How to Replace a Rear Wheel Bearing on a 2003 Accord

The rear wheel bearings on a 2003 Honda Accord are a sealed bearing-and-hub combination, which cannot be serviced in any way. If your rear wheels start making a squeaking noise or you suspect that there is a problem with the rear bearings, then the entire assembly must be replaced. If you don't, then if the bearing ever seizes up, you might have an accident.

Things You'll Need

  • Jack
  • Jack stands
  • Tire iron
  • Flat chisel
  • Dead-blow hammer
  • 1/2-inch ratchet and socket set
  • Phillips-head screwdriver
  • Bungee cord
  • 2 bolts, 8 mm
  • 3/8-inch ratchet and socket set
  • Replacement wheel-bearing assembly
  • Lift up the rear of the car with the jack and put it down on jack stands. Take off the rear wheels with the tire iron. Set them out of the way. Unbolt the rear brake caliper from the rear suspension using the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket. Lift it straight back off the rotor and suspend the caliper from the rear springs using the bungee cord.

  • Unscrew the two screws holding the rotor to the rear suspension using the Phillips-head screwdriver. Slide the rotor off of the hub. If it doesn't move, thread the two 8 mm bolts into the threaded inserts on the face of the rotor and tighten them down using the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket until the rotor pops off the hub. Place the chisel in the seam between the dust cap and the center of the wheel-bearing assembly, and strike the chisel with the hammer to remove the dust cap.

  • Unbolt the center bolt on the wheel bearing using the 1/2-inch ratchet and socket. Slide the wheel-bearing assembly off the rear-suspension spindle and discard it. Slide the replacement wheel-bearing assembly onto the rear spindle and secure it using the 1/2-inch ratchet and socket. Lightly tap the dust cap back over the center nut.

  • Slide the rear rotors over the wheel hub and secure it in place using the factory screws and the Phillips-head screwdriver. Slide the brake caliper onto the rotor and bolt it in place using the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket. Reinstall the rear wheels using the tire iron and lower the car off the stands with the jack.