How To Remove Front Hub Bearing 2007 Honda Civic

Removing the front hub bearing on a 2007 Honda Civic requires several steps, including raising the vehicle, removing the wheel, disconnecting brake components, and extracting the bearing assembly. This guide will walk you through the entire process in detail.

Before starting, gather the necessary tools and parts:

• Jack and jack stands
• Lug wrench
• Socket set and ratchet
• Torque wrench
• Brake caliper hanger
• Hammer
• Pry bar
• New wheel bearing assembly
• Penetrating oil
• Safety glasses and gloves

Preparing the Vehicle

To prepare your 2007 Honda Civic for front hub bearing removal, park it on a flat, level surface and engage the parking brake. Loosen the lug nuts on the wheel you’ll be working on before lifting the vehicle.

Follow these steps to safely raise the vehicle:

1. Place wheel chocks behind the rear tires
2. Position the jack under the designated lifting point near the front wheel
3. Raise the vehicle and secure it with jack stands under the frame rails
4. Remove the lug nuts and take off the wheel

With the wheel removed, you’ll have clear access to the hub and bearing assembly.

Removing Brake Components

To access the hub bearing on your 2007 Honda Civic, you need to remove several brake components first. Start by disconnecting the brake caliper.

Follow these steps:

1. Locate the two 17mm bolts securing the brake caliper to the steering knuckle
2. Remove these bolts and carefully lift the caliper off the rotor
3. Use a brake caliper hanger or wire to suspend the caliper, avoiding stress on the brake hose
4. Remove the brake rotor by pulling it straight off the hub

If the rotor is stuck, tap it gently with a hammer to break it free from the hub. With the brake components out of the way, you can now focus on the hub bearing itself.

Disconnecting the Axle Nut

The next step in removing the front hub bearing on your 2007 Honda Civic is to disconnect the axle nut. This large nut secures the CV axle to the hub assembly.

Here’s how to remove it:

1. Locate the axle nut in the center of the hub (it’s typically 32mm)
2. Use a breaker bar or impact wrench to loosen and remove the nut
3. If the axle spins while trying to remove the nut, have an assistant press the brake pedal

Once the axle nut is removed, push the end of the CV axle inward slightly to separate it from the hub. This will give you more room to work with the hub bearing assembly.

Removing the Wheel Speed Sensor

Before you can extract the hub bearing, you need to disconnect the wheel speed sensor. This sensor is part of the ABS system and is attached to the steering knuckle near the hub.

Follow these steps:

1. Locate the wheel speed sensor wire and its mounting bolt
2. Remove the bolt (usually 10mm) securing the sensor to the knuckle
3. Gently pull the sensor out of its mounting hole
4. Secure the sensor out of the way to avoid damage

Be careful not to damage the sensor or its wiring during this process, as replacement can be expensive.

Extracting the Hub Bearing Assembly

Now you’re ready to remove the actual hub bearing assembly from the steering knuckle of your 2007 Honda Civic. This part can be stubborn due to rust and corrosion.

Here’s the process:

1. Locate the bolts securing the hub to the steering knuckle (typically three or four)
2. Remove these bolts using the appropriate socket
3. If the hub is stuck, spray penetrating oil around its edges and let it sit for a few minutes
4. Use a hammer to tap around the hub assembly to break it free from the knuckle
5. Once loose, pull the hub bearing assembly straight out of the knuckle

If the bearing is severely corroded, you may need to use a puller tool or press to remove it. In some cases, it might be necessary to remove the entire steering knuckle for easier access.

Cleaning and Inspecting

With the old hub bearing removed, it’s important to clean and inspect the area before installing the new bearing. This ensures proper fitment and function of the new part.

Follow these steps:

1. Clean the steering knuckle bore with a wire brush or sandpaper to remove any rust or debris
2. Inspect the knuckle for any damage or cracks
3. Check the CV axle splines for wear or damage
4. Clean the mounting surface where the new bearing will sit

Proper cleaning and inspection can prevent issues with the new bearing and ensure a smooth installation process.

