Faulty wheel bearings can cause noise and vibration in the wheel. The 1996 Honda Accord is the last model year of Accord that does not use an integrated hub/bearing assembly, so replacing the hub requires disassembling part of the suspension. The disassembly requires a set of specialized tools designed for working with suspension. Purchase replacement bearings at an auto-parts store. If bearings are not in stock, most stores will order them for you.
Loosen the lug nuts with a lug wrench. Raise the wheel with a jack. The lift point is on the bottom edge of the body panel about a foot behind the front wheel; it's also thicker than the surrounding edge.
Pry the cap out of the center of the hub with a flat-head screwdriver. The nut on the spindle in the center of the hub is locked in place with a tab. Raise the tab and remove the nut.
Remove the bolts on the back side of the caliper and raise the caliper off the disc. Hang the caliper with a wire so it does not stretch the brake line.
Pull out the cotter pin on the tie rod nut and remove the nut. Use a tie rod end remover to remove the tie rod end.
Remove the upper and lower ball joints with the appropriate ball joint remover tool. Slide the knuckle and hub assembly off the driveshaft.
Remove the two visible screws attaching the splash guard to the knuckle. Push the hub out of the steering knuckle with a press and remove the third screw and the splash guard.
Remove the dust seal and inner bearing race from the inside of the knuckle. Remove the inner race with a bearing remover.
Install the replacement bearing. Installation is the reverse of removal. The hub nut should be tightened to 80 ft-lbs. of torque.
