03Civicuser

Hi there, i have been reading up on the posts but can't confirm what the noise i'm hearing actually is.. I am getting a very loud rumbling (not sure how to really properly describe the noise) from the r.f. It sounds like a very scalloped tire noise but even though the tires looked great, i've changed over to summer tires and that isn't the cause. It doesn't happen at slow speeds but anything over 35- 40Kph it begins and gets very loud. I don't seem to have any slack in the wheel but as I was switching tires, noticed the hub area is quite hot, much more than the left. Caliper if free, pads show proper wear. Axle boot isn't torn and no clicking noise when jacked up and turning wheel by hand.. Does this sound like a wheel bearing to you and if so if this a garage project? alignment necessary, etc.. approximate cost? Oh and I forgot to mention, when turning to the left as an example to take the load off of the right wheel the noise drastically subsides.
Thanks in advance for all the help!!

CraigW

iTrader: (1)

Wheel Bearing (can't say which side)

My mechanic said it was easy to spot.

Alpheus

You described classic symptoms of a bad right front wheel bearing. They must be pressed out and pressed back in...

sl33pyriceboi

iTrader: (3)

a wheel bearing replacement isnt exactly a DIY at home type of thing unless you have the proper tools (press/press adaptors, hub extractor...etc) and it will also cost you a LOT of ur time AND FRUSTRATION. trust me, i did it and i know.

next time, i will just take it to a shop.


best thing is for you to buy a wheel bearing and take it to a shop and have them charge you for labor only.

MindBomber

You could just pull the knuckle and take that to a shop, that's not to hard.

lazlong

I agree, bearings are a bitch. I have a table top press (6 ton) and still take them to a shop.

03Civicuser

Ok, Great!! thanks for all the info.. will the car require an alignment afterwards and any idea what I should be looking at for labor? also is there a better brand of bearing than another? should I get OEM?

lazlong

Yes, you'll need an alignment. If you take it to the mech for the whole thing $200-300. If you take the knuckle off maybe $50-100. Just go with OEM: http://www.hondapartscheap.com/southbay/jsp/home.jsp (just an example, there are others)