Hi all, been away for a good while but I'm back. I toasted another hub bearing in my passenger side steering knuckle in my hatch. Here is the issue. I have 1990 Civic SiR knuckles and brakes. Are the EX knuckles the same since these have the larger brakes like the EX has. And question number 2. Are the 88-89 EX knuckles the same as the 90-91 knuckles. I don't want to have to buy new rotors and calipers. Bearing replacement is costly with machine shop fees.

 

1. I don't think they are the same, I think they are closer to DA knuckles.

2. There was no EX in 88-89.

 

Thanks..thats what I seemed to remember. I tried a search but found nothing even though I remember threads about this several years ago. A friend was searching for a set for me as a favor. And one guy was swearing they were 88-89. I know the SIR hubs use the same bearings as the DA knuckles...that run about $75 each plus $50 machine shop fees. I think they didn't check the bearings and the went less then zero clearance and caused the failure.

I know the EX will have smaller bearings like the other civic knuckles but was concerned most about the caliper mounting points. The DA knuckles I remember cause some bump steer, not something I want since its already lowered about 2.5 inches and handles like its on rails. Before the bearing failure of course which parked the car till I resolve.

 

apparently they are listed the same as regular Si bearings.

http://www.slhondaparts.com/br...2-961

http://www.slhondaparts.com/br...2-961

i thought i heard there was a difference too, but maybe it was the SiR bearings.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Tyson &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">apparently they are listed the same as regular Si bearings.

http://www.slhondaparts.com/br...2-961

http://www.slhondaparts.com/br...2-961

i thought i heard there was a difference too, but maybe it was the SiR bearings. </TD></TR></TABLE>

I replaced the bearing once...it takes a bearing from a 90-93 Acura integra. The bearing is about 1" diameter larger than the DX, Si, Ex bearing. I had to order it twice as a result. Bearing ended up defective or was damaged by the machine shop...each side was pointing fingers at the other.....and since it cost me $75 for the bearing and $50 for the machine shop to replace it plus my labor to get it on and off the car I'm still fuming. And why I was looking for a good used replacement that will let me keep the rotors adn calipers I have now.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by virginia_dude &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I have 1990 Civic SiR knuckles and brakes. </TD></TR></TABLE>

my reading comprehension is bad.

i thought you were asking ABOUT the EX knuckles in comparison to the Si knuckles.

and so yeah i guess yo uconfirms SiR bearings are NOT the same as EX.

youve been more helpful than me!

 

What the thread was asking..and its possible it wasn't clear enough is this. Do EX knuckles use the same calipers and caliper mounting points as the SiR does. Car has Integra axles so I know that part is same...I know the SiR and the EX as well as the DA use the same rotors....what I do not know is if I can get the EX knuckles and move my rotors and calipers over.

 

well the caliper is 17CL-14VN. but that doesnt mean the caliper mounting bracket is the same. but if the rotor is the same, i would imagine its interchangeable.


not enough ppl have access to SiR knuckles to know. id love to have a set myself.

 

apparently comprehension owns me on this one too. are you trying to figure out if they are the same so that ou can get a set of ex knuckles, thinking that it will be cheaper than just replacing the bearing? they aren't the same (tyson, where is your tie rod comparason pic?) and it would definately be cheaper to buy a new bearing regardless, since a new set of (used) knuckles will probably need a bearing anyway.

take off the knuckles, bring it to the shop with the bearings. worst you're out is the cost of the bearing and 20 bucks labor at a place with decent rates. i never paid more than a 6pack before i got a press. in any case, bearings are wear parts- knuckles are not.

 

i dont have a tie rod comparison between SiR and Si, but i think i know what youre talking about.

anyway, if you jsutneed to replace the bearing, just remove it and there should be a stamping that indicates its manufacturer and dimension. you can go to any other bearing warehouse and get the same thing.

 

I've pretty much decided to just replace the bearing yet again. But I do NOT want to take it to the same shop that hosed up the job the first time. Labor rates are horrible around here. I've pretty much decided thats the cost effective thing to do. I might have access to wholesale parts for that...not sure but I do have access to European parts since I run a Vintage Mercedes Benz website and sell parts to its members. What I lack is a well equipped shop or I would do it myself.

 

$50 for bearing replacement?!?! You can buy an hydraulic press at Harbor Freight for like $100 and do it yourself.

I'm a cheap *** I don't pay anyone to do anything for me. When I changed my wheel bearing I used a hammer and large socket to get it out and a block of wood to get the new one in. If you use your head and take your time it doesn't get damaged. I've been using that new wheel bearing for years, no problems. Before I do another one I will break down and buy the press. It's a useful tool to own.

 

I've sealed it...I'm replacing the bearing...I run a website for classic Mercedes and one of my new parts wholesalers deal with Japanese as well as European parts. SO I got a super deal for a bearing. I may talk to a local mechanic friend and use his press in his shop. I'd buy a press if I really would use it for anything else. Nope not offering parts to anyone here since I don't wish to upset the people running this site or their sponsors.