel bearings had fallen out. He didn't have a spare wheel bearing, so he took the wheel off and put it on a wheelbarrow. He then drove home with the wheelbarrow wheel attached to his car.

  

• The Wrong Bearing: A woman took her car to a mechanic to have the wheel bearings replaced. The mechanic replaced the bearings, but when the woman drove away, she noticed that her car was making a strange noise. She took it back to the mechanic, who discovered that he had installed the wrong bearings. The mechanic apologized and replaced the bearings with the correct ones. The woman drove away, but this time her car was making an even stranger noise. She took it back to the mechanic again, who discovered that he had installed the bearings upside down.

Useful Tables

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long does it take to replace a wheel bearing on a Honda Civic?

The Honda Civic wheel bearing replacement typically takes between 2 and 4 hours to complete.

2. Can I replace a wheel bearing on a Honda Civic myself?

Yes, it is possible to replace a wheel bearing on a Honda Civic yourself with the right tools and knowledge. However, it is important to note that this is a job that requires some mechanical skill. If you are not comfortable working on your own car, it is best to leave