Once the hub has been removed, the wheel bearings must be replaced using a hydraulic press and bearing drivers. Begin by loosening the wheel lug nuts slightly, then lift the lock tab of the front axle spindle nut from the groove in the spindle with a suitable chisel. Break the axle spindle nut loose with an impact socket and breaker bar. Raise the front of the vehicle and support it securely with jackstands, then remove the lug nuts and the wheel. Unscrew the brake hose mounting bolts, remove the brake hose and caliper mounting bolts, and place the caliper assembly aside, supported by mechanic's wire to prevent damage to the hydraulic hose. For vehicles with ABS, remove the ABS wheel sensor bolts and the wheel sensor, but do not disconnect the wheel sensor connector. Remove the cotter key from the tie rod end spindle, then take off the castle nut and use a tie rod end removal tool to separate the tie rod end from the knuckle. Next, remove the cotter key from the lower ball joint spindle, loosen and remove the castle nut, and release the ball joint from the lower control arm, using penetrating lubricant if necessary. Repeat this for the upper ball joint. Pull the knuckle away from the vehicle, using a plastic hammer if needed to help release it from the hub splines. For late models of the Accord and Prelude, use a hydraulic press and suitable tools to remove the front hub/bearing assembly, while early models allow for hub removal by extracting the flange bolts securing the hub unit to the knuckle. Inspect the lug bolt studs for damage and replace them if necessary. For installation, late model vehicles require the wheel bearing, snap ring, and hub to be installed, while early models need the wheel bearing/hub assembly installed and the flange bolts tightened to 33 ft. lbs. (44 Nm). Follow the reverse order of removal for the rest of the installation, ensuring to adhere to the specified torque values for the upper ball joint (29-35 ft. lbs.), lower ball joint (36-43 ft. lbs.), tie rod end (32 ft. lbs.), ABS sensor fasteners (16 ft. lbs.), hub unit flange bolts (33 ft. lbs.), brake rotor mounting screws (82 inch lbs.), brake caliper bolt (80 ft. lbs.), lug nuts (80 ft. lbs.), and axle spindle nut (181 ft. lbs.), staking the nut afterward.
Posted by HondaPartsNow Specialist