tobytigger

I've got 235k on '99 and there is a loud growling noise that sounds like a wheel bearing or axle going bad. The noise is constant at low speeds, gets louder at high speeds and does not go away on turns. I'm trying to figure out if it's a front bearing or a CJ joint or axle bearing. If it's a front hub bearing, should the growling stop when making turns?

EscCtrl

I'm kind of new to Honda's.I was a mechanic back in the 90's on domestic autos.Going off your description,it sounds like the axle bearing mounted on the engine.

MAD_MIKE

Not if it is worn to begesus and back, if the wheel moves it will growl.
A cheap(free) check to see if it is the wheel bearing or the axle. Get a big enough torque wrench(250 ft/lb), unstake the axle nut with the suspected wheel bearing, loosen the axle nut, and then retorque to 181 ft/lbs. Note if the nut has rotated further past where it was originally staked, if so the bearing is most likely worn and the tolerances have opened up. Restake the nut, go for a drive, the growl will most likely be reduced to what sounds like driving on sand. Do one, then try the other. If there is no change in noise or steering feel then it maybe something else. Axles usually click/thump/hum when they go bad.

I've noticed that when the wheel bearings go on 90-97 cars the inner tread blocks will evenly scallop every other block. And with the Accord bearing, every 100Kmiles the bearing needs to be replaced. I also recheck the axle nut torque every 30-50K miles.