the learner

Hey guys i have an acura 1.6 el 1998 and i was wondering if anybody could answer my question... Is it easier to change just a wheel bearing or the wheel bearing with the hub on and is ti hard to change a wheel bearing.

goldsy

It's much easier the change the whole hub. Bearings can be a bit of a pain to get out of the hub and the new ones can be a pain to get in. Here is a good tutorial for changing just the bearing though:

https://honda-tech.com/forums/honda-crx-ef-civic-1988-1991-3/write-up-diy-front-wheel-bearing-replacement-2685054/

the learner

Thanks this is really helpful. Do you happen to have a tutorial on the procedures with the hub?

goldsy

I do not. I'm sure there is one around though. Here is the cliffs notes:

-loosen axle nut
-jack up car and remove wheel
-remove brake caliper and rotor
-disconnect lower ball joint from lower control arm
-push axle through the hub
-disconnect tie rod from knuckle
-disconnect upper ball joint

Now it's off.

I've seen people use a slide hammer to press the bearing out and put the new one in but I haven't had much luck with it thanks to the amount of road salt in Canada. I just take it to a shop to get the bearing pressed out and the new one back in if I don't end up replacing the whole hub.

I've even heard of people pressing a bearing out with a slide hammer without even removing the hub/knuckle from the car.

Install in the reverse order of removal.

holmesnmanny

Normally when a bearing goes it takes the hub with it, especially if you drive with it making noises for a while.

So just get both the hub and the bearing. Take the knuckle off. Take it to a shop that has a shop press. Have them change out the entire thing for $30-$50. This is how I do it. Just call and shop around and find someone that will change it out at a good price.