Wheel bearing change, time and cost?

SLR23

MEMBER
HONDA ACCORD

Hi - I drive a 2000 Honda Accord LX, 5 speed (manual), with about 65Kmiles. I have kept the regular maintence up on the car and it's in good mechanical condition. Except, the wheel bearings on the front tires are going out. They are getting louder and the mechanic has suggested changing them.

My question - about how long should changing the wheel bearings on this car take? Is three hours for a certified Honda mechanic acceptable? Also, how much should the parts cost? This is not work I want to do myself, but I beleive the mechanic's quote is too high.

Any light you can shed will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
SLR

5 Replies

BRUCE HUNT

MECHANIC
3,753 POSTS

Soapbox time for a second. There is no way the bearings should be going out with that low of mileage. Either it is something else or something else caused the premature failure.

Three hours for the entire project seems about right. They have the right tools and knowledge. I question the mileage yet. That said, I am unsure whether any third party produce the bearings as well and what they warrant them for. A quick call to the parts store would tell you if it is Honda only or if they can get the bearings. A dependable Joe Blow mechanic you trust could then replace as well.

The Honda bearings I don't have a clue what they would list for and I am scared to know.

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Thursday, July 12th, 2007 AT 11:37 AM

SLR23

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Thank you for the great info. Does it matter that I live in a hilly place? Could this premature bearing wear have to do with living next to the ocean where everything rusts very easily? I'm on the west coast, Nor Cal, so there isn't snow or a lot of freezing temps and the car is kept in a garage. Could I have hit too many curbs?

Your help has been most appreciated and helpful.

Thanks,
SLR :D

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Thursday, July 12th, 2007 AT 6:46 PM

BRUCE HUNT

MECHANIC
3,753 POSTS

It might but I doublt that too. How are the CV boots and axles? Take a look at the boots for cracking and tears.

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Tuesday, July 17th, 2007 AT 10:29 AM

SLR23

MEMBER
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Hmmm. Interesting. What should I be looking for in regards to the CV boots and axles? What would be an indicator that the problem is or is not related to the wheel bearings? Also, if not the wheel bearings, what else would be making noise in the front wheels (assume it's not the breaks - just checked)? It's a clickity clickity noise like the rhythm of a card in your bike spokes.

Thanks,
SLR23

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Tuesday, July 17th, 2007 AT 11:37 PM

BRUCE HUNT

MECHANIC
3,753 POSTS

Look at the CV boots. A CV axle has two joints that flex much like an old ujoint on a car or truck. They are protected by a rubber boot and bathed in a grease. Without that grease the joints can go bad and they make a clickity sound, especially when the vehicle is cornering. Just look at the boots. There should be 4.