The 2012 Honda Civic Front Wheel Bearing: A Comprehensive Guide

The front wheel bearing in your 2012 Honda Civic is an essential component that allows the wheels to rotate smoothly and safely. When the front wheel bearing fails, it can cause a variety of problems, including:

• Noise: A grinding or humming noise may be heard when the vehicle is in motion.
• Vibration: The steering wheel or the entire vehicle may vibrate.
• Reduced handling: The vehicle may pull to one side or the other, or it may be difficult to steer.
• Increased tire wear: The tires may wear unevenly, which can shorten their lifespan.

Symptoms of a Bad Front Wheel Bearing

The most common symptom of a bad front wheel bearing is a grinding or humming noise that increases in intensity as the vehicle speed increases. The noise may also be accompanied by vibration in the steering wheel or the entire vehicle.

Other symptoms of a bad front wheel bearing include:

• Loose steering: The steering wheel may feel loose or sloppy.
• Pulling to one side: The vehicle may pull to one side or the other when driving.
• Increased tire wear: The tires may wear unevenly, which can shorten their lifespan.

Causes of a Bad Front Wheel Bearing

The most common cause of a bad front wheel bearing is wear and tear. Over time, the bearing can become damaged due to friction and heat. Other causes of a bad front wheel bearing include:

• Improper installation: If the front wheel bearing is not installed correctly, it can cause premature failure.
• Contamination: If the front wheel bearing is contaminated with dirt or other debris, it can cause premature failure.
• Water damage: If the front wheel bearing is exposed to water, it can cause premature failure.

Diagnosis of a Bad Front Wheel Bearing

A bad front wheel bearing can be diagnosed by a mechanic by listening for noise and vibration. The mechanic may also inspect the bearing for signs of damage.

Replacement of a Bad Front Wheel Bearing

The replacement of a bad front wheel bearing is a job that should be performed by a qualified mechanic. The mechanic will need to remove the wheel and brake caliper, and then remove the hub assembly. The mechanic will then replace the front wheel bearing and reassemble the components.

Cost of a Front Wheel Bearing Replacement

The cost of a front wheel bearing replacement can vary depending on the make and model of the vehicle, as well as the location of the repair. However, the average cost of a front wheel bearing replacement is between $200 and $500.

Prevention of a Bad Front Wheel Bearing

There are a few things you can do to help prevent a bad front wheel bearing:

• Regular maintenance: Have your vehicle serviced regularly by a qualified mechanic. This will help to identify and correct any potential problems early on.
• Avoid overloading your vehicle: Overloading your vehicle can put additional stress on the front wheel bearings.
• Drive carefully: Avoid driving over potholes and other rough surfaces. This can help to prevent damage to the front wheel bearings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When replacing a front wheel bearing, it is important to avoid the following mistakes:

• Not using the correct tools: The correct tools are essential for removing and installing a front wheel bearing.
• Not cleaning the area: The area around the front wheel bearing should be cleaned before installing the new bearing.
• Not torquing the bolts to the correct specifications: The bolts that hold the front wheel bearing in place must be torqued to the correct specifications.
• Overtightening the bolts: Overtightening the bolts can damage the bearing.

Tips and Tricks

Here are a few tips and tricks that can help you when replacing a front wheel bearing:

• Use a torque wrench to tighten the bolts: This will help to ensure that the bolts are torqued to the correct specifications.
• Use a bearing puller to remove the old bearing: This will help to prevent damage to the bearing.
• Clean the area around the bearing: This will help to prevent contamination of the new bearing.
• Install the new bearing in the correct orientation: The new bearing must be installed in the correct orientation or it will not work properly.

Conclusion

The front wheel bearing in your 2012 Honda Civic is an important component that allows the wheels to rotate smoothly and safely. By following the tips and advice in this article, you can help to keep your front wheel bearings in good condition and avoid costly repairs.

Repair Cost Estimates

Failure Rates

According to a study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the front wheel bearing failure rate for the 2012 Honda Civic is 0.05%. This means that out of every 100,000 2012 Honda Civics, 5 will experience a front wheel bearing failure within the first 10 years of ownership.

Warranty Information

The front wheel bearings in the 2012 Honda Civic are covered by a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty. This warranty covers the cost of parts and labor to replace the front wheel bearings if they fail within the first 3 years or 36,000 miles of ownership.