Honda Accord Wheel Bearing Noise

If you’re hearing a strange noise from your Honda Accord, a failing wheel bearing could be the culprit. Recognizing Honda Accord Wheel Bearing Noise early can save you from more expensive repairs and keep you safe on the road.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know. We’ll cover the common symptoms, explain the root causes, and detail the fixes. You’ll learn how to diagnose the issue and understand what it takes to get it repaired properly.

A wheel bearing is a crucial set of steel balls or tapers held within a metal ring, called a race. It sits inside your Accord’s wheel hub assembly, allowing the wheel to spin smoothly with minimal friction.

When it’s in good shape, you shouldn’t hear a thing. But when it starts to wear out or fail, it announces itself with some very specific sounds and sensations.

Common Symptoms of a Bad Wheel Bearing

Listen and feel for these telltale signs. They often start subtle and get worse over time.

A Humming, Growling, or Roaring Noise: This is the most classic symptom. It usually starts as a low hum that increases with your vehicle’s speed. The noise may come and go at first or change slightly when turning.
Noise Changes When Turning: This is a key diagnostic clue. A noise that gets louder when turning left often points to a bad right wheel bearing (as that side bears more load). Conversely, a noise that worsens on a right turn often indicates a left-side problem.
Clicking or Popping Sounds: In some cases, especially if the bearing is severely damaged or the CV joint is also affected, you might hear a rhythmic clicking sound that speeds up with the vehicle.
Excessive Play or Wobble: In advanced stages, you might feel a vibration in the steering wheel or even the entire car. In severe cases, you can sometimes grab the top of the tire and feel it wiggle when the car is jacked up.
Uneven Tire Wear: A wobbly wheel caused by a bad bearing can lead to irregular or cupped tire wear on that specific wheel.
ABS Malfunction Light: Modern Honda Accords have wheel speed sensors integrated with the bearing hub. A failing bearing can damage this sensor, triggering your ABS or stability control warning light.

What Causes Wheel Bearings to Fail?

Wheel bearings are built to last, but they’re not invincible. Here are the main reasons they give out on your Accord.

Normal Wear and Tear: This is the most common cause. Over 100,000+ miles, constant rotation, heat, and stress simply wear down the bearing surfaces.
Impact Damage: Hitting a deep pothole, curb, or road debris at speed can shock the bearing, causing immediate damage or creating a small defect that worsens over time.
Improper Installation: If a bearing was replaced before and not pressed in correctly, or if it was overtightened, its lifespan will be drastically shortened.
Lack of Grease or Contamination: Most modern Honda wheel bearings are sealed units. But if the seal is damaged by a torn CV boot or road debris, water, dirt, and road salt can get inside. This washes away the protective grease and causes rapid corrosion and wear.
Driving Conditions: Frequent driving on rough roads, through deep water, or in areas where roads are heavily salted in winter can accelerate bearing failure.

How to Diagnose the Noisy Wheel

Before you assume it’s a bearing, it’s good to do a quick check. Other issues like worn tires, bad CV joints, or brake problems can mimic bearing noise.

Perform the Drive Test: Find a safe, empty parking lot or quiet road. Drive at a steady speed and listen for the humming/growling. Then, gently swerve left and right (checking mirrors and surroundings first!). If the noise gets louder on a left swerve, the right bearing is likely bad. If it gets louder on a right swerve, suspect the left side.
Check for Play: Safely jack up the car and support it with a jack stand on the suspected corner. Grab the tire at the 12 o’clock and 6 o’clock positions. Try to rock it in and out. Any noticeable clunking or movement suggests bearing play. Then, grab at the 3 and 9 o’clock positions to rule out tie-rod issues.
Spin the Wheel: With the car safely lifted and in neutral, spin the wheel by hand. Listen and feel for any grinding, roughness, or catching. A good bearing will spin smoothly and quietly.
Feel for Heat: After a drive, carefully feel the center of each wheel hub (don’t touch the brake rotor!). A bearing that’s failing due to friction will often generate excessive heat compared to the other wheels.

Fixes and Repair Process

There is no repair for a worn wheel bearing—it must be replaced. For most Honda Accords, this means replacing the entire hub assembly, which comes with the bearing pre-installed and sealed. This is the most reliable and common method.

