Wheel Bearing Hub - Rear

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear wheel bearing hub assembly on a 2016-2021 Honda Civic 1.5L Turbo, including removal of the brake caliper, rotor, and hub mounting bolts.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear wheel bearing hub assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Axle nut × 1 — Replace - one-time use

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
3. Loosen (but do not remove) the 32mm axle nut while vehicle is on ground with wheels chocked and transmission in gear or park
4. Raise rear of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-specified jacking points
5. Remove rear wheel completely
6. Apply penetrating oil to hub bolts, caliper bracket bolts, and ABS sensor bolt if fasteners appear corroded

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove axle nut
   With the vehicle supported on jack stands, completely remove the 32mm axle nut from the rear axle. This nut was previously loosened while the vehicle was on the ground. Set aside the old nut as it must be replaced with a new one during reassembly.
2. 2

   Remove ABS wheel speed sensor
   Locate the ABS wheel speed sensor on the rear knuckle. Disconnect the electrical connector by pressing the release tab. Remove the 8mm bolt securing the sensor to the knuckle and carefully pull the sensor out of its mounting hole. Secure it out of the way to prevent damage during hub removal.
3. 3

   Remove brake caliper bracket
   Remove the two 17mm caliper bracket bolts from the rear of the knuckle. These bolts secure both the caliper and bracket assembly. Remove the entire caliper and bracket as one unit. Support the caliper assembly with a wire or bungee cord hooked to the suspension or body - do not allow it to hang by the brake hose.
   ⚠Never let the brake caliper hang unsupported by the brake hose as this can cause internal hose damage.
4. 4

   Remove brake rotor
   Pull the brake rotor straight off the hub. If the rotor is stuck due to corrosion, thread two 8mm bolts into the threaded holes on the rotor face (if equipped) to press it off, or tap gently around the edge with a plastic hammer. Do not strike the rotor face directly.
5. 5

   Remove hub mounting bolts
   From the rear side of the knuckle (inside the wheel well), locate the four 12mm bolts that secure the wheel bearing hub assembly to the knuckle. Remove all four bolts completely. These bolts pass through the hub flange and thread into the knuckle from behind.
   Torque spec

   Wheel Bearing Hub Bolts100 Nm (74 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Separate hub from knuckle
   With all mounting bolts removed, pull the hub assembly straight out from the front of the knuckle. The hub should slide off the axle shaft. If the hub is stuck, tap gently on the back side of the hub flange with a plastic hammer while pulling outward. Do not pry against the axle threads or ABS sensor ring.
   ⚠Avoid damaging the ABS reluctor ring on the hub during removal. Do not strike or pry against it.
7. 7

   Clean mounting surfaces
   Thoroughly clean the hub mounting surface on the knuckle, removing any rust, corrosion, or old debris. Clean the area around the bolt holes on the back of the knuckle. Inspect the axle shaft splines for damage or excessive wear. Clean the brake rotor mounting surface on the new hub.
8. 8

   Install new wheel bearing hub
   Slide the new hub assembly onto the axle shaft, aligning the splines. Push the hub fully into place against the knuckle. From the rear of the knuckle, install the four hub mounting bolts finger-tight, ensuring they are properly threaded and the hub is seated flush against the knuckle face.
9. 9

   Torque hub bolts
   Torque the four hub mounting bolts to specification in a crossing pattern (tighten opposite bolts alternately) to ensure even seating of the hub against the knuckle. This prevents hub distortion and ensures proper bearing preload.
   Torque spec

   Wheel Bearing Hub Bolts100 Nm (74 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reinstall brake rotor and caliper bracket
    Slide the brake rotor onto the hub. Clean the caliper bracket bolt threads and apply medium-strength threadlocker as recommended. Position the caliper bracket and caliper assembly over the rotor and align with the mounting holes. Install both caliper bracket bolts and torque to specification in an alternating pattern.
11. 11

    Reinstall ABS sensor
    Insert the ABS wheel speed sensor into its mounting hole in the knuckle, ensuring it is fully seated. Install the 8mm mounting bolt and torque to specification. Reconnect the electrical connector until it clicks into place. Ensure the sensor wire is properly routed and secured with any clips.
12. 12

    Install new axle nut
    Install a new 32mm axle nut onto the axle shaft threads. Do not reuse the old nut. Torque the axle nut to specification. To prevent the axle from spinning, have an assistant apply the brake pedal, or use a pry bar against the brake rotor and a wheel stud (with wheel loosely installed).
    ⚠The axle nut must be replaced with a new one - it is a torque-to-yield fastener and cannot be reused.
    Torque spec

    Axle Nut200 Nm (148 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall wheel
    Install the rear wheel, threading all lug nuts by hand first to ensure proper seating. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern until snug but do not fully torque yet. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground but the suspension is not yet loaded.
14. 14

    Final torque wheel lug nuts
    With the vehicle lowered so the wheel cannot spin but before full weight is on the suspension, torque the wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all fasteners have been torqued to specification, particularly the axle nut, hub bolts, and caliper bracket bolts
2. Verify the ABS sensor connector is fully seated and the wire is properly routed
3. Verify the brake caliper is properly positioned and not binding on the rotor

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area and verify no abnormal noises from the rear wheel
• Verify the ABS warning light does not illuminate on the dashboard - if it does, check ABS sensor installation and connector
• Apply brakes firmly several times to ensure proper brake caliper operation
• After 50-100 miles, re-check the axle nut torque and wheel lug nut torque
• Check for any play in the wheel bearing by attempting to rock the wheel with hands at 12 and 6 o'clock positions with vehicle raised - there should be no detectable movement

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