Wheel Bearing Hub - Front

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the front wheel bearing hub assembly on a 2018-2024 Honda Accord with the 1.5L turbo engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front wheel bearing hub assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Axle nut cotter pin or use staking method × 1 — Check vehicle specification
• Brake caliper bracket bolt threadlocker × 1 — Medium strength (e.g., Loctite 243)

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Loosen wheel lug nuts 1/2 turn while vehicle is on the ground
3. Loosen the 21mm axle nut 1/2 turn while vehicle is on the ground with brakes applied (do not remove yet)
4. Raise vehicle with floor jack and support on jack stands at manufacturer jacking points
5. Remove wheel and tire assembly completely

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove ABS wheel speed sensor
   Locate the ABS wheel speed sensor on the back of the knuckle. Remove the 10mm bolt securing the sensor and carefully pull the sensor out of the knuckle bore. Move the sensor and wiring harness aside to prevent damage during hub removal.
   Torque spec

   ABS Sensor Bolt10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove brake caliper and bracket
   Remove the two 17mm caliper bracket bolts from the back of the knuckle. Remove the entire caliper and bracket assembly as one unit. Support the caliper assembly with wire or a bungee cord from the suspension or chassis - do not let it hang by the brake hose.
   ⚠Support the caliper properly to avoid damaging the brake hose
3. 3

   Remove brake rotor
   If present, remove any retaining screws holding the brake rotor to the hub. Pull the brake rotor straight off the hub. If the rotor is stuck, use penetrating oil and light taps with a rubber mallet on the rear surface to break it free.
4. 4

   Remove axle nut completely
   If the axle nut is staked, use a punch to unstake the crimped portion. If using a cotter pin, remove and discard the cotter pin using needle-nose pliers. Remove the 21mm axle nut completely and set aside (this nut should be replaced or re-staked).
   ℹ️The axle nut must be replaced with a new cotter pin or re-staked upon installation
   Torque spec

   Axle Nut250 Nm (184 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Separate lower ball joint
   Remove the 17mm pinch bolt securing the lower ball joint to the knuckle. Use a ball joint separator tool or carefully use a pickle fork to separate the lower ball joint from the knuckle. Pull the knuckle outward slightly to provide working clearance.
   ⚠Pickle forks can damage ball joint boots - use a proper ball joint separator if possible
6. 6

   Push axle shaft back from hub
   With the axle nut removed, push the axle shaft back through the hub bearing. You may need to tap the end of the axle shaft with a brass punch and hammer to break it free from the hub splines. Push the axle shaft back into the transmission side to provide clearance for hub removal.
   ⚠Do not damage the axle shaft threads or splines during removal
7. 7

   Remove hub mounting bolts
   From the back side of the knuckle, locate the four 12mm hub mounting bolts. Remove all four bolts completely. These bolts secure the wheel bearing hub assembly to the steering knuckle.
   Torque spec

   Wheel Bearing Hub Bolts110 Nm (81 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Remove wheel bearing hub assembly
   Pull the wheel bearing hub assembly straight out from the front of the knuckle. If the hub is stuck, carefully use a pry bar behind the hub flange or tap the back of the hub with a brass punch through the bolt holes. Avoid damaging the knuckle bore surface.
9. 9

   Clean and inspect knuckle bore
   Clean the knuckle bore thoroughly with a wire brush and brake cleaner. Inspect for any damage, cracks, or excessive wear. Check that the ABS sensor bore is clean and free of debris. Clean the hub mounting bolt holes and threads.
10. 10

    Install new wheel bearing hub
    Apply a light coat of anti-seize to the knuckle bore (avoid getting any on the hub mounting surface). Carefully align the new hub assembly with the knuckle and push it into position. Ensure the ABS sensor tone ring faces outward and the hub is fully seated against the knuckle.
11. 11

    Install hub mounting bolts
    Apply threadlocker to the threads of the four hub mounting bolts if specified by the manufacturer. Insert all four bolts from the back of the knuckle and hand-tighten. Torque the hub bolts in a crisscross pattern to 97 Nm (71 lb-ft), or if different specification, to 110 Nm (81 lb-ft) with threadlocker as specified.
    ℹ️Verify correct torque specification for your specific hub - may be 71 lb-ft or 81 lb-ft depending on design
    Torque spec

    Wheel Bearing Hub Bolts110 Nm (81 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reconnect lower ball joint and axle
    Pull the knuckle outward and guide the axle shaft through the new hub bearing. Reconnect the lower ball joint to the knuckle and install the pinch bolt, torquing to specification. Ensure the axle shaft is fully seated through the hub splines.
13. 13

    Install and torque axle nut
    Install the 21mm axle nut onto the axle shaft and hand-tighten. Torque the axle nut to 250 Nm (184 lb-ft). If using a cotter pin design, install a new cotter pin and bend the legs. If using a staked design, use a center punch to stake the nut collar into the axle shaft groove.
    ⚠️The axle nut must be properly secured with a new cotter pin or staking to prevent loosening while driving
    Torque spec

    Axle Nut250 Nm (184 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reinstall brake components
    Reinstall the brake rotor onto the new hub. Clean the caliper bracket bolt threads and apply fresh threadlocker. Install the caliper and bracket assembly, torquing the two bracket bolts to 120 Nm (88 lb-ft) in a crisscross pattern.
    ⚠Threadlocker is recommended on caliper bracket bolts to prevent loosening
15. 15

    Reinstall ABS sensor and wheel
    Insert the ABS wheel speed sensor into the knuckle bore and install the mounting bolt, torquing to 10 Nm (7 lb-ft). Ensure the sensor is fully seated and the wiring is properly routed. Reinstall the wheel and tire, hand-tightening the lug nuts in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    ABS Sensor Bolt10 Nm (7 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Lower the vehicle until the tire just touches the ground (still supported mostly by jack stands)
2. Torque the wheel lug nuts to 129 Nm (95 lb-ft) in a star pattern
3. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands
4. Double-check that the axle nut is properly staked or has a cotter pin installed
5. Pump the brake pedal several times to ensure proper brake feel before driving

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area and listen for any unusual noises from the wheel bearing
• Verify there is no excessive play in the wheel by attempting to rock it at 12 and 6 o'clock positions
• Check that the ABS warning light is not illuminated and that ABS functions properly during a test stop
• Verify the wheel rotates smoothly without binding or roughness
• Re-torque wheel lug nuts after 50-100 miles of driving

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