Parts You’ll Likely Need

Wheel Hub & Bearing Assembly (OEM or quality aftermarket like SKF, Timken, MOOG)
New Hub Mounting Bolts/Nuts (often stretch bolts that are one-time use)
New Axle Nut (a critical, one-time-use part on most models)
Anti-seize compound (for the hub mating surface)

Step-by-Step Replacement Overview

Note: This is a complex, safety-critical job requiring special tools (like a torque wrench, large sockets, and a press or puller). Professional installation is highly recommended for most DIYers.

Safety First: Park on a level surface, use the parking brake, and chock the wheels. Loosen the lug nuts on the affected wheel before jacking up the car.
Remove the Wheel: Securely lift the car and place it on jack stands. Then, fully remove the lug nuts and the wheel.
Remove the Brake Caliper and Rotor: Unbolt the brake caliper bracket and hang the caliper safely from the suspension with wire (don’t let it hang by the hose). Remove the brake rotor.
Remove the Axle Nut: This is a large, staked nut in the center of the hub. You’ll need a big socket (often 32mm) and a strong breaker bar. This nut is very tight and must be replaced with a new one.
Disconnect the ABS Sensor: Unplug the electrical connector for the wheel speed sensor, which is usually attached to the hub assembly.
Unbolt the Hub Assembly: Remove the three or four large bolts that secure the hub to the steering knuckle from the backside. This may require penetrating oil if they’re rusty.
Install the New Hub: Clean the mating surface on the knuckle. Apply a thin film of anti-seize to prevent future corrosion. Position the new hub assembly and hand-tighten the new bolts.
Reassembly: Torque the hub bolts to the factory specification. Reconnect the ABS sensor. Install the new axle nut and torque it to spec, then stake it (if required). Reinstall the brake rotor and caliper. Mount the wheel.
Final Torque: Lower the car to the ground and finally torque the lug nuts to the proper specification in a star pattern.

Cost of Replacement

The cost varies widely. For a Honda Accord, a DIY repair with a quality aftermarket part might cost $150-$300 for the part alone. At a repair shop, you can expect to pay between $350 and $600 per wheel, including parts and labor. Dealership prices will be higher.

Getting it fixed promptly is crucial. A wheel bearing that seizes completely can cause the wheel to lock up or even separate from the vehicle, leading to a very dangerous situation.

Prevention Tips

You can extend the life of your new wheel bearings with a few simple habits.

Avoid potholes and curb impacts whenever possible.
Wash the undercarriage of your car periodically, especially after driving on salted roads.
Address other issues promptly, like a torn CV boot, which can fling grease onto the bearing and attract dirt.
Listen for early warning signs and don’t ignore them. That faint hum won’t go away on its own.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long can I drive with a noisy wheel bearing?

It’s not recommended to drive any further than absolutely necessary. The bearing can fail catastrophically without much warning. Plan to get it fixed as soon as you confirm the diagnosis.

Can a wheel bearing cause my steering wheel to shake?

Yes, but usually only when it’s very worn. Vibration in the steering is more commonly caused by tire balance or warped brake rotors. A bad bearing is more likely to cause a constant noise.

Is it safe to drive my Accord if the bearing is just humming?

While the car might be drivable for a short time, it is a significant safety risk. The condition can deteriorate rapidly, and you risk a wheel seizing or coming off. It’s best to limit driving and schedule the repair immediately.

What’s the difference between a CV joint noise and a wheel bearing noise?

A bad CV joint usually makes a pronounced clicking or popping noise, especially during sharp turns at low speeds. A wheel bearing makes more of a constant growling or humming roar that changes with speed and turning load.

Do I have to replace wheel bearings in pairs?

It’s not strictly required, but it’s often a good idea. If one bearing has failed due to age and mileage, the one on the opposite side is likely not far behind. Replacing both can save on future labor costs and ensure balanced performance.

Why did my new wheel bearing fail so quickly?

Premature failure is almost always due to improper installation (like incorrect torque), a defective part, or an underlying issue like a bent hub or knuckle that wasn’t addressed. Always use quality parts and ensure proper installation.