The Definitive Guide to Replacing Front Wheel Bearings on a 2012 Honda Civic

If you're experiencing strange noises or vibrations coming from your 2012 Honda Civic, there's a chance that you need to replace your front wheel bearings. This is a relatively common repair, but it can be expensive if you don't do it yourself. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps on how to replace the front wheel bearings on your Civic.

Symptoms of a Bad Front Wheel Bearing

There are several symptoms that can indicate that you have a bad front wheel bearing. These include:

• A humming or growling noise that gets louder when you turn
• A vibration in the steering wheel or seat
• Difficulty turning
• Uneven tire wear

Tools and Materials You'll Need

Before you begin, you'll need to gather the following tools and materials:

• New front wheel bearings
• Socket wrench set
• Torque wrench
• Lug wrench
• Jack and jack stands
• Safety glasses
• Gloves

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Safety First

Park your Civic on a level surface and engage the parking brake. Put on your safety glasses and gloves.

2. Remove the Wheel

Use the lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts on the front wheel that you're working on. Do not remove them completely.

Jack up the front of your Civic and place a jack stand under the frame.

Remove the lug nuts and take off the wheel.

3. Remove the Brake Caliper

Use the socket wrench to remove the two bolts that hold the brake caliper in place. Do not disconnect the brake line.

Gently lift the brake caliper off the rotor and secure it out of the way using a bungee cord or wire.

4. Remove the Rotor

Use the socket wrench to remove the two bolts that hold the rotor in place.

Remove the rotor from the wheel hub.

5. Remove the Hub Assembly

Use the socket wrench to remove the four bolts that hold the hub assembly in place.

Pull the hub assembly straight off of the wheel bearing.

6. Remove the Old Wheel Bearing

Use a flat-head screwdriver or a pry bar to carefully pry the old wheel bearing out of the hub assembly.

7. Install the New Wheel Bearing

Apply a small amount of grease to the new wheel bearing.

Carefully press the new wheel bearing into the hub assembly.

8. Install the Hub Assembly

Align the hub assembly with the wheel bearing and slide it into place.

Tighten the four bolts that hold the hub assembly in place.

9. Install the Rotor

Place the rotor on the wheel hub.

Tighten the two bolts that hold the rotor in place.

10. Install the Brake Caliper

Position the brake caliper over the rotor.

Tighten the two bolts that hold the brake caliper in place.

11. Install the Wheel

Place the wheel on the hub assembly.

Tighten the lug nuts by hand.

Lower the Civic to the ground.

Use the torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts to the specified torque.

12. Repeat for the Other Side

Repeat steps 2-11 for the other front wheel.

Tips and Tricks

• If you're having trouble removing the old wheel bearing, you can use a slide hammer to help you.
• Be careful not to damage the wheel bearing when you're installing it.
• Make sure to torque the lug nuts to the specified torque. This will help to prevent them from coming loose.

Pros and Cons of Replacing Front Wheel Bearings Yourself

Pros:

• Save money on labor costs
• Learn a new skill
• Get your Civic back on the road faster

Cons:

• Can be time-consuming
• Requires some mechanical skills
• If done incorrectly, it can damage your Civic

Call to Action

If you're experiencing any of the symptoms of a bad front wheel bearing, don't wait to replace it. This is a relatively simple repair that can prevent more serious damage to your Civic. By following the steps in this guide, you can save money and get your Civic back on the road in no time.

Additional Resources

• How to Replace a Front Wheel Bearing on a 2012 Honda Civic
• 2012 Honda Civic Front Wheel Bearing Replacement Guide
• Honda Civic Front Wheel Bearing Replacement Forum

Wheel Bearing Replacement Costs

The cost of replacing a front wheel bearing on a 2012 Honda Civic varies depending on the labor rates in your area and whether or not you choose to do the repair yourself.

If you take your Civic to a mechanic, you can expect to pay between $200 and $400 for the repair. This includes the cost of the new wheel bearing, labor, and any other necessary parts.

If you choose to do the repair yourself, you can save money on labor costs. However, you will need to purchase the new wheel bearing and any other necessary parts, which can cost between $50 and $150.

Symptoms of a Bad Wheel Bearing

The symptoms of a bad wheel bearing can vary depending on the severity of the damage. However, some of the most common symptoms include:

• A grinding or humming noise that gets louder when you turn
• A vibration in the steering wheel or seat
• Difficulty turning
• Uneven tire wear

How to Replace a Front Wheel Bearing on a 2012 Honda Civic

Replacing a front wheel bearing on a 2012 Honda Civic is not a difficult repair, but it does require some mechanical skills. If you're not comfortable working on your own car, it's best to take it to a mechanic.

However, if you're up for the challenge, here are the steps involved:

1. Safety first: Park your Civic on a level surface and engage the parking brake. Put on your safety glasses and gloves.
2. Remove the wheel: Use the lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts on the front wheel that you're working on. Do not remove them completely.
3. Jack up the front of your Civic: Jack up the front of your Civic and place a jack stand under the frame.
4. Remove the lug nuts and take off the wheel: Remove the lug nuts and take off the wheel.
5. Remove the brake caliper: Use the socket wrench to remove the two bolts that hold the brake caliper in place. Do not disconnect the brake line.
6. Gently lift the brake caliper off the rotor and secure it out of the way using a bungee cord or wire.
7. Remove the rotor: Use the socket wrench to remove the two bolts that hold the rotor in place.
8. Remove the hub assembly: Use the socket wrench to remove the four bolts that hold the hub assembly in place.
9. Pull the hub assembly straight off of the wheel bearing.
10. Remove the old wheel bearing: Use a flat-head screwdriver or a pry bar to carefully pry the old wheel bearing out of the hub assembly.
11. Apply a small amount of grease to the new wheel bearing.
12. Carefully press the new wheel bearing into the hub assembly.
13. Align the hub assembly with the wheel bearing and slide it into place.
14. Tighten the four bolts that hold the hub assembly in place.
15. Place the rotor on the wheel hub.
16. Tighten the two bolts that hold the rotor in place.
17. Position the brake caliper over the rotor.
18. Tighten the two bolts that hold the brake caliper in place.
19. Repeat steps 2-18 for the other front wheel.

Once you've replaced both front wheel bearings, your Civic should be back to running smoothly.