Hey I have a 99 Civic Si that the right front wheel bearing is getting loose and noisy on . Now has anyone had good luck using aftermarket bearings from O'Reilly's or is it just better off to step up and buy a real Honda Bearing? I have installed a few press in bearing on VWs so I don't think installation will be a problem. I just want to make sure the bearing will live more then a year.

 

Most bearings today are of very good quality. Most of the damage comes from improper torque on the nut, and improper installation. The front bearings are interference fit, or press fit.

The objective is to press an object into the hole with the least amount of force possible and still remain a press fit as designed at the proper preload. (nut torque)

Honda is not in the business of manufacturing bearings, they go to other manufacturers to design a bearing that they need, that's it. Hopefully, the design is a good one. (Can't say that for GM unit-bearings)

 

I'd look for an NTN bearing or Koyo, you shouldn't have a problem with either. Both are Honda OEM bearing suppliers. Most aftermarket parts stores have them, don't waste your money at the dealership.

 

Honda is still using NTN for their wheel bearings. You'll have a difficult time finding NTN through a retailer. Koyo and SKF are to great alternatives to NTN and can be found fairly easily. To be honest, if it's just a simple street car daily driver you would probably be fine with almost any parts house brand, but if you can afford a Koyo or SKF or NTN if you can find it somewhere other than Honda that would be even better. We had to use a parts house rear hub and bearing on our race car once and by the end of the weekend it was toast, but it did get it us through the weekend which is what we needed so I can't complain too much. We try to only use the OEM Honda rear hubs/bearings because they last such a long time, but in that particular case no Honda dealer in the greater Charles town west Virginia area had a rear hub for an 89 Crx lol.

Here is a pair of Koyo's for a great deal http://www.ebay.com/itm/171152913681?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT