Okay for the front end of my 1992 Accord EX I've got springs, shocks, rotors, wheel bearings, and suspension bushings to install (I've also got rear springs, shocks and rotors to install, those will be no problem). The front springs, shocks and rotors won't be a problem; my friends who will be helping me out and myself have done them before. I'm concerned about the bushings, which I've read are a PITA to remove, requiring at least a hydraulic press and in some instances a torch to get out, and a hydraulic press to press the new bushings in. Also the wheel bearing seems to require a special tool to separate it from the hub. I'm thinking my best option here is to disassemble the suspension myself and take the suspension parts and bushings to a shop to have the old bushings removed and new bushings pressed in as well as R&R the wheel bearings. My friends and I should then be easily able to put everything back together with the new springs, shocks and rotors. Is this a good plan of attack for this project? I'd hate to have to pay for a shop to do all of the work when I can do some/most of it myself. If anyone has any ideas or suggestions on other options I'd greatly appreciate it. Much thanks in advance.

 

springs, shocks, rotors, are no problem. the rest will be a PITA, and you will have to at least remove the parts, and take them to someone else, (unless you have access to a press.

 

Did you say front rotors are 'no problem'??? Have you ever changed front rotors on a 4th Gen Accord?? Its a huge pain in the ***, especially if your bearings break. The 'hub-over-rotor' design was a real bad move, which is costing aftermarket enthusiasts a lot of trouble.

 

If you are putting new bearings in then you can use an air hammer to remove the old ones- remove the four bolts in the back of the knuckle and hammer away. you will need some kind of press to remove the hub from the bearing and install it on the new bearing. rotors go in between- this job can be a real pain in the ***. Definitely not a job for the weekend tinkerer- unless you have the tools and know what the hell you are doing. The bushings are just as much a pain in the ***- I would rather do bearings instead of bushings any day.


[Modified by fixhondas, 9:00 PM 10/29/2001]

 

fixhondas: I got much respect for you man! You know your ****, and like to help others.

 

Yes, I'm painfully familiar with the asinine design of the 4-5g Accord hub over rotor. While difficult, they are certainly doable. I've got a slide hammer to get the hub of the knuckle. I'm just worried about the wheel bearings and bushings. Thanks for the opinions guys. My buddies and I will do as much as we can, and have a shop do what we can't. Gotta save as much $$$ as possible ya know.

 

Yeah, word. Fixhondas has answered every post I've ever put in Tech. He's the man. Oh and Breakstuff too.

 

Your gonna need one big *** slide hammer- I've seen broken knuckles from trying to remove the bearing in a press. The bearing usually rusts in place. The directions Honda gives show the 4 bolts removed in back and the bearing/hub/rotor assembly simply "falls" out. (yeah right) When I replace the bearings, I take a cylinder ball hone and clean the knuckle out- then I put lots of anti-sieze in there and install the new bearing. That way, the next guy can change the rotors the way Honda intended. If you are doing rotors only- you can unbolt the rotor from the hub and put the knuckle in a press. Using the rotor as a base, you press the hub out of the knuckle. Then you swap the rotor and press the hub/rotor assy. back into the knuckle with a press or a big puller bolt.

 

hub over rotor?? damn that was a bad move. I was talking from a civic stand point which usually is universal for all hondas.

sorry If I pointed you in the wrong direction.

 

OH I just meant the slide hammer to separate the hub assembly from the knuckle. As for separating the hub from the bearing... I'm taking that to the professionals.
The wheel bearing was just $35. To make things easier, I just get a new hub as well, but that little piece of metal is $147.

 

That's cause he knows Mary Jane.

 

hEY I know mary jane

 

I thought it was Mcdonalds.
Yes I'll take a THC happy meal please.