Wheel Bearing Hub - Front

Replace the front wheel bearing hub assembly on a 2016-2021 Honda Civic 1.5L Turbo, removing the brake caliper, rotor, and axle nut to access and swap the hub unit.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front wheel bearing hub assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Axle nut (if staked type) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Cotter pin (if pin-type axle nut) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen the front wheel lug nuts 1/2 turn while vehicle is still on the ground
4. Break loose the 32mm axle nut while vehicle is on the ground (if staked, use punch to unstake first)
5. Lift front of vehicle with floor jack and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer frame jacking points
6. Remove front wheel completely

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove axle nut
   Fully remove the 32mm axle nut that was previously loosened. If the nut is staked into the axle groove, ensure the staking is fully freed before attempting to remove. Set aside and replace with new nut if reusing is not recommended for your specific variant.
2. 2

   Remove ABS wheel speed sensor
   Disconnect the ABS wheel speed sensor electrical connector. Remove the 10mm ABS sensor mounting bolt and carefully extract the sensor from the hub assembly. Set aside in a clean location to prevent contamination.
   Torque spec

   ABS Sensor Bolt10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove brake caliper bracket
   Remove the two 19mm caliper bracket bolts securing the brake caliper and bracket assembly to the steering knuckle. Support the entire caliper and bracket assembly with wire or bungee cord, ensuring no tension is placed on the brake hose.
   ⚠Never let the caliper hang by the brake hose. Secure it to the suspension or chassis.
4. 4

   Remove brake rotor
   Pull the brake rotor off the hub. If the rotor is stuck due to corrosion, thread two M8 bolts into the threaded holes on the rotor face (if equipped) and tighten evenly to press the rotor off, or tap gently around the hat section with a rubber mallet.
5. 5

   Separate lower ball joint from knuckle
   Remove the ball joint pinch bolt or castle nut securing the lower control arm ball joint to the steering knuckle. Use a pry bar or ball joint separator tool to separate the ball joint from the knuckle. Be careful not to damage the ball joint boot.
6. 6

   Push axle shaft through hub
   Push the axle shaft inboard through the hub bearing to provide clearance for hub removal. You may need to tap gently with a soft mallet on the end of the axle shaft. Do not strike the threaded end directly; use a wood block if needed.
7. 7

   Remove hub mounting bolts
   From the back side of the steering knuckle, remove the four 17mm bolts securing the hub bearing assembly to the knuckle. Support the hub as you remove the final bolt to prevent it from falling.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove hub assembly
   Pull the hub bearing assembly away from the knuckle. If stuck, tap gently around the back of the hub flange with a rubber mallet. Inspect the mounting surface on the knuckle for damage or corrosion and clean thoroughly with a wire brush.
9. 9

   Install new hub assembly
   Position the new hub bearing assembly onto the steering knuckle, ensuring it seats flush against the mounting surface. The hub splines must align with the axle shaft. Apply medium-strength threadlocker to the hub bolts if specified by the service manual.
10. 10

    Torque hub bolts
    Install the four hub mounting bolts and torque to 110 Nm (81 lb-ft) in a crisscross pattern to ensure even seating of the hub assembly.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Bearing Hub Bolts110 Nm (81 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect lower ball joint
    Reconnect the lower control arm ball joint to the steering knuckle. Install the pinch bolt or castle nut and torque to specification. If using a castle nut, install a new cotter pin.
12. 12

    Install brake rotor
    Slide the brake rotor onto the new hub. If desired, use a wheel lug nut to temporarily hold the rotor in place during caliper installation.
13. 13

    Install brake caliper bracket
    Position the brake caliper bracket and caliper assembly over the rotor. Apply medium-strength threadlocker to the caliper bracket bolts. Install and torque the two bracket bolts to 120 Nm (88 lb-ft).
14. 14

    Install ABS sensor
    Insert the ABS wheel speed sensor into the hub bore and secure with the 10mm bolt, torquing to 10 Nm (7 lb-ft). Reconnect the electrical connector and ensure the wire is properly routed and secured to avoid contact with moving parts.
    Torque spec

    ABS Sensor Bolt10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Install and torque axle nut
    Install a new axle nut (or reuse if permitted). Torque the axle nut to 250 Nm (184 lb-ft). If your vehicle uses a staked nut, stake the nut collar into the axle shaft groove using a punch. If your vehicle uses a cotter pin type, install a new cotter pin through the castle nut and axle shaft hole.
    ⚠️Final axle nut torque must be performed with vehicle on the ground and wheels chocked. Preliminarily snug the nut now, then complete torque after lowering.
    Torque spec

    Axle Nut250 Nm (184 lb-ft)
16. 16

    Install wheel and lower vehicle
    Install the wheel and hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tire just touches the ground. Torque the wheel lug nuts to 129 Nm (95 lb-ft) in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.
17. 17

    Final axle nut torque
    With the vehicle on the ground and parking brake engaged, verify the axle nut is torqued to 250 Nm (184 lb-ft). Apply staking or verify cotter pin installation is secure.
    Torque spec

    Axle Nut250 Nm (184 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all fasteners are torqued to specification using a calibrated torque wrench
2. Verify ABS sensor wire routing does not contact steering or suspension components through full range of motion
3. Double-check that axle nut is properly staked or cotter pin is installed and bent to prevent loosening

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speed and verify no abnormal noises from the wheel bearing area
• Check for smooth steering operation with no binding or unusual vibration
• Verify ABS warning light does not illuminate on the dashboard after test drive
• Perform a final visual inspection of all fasteners and ensure nothing was left loose
• Check brake pedal feel and operation to ensure caliper was properly reinstalled

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