Hello all,

My 91 Civic Wagon (2WD), 170Kmile, is making whining noise. It gets louder with increased speed. I think it's the front wheel bearing(s).

Questions:

1) Is there a quick and easy way to find out which one is bad? I can't tell from the noise whether is coming from the left or right.

2) If one is bad, is it wise to replace both?

3) What about the rear bearings? Do the rear bearings last must longer than the fronts?

4) How long does it take to replace one front wheel bearing. Do I need any special tool?

5) I assume that the bearings are not designed to be repacked, am I wrong?

Thank you
Sam

 

A whining noise could be from the transmission. Wheel bearings tend to make a roaring or grinding noise. So first, check the transmission fluid level. Manual transmissions contain fluid too.

To identify which wheel, you can jack the wheels off the ground one at a time and turn them by hand. Or go to an empty parking lot and have someone drive the car slowly past you while you stand outside to listen.

The front bearings require special tools (a hydraulic press, and some jigs to apply pressure). You can save some money by taking the front knuckle/bearing assembly off of the car yourself and take it to a shop to have them press in a new bearing. The rear bearings can be replaced with ordinary tools. I think both are of a sealed type although maybe on a '91 the rears are tapered roller ones that are packed with grease. When a bearing becomes noisy it is usually too late to repack it anyway.