Installing the New Hub Bearing

Installing the new hub bearing on your 2007 Honda Civic is essentially the reverse of the removal process. However, there are some important points to keep in mind.

Follow these steps:

1. Apply a thin layer of anti-seize compound to the knuckle bore to prevent future corrosion
2. Carefully align the new hub bearing assembly with the knuckle bore
3. Press or tap the bearing into place, ensuring it’s fully seated
4. Replace the mounting bolts and torque them to the manufacturer’s specifications
5. Reconnect the wheel speed sensor and secure its wiring

Make sure the new bearing is fully seated and doesn’t have any play before proceeding to reassemble the other components.

Reassembling Brake Components

With the new hub bearing installed, you can now reassemble the brake components on your 2007 Honda Civic. This process is crucial for proper brake function and safety.

Follow these steps:

1. Clean the brake rotor with brake cleaner and reinstall it on the hub
2. Reattach the brake caliper, ensuring it slides smoothly on its mounting brackets
3. Torque the caliper bolts to the specified value (typically around 80 ft-lbs)
4. Pump the brake pedal a few times to re-seat the pads against the rotor

Proper reassembly of the brake components is critical for safe operation of your vehicle.

Final Steps and Testing

The final steps involve reconnecting the axle and reinstalling the wheel on your 2007 Honda Civic. This completes the hub bearing replacement process.

Follow these steps:

1. Reconnect the CV axle to the hub and install the axle nut
2. Torque the axle nut to the specified value (typically around 180 ft-lbs)
3. Reinstall the wheel and hand-tighten the lug nuts
4. Lower the vehicle to the ground
5. Torque the lug nuts in a star pattern to the specified value (usually around 80 ft-lbs)

After completing the installation, take your Civic for a short test drive. Listen for any unusual noises and pay attention to how the steering feels. If everything seems normal, you’ve successfully replaced your front hub bearing.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

While replacing the front hub bearing on a 2007 Honda Civic is generally straightforward, you may encounter some issues. Here are some common problems and solutions:

1. Difficulty removing old bearing:

• Use more penetrating oil and allow more time for it to work
• Consider using a bearing puller tool
• In extreme cases, you may need to remove the entire knuckle

1. New bearing doesn’t fit properly:

• Double-check that you have the correct part for your specific Civic model
• Ensure the knuckle bore is clean and free of debris
• If the bearing is too tight, you may need to use a press to install it

1. Unusual noises after installation:

• Verify that all components are properly tightened
• Check that the CV axle is fully seated in the new bearing
• Ensure the wheel speed sensor is properly installed and not contacting the rotor

1. ABS light comes on after replacement:

• Check the wheel speed sensor connection
• Verify that the sensor is properly seated in its mounting hole
• Scan for ABS codes to identify any specific issues

If you encounter persistent issues or are uncomfortable with any part of the process, it’s best to consult a professional mechanic.

Maintenance Tips for Longevity

To maximize the lifespan of your new front hub bearing on your 2007 Honda Civic, consider these maintenance tips:

1. Regularly inspect your tires for uneven wear, which can indicate bearing issues
2. Listen for unusual noises while driving, especially when turning
3. Have your wheel alignment checked annually or after hitting large potholes
4. Avoid driving through deep water, which can contaminate the bearing
5. When washing your Civic, avoid spraying high-pressure water directly at the wheel hubs

By following these tips and paying attention to any changes in your vehicle’s handling or noise levels, you can catch bearing issues early and prevent more extensive damage.

Conclusion

Replacing the front hub bearing on a 2007 Honda Civic is a moderately complex task that requires patience and attention to detail. By following this guide, you can successfully complete this repair at home, saving on labor costs and gaining a better understanding of your vehicle’s suspension system.

Remember to work safely, use the correct tools, and consult your vehicle’s service manual for specific torque specifications. If at any point you feel uncomfortable with the process, don’t hesitate to seek professional assistance. With proper installation and maintenance, your new hub bearing should provide many miles of smooth, quiet operation.