Wheel Bearing - Press-In Front

This procedure covers the replacement of a press-in front wheel bearing on a 2018-2024 Honda Accord 1.5L Turbo, including hub removal, bearing extraction, installation, and reassembly.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front wheel bearing assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Axle nut (castle nut) × 1 — 90305-SDA-A01 or equivalent
• Cotter pin for axle nut × 1 — 94021-40020 or equivalent
• Brake caliper mounting bolts (if damaged) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Ball joint castle nut (reuse if undamaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Tie rod end cotter pin × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Loosen wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
3. With vehicle on ground and brake pedal depressed, loosen but do not remove the 32mm axle nut (may require breaker bar or impact wrench)
4. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at the manufacturer-specified jacking points
5. Remove wheel completely
6. Spray all suspension fasteners with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove axle nut and ABS sensor
   Remove the center axle nut completely and set aside (this is a single-use nut and must be replaced). Locate the ABS wheel speed sensor on the back of the knuckle, disconnect the electrical connector, and remove the sensor mounting bolt. Carefully remove the sensor from the knuckle to prevent damage to the sensor tip.
   Torque spec

   ABS Sensor Bolt10 Nm (8 lb-ft)

   Axle Nut250 Nm (184 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove brake caliper and rotor
   Remove the two brake caliper mounting bolts and carefully lift the caliper off the rotor. Support the caliper with wire or a bungee cord to prevent stress on the brake hose—do not let it hang by the hose. Remove the caliper bracket bolts and the bracket. Slide the brake rotor off the hub. If rotor is stuck, use penetrating oil and light tapping with a rubber mallet on the rotor hat.
3. 3

   Disconnect tie rod end
   Remove the cotter pin from the tie rod end castle nut and remove the nut. Use a ball joint separator or pickle fork to separate the tie rod end from the steering knuckle. Avoid damaging the tie rod boot during separation. Count and record the number of threads visible on the tie rod end for proper alignment during reassembly.
   ⚠Using a pickle fork will likely damage the tie rod boot. Use a proper ball joint separator tool if reusing the tie rod end.
4. 4

   Disconnect lower ball joint
   Remove the cotter pin and castle nut from the lower ball joint. Use a ball joint separator to disconnect the lower control arm ball joint from the steering knuckle. Apply upward pressure on the control arm while separating to ease removal.
5. 5

   Remove hub bolts and knuckle assembly
   Locate the hub mounting bolts on the rear of the steering knuckle (typically 4 bolts). Remove all hub bolts completely. Pull the axle shaft out of the hub slightly to disengage the splines. If the axle is stuck, use a plastic mallet to tap it free. Remove the entire steering knuckle assembly from the vehicle, keeping track of any shims or spacers.
   ⚠Support the axle shaft after removal to prevent damage to the CV joint boot or inner CV joint.
   Torque spec

   Hub Bolts97 Nm (71 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Separate hub from knuckle
   Place the knuckle assembly on the hydraulic press bed with the hub facing up. Use a press adapter that contacts only the inner bearing race (not the hub flange). Press the hub downward out of the bearing and knuckle. If the inner race remains on the hub, use a bearing separator and press it off separately.
   ⚠Ensure press adapter contacts only the bearing inner race, never the hub flange or outer bearing surfaces.
7. 7

   Remove old bearing from knuckle
   With the hub removed, remove the bearing retaining snap ring from the knuckle bore using snap ring pliers. Place the knuckle on the press with the bearing facing down. Use an appropriately sized bearing driver or press adapter that contacts the outer bearing race evenly. Press the old bearing out of the knuckle. Remove any remaining seals or snap rings.
8. 8

   Clean and inspect knuckle bore
   Thoroughly clean the bearing bore in the knuckle using a wire brush and brake cleaner. Inspect the bore for any cracks, scoring, or damage. Check that the snap ring groove is clean and undamaged. Inspect the hub for any damage to the splines or mounting surfaces. If any cracks or significant damage is found, the knuckle or hub must be replaced.
9. 9

   Install new bearing into knuckle
   Remove the new bearing from its packaging just before installation. Install the outer snap ring into the knuckle groove if required. Position the new bearing squarely in the knuckle bore with the magnetic encoder ring (if equipped) facing outward toward the ABS sensor side. Place the knuckle on the press and use a bearing driver that contacts only the outer bearing race. Press the bearing in evenly until it is fully seated against the snap ring or knuckle shoulder. Verify the bearing is seated by checking for even contact all around.
   ⚠️Press only on the outer bearing race when installing the bearing into the knuckle. Pressing on the inner race or balls will destroy the bearing.
   ⚠Keep bearing clean and free from dirt or metal shavings during installation.
10. 10

    Press hub into new bearing
    Clean the hub shaft thoroughly with brake cleaner. Position the hub into the bearing from the back side of the knuckle. Place the assembly on the press with the knuckle supported from below. Use a press adapter that contacts only the inner bearing race (not the hub flange). Press the hub into the bearing until fully seated. The hub should be flush with the inner race and rotate smoothly with slight drag.
    ⚠️Press only on the inner bearing race when installing the hub. Never press on the hub flange or outer race.
11. 11

    Reinstall knuckle assembly to vehicle
    Align the axle shaft splines with the hub and carefully slide the knuckle assembly into position. Connect the lower ball joint to the knuckle and install a new castle nut, tightening to specification. Install a new cotter pin. Connect the tie rod end to the steering knuckle, install the castle nut to specification, and install a new cotter pin. Install the hub mounting bolts and torque to specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Hub Bolts97 Nm (71 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall brake components
    Clean the hub mounting surface and slide the brake rotor onto the hub. Install the caliper bracket and torque bolts to specification. Position the brake caliper over the rotor, install the caliper mounting bolts, and torque to specification. Ensure the brake pads are properly seated.
13. 13

    Install ABS sensor and axle nut
    Clean the ABS sensor and its bore in the knuckle. Apply a thin coat of anti-seize to the sensor body (not the tip). Insert the sensor and torque the mounting bolt to specification. Reconnect the electrical connector. Install a NEW axle nut and torque to specification (250 Nm). Stake the nut into the axle shaft groove or install a new cotter pin per Honda specification for this year.
    ⚠️Always use a new axle nut. Never reuse the old nut as it is a critical safety component.
    ⚠️The axle nut must be torqued to exactly 250 Nm and properly staked or pinned to prevent loosening.
    Torque spec

    ABS Sensor Bolt10 Nm (8 lb-ft)

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

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Install the wheel and hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground. Torque the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove the jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Double-check that the axle nut is properly torqued to 250 Nm and staked or pinned
2. Verify all suspension components are properly connected with new cotter pins installed
3. Ensure brake caliper bolts are tight and brake operation is normal before driving
4. Check that the ABS sensor connector is fully seated and secured

Verification

• Start the vehicle and verify no ABS warning lights are illuminated on the dashboard
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area and listen for any unusual noises from the wheel bearing area
• Perform several brake applications to verify proper brake function
• After 50-100 miles of driving, re-torque the axle nut to specification and verify it remains properly staked
• Have a front-end alignment performed as the tie rod end and ball joint were disconnected
• With the vehicle raised and tire off the ground, check for any play in the wheel bearing by grasping the tire at 12 and 6 o'clock positions and attempting to rock it—there should be no perceptible play

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

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