Grinding Noise - Honda Prelude Forum

jason458 · 11-29-2011, 08:38 PM

Got a puzzle for you guys. I have been hearing a grinding noise coming from my driver side front wheel at low rpms. Weird thing is that it doesn't do it all the time. It only makes the noise during acceleration. When I press the brakes or let go of the accelerator, it stops. My pads needed to be replaced so I assumed that was it so this past weekend I jacked up the car and replaced the pads. Went ahead and replaced the rotors as well cause why not. Inspected all suspension parts and everything looked fine. Lowered the car and heard a cracking sound coming from the driver side front wheel. Jacked up that side again and took everything apart, inspected, didn't see anything broken or cracked, and put it all back together. Went to lower the car and it made a faint cracking sound. Went for a drive, still hear it. My guess is that its the wheel bearing, but hoping its not cause its a pain in the *** to remove. Any other suggestions? Thanks in advance!

minilogoguy18 · 11-30-2011, 06:55 AM

More than likely the wheel bearing, especially if you notice a very slight shimmy in the front at highway speeds.

You could make it easy and buy a cheap harbor freight press if you don't have access to one or just remove the knuckle yourself and take it to a shop and ask how much for them to install the new bearing.

squeaky0032 · 12-02-2011, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by minilogoguy18

More than likely the wheel bearing, especially if you notice a very slight shimmy in the front at highway speeds.

You could make it easy and buy a cheap harbor freight press if you don't have access to one or just remove the knuckle yourself and take it to a shop and ask how much for them to install the new bearing.

Sounds like a bearing to me as well.
And I just got done re-doing my bearing, as my bearing had gone to hell.

Its easy to do, remove the knuckle, and either A. rent a press from autozone or discount auto or wherever... or B. Go to nearest shop and ask them to do it for you.

BUT make ABSOLUTELY SURE that you go ahead and buy a new snap ring when you purchase the bearing.

I had to wait 2 days for just the snap ring after everything else was done. So dont make the same mistake I did!

mrk78 · 12-02-2011, 01:54 PM

Google "honda front wheel bearing write up". I'm trying this method with the stackable washers as a poor man's press. Old bearing is already out I will report back if the install is successful.

mrk78 · 12-05-2011, 07:44 AM

^ This didn't work for me. In theory it should work but I couldn't get the bearing to remain straight as I applied pressure (might be case of operator error/stupidity). I was worried it would get stuck in the knuckle crooked and not go in or out without causing damage to the bearing and/or knuckle. For this time at least I will be paying a shop to press the bearing in.

jason458 · 12-05-2011, 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by minilogoguy18

More than likely the wheel bearing, especially if you notice a very slight shimmy in the front at highway speeds.

You could make it easy and buy a cheap harbor freight press if you don't have access to one or just remove the knuckle yourself and take it to a shop and ask how much for them to install the new bearing.

I didn't get to work on the car this past weekend cause of work, but my guess is the same. I'll probably end up removing the knuckle and taking it to the shop if I can remove the damn spindle nut. I hear its torqued to about 400+ lb*ft. I picked up a 3/4 in breaker bar and hopefully it will come out.

Quote:

Originally Posted by squeaky0032

Sounds like a bearing to me as well.
And I just got done re-doing my bearing, as my bearing had gone to hell.

Its easy to do, remove the knuckle, and either A. rent a press from autozone or discount auto or wherever... or B. Go to nearest shop and ask them to do it for you.

BUT make ABSOLUTELY SURE that you go ahead and buy a new snap ring when you purchase the bearing.

I had to wait 2 days for just the snap ring after everything else was done. So dont make the same mistake I did!

Thanks for the tip! What ton press did you use? I read you need a fairly large press, around 20T?

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrk78

Google "honda front wheel bearing write up". I'm trying this method with the stackable washers as a poor man's press. Old bearing is already out I will report back if the install is successful.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrk78

^ This didn't work for me. In theory it should work but I couldn't get the bearing to remain straight as I applied pressure (might be case of operator error/stupidity). I was worried it would get stuck in the knuckle crooked and not go in or out without causing damage to the bearing and/or knuckle. For this time at least I will be paying a shop to press the bearing in.

Thanks for the update! I never heard of that method, but sucks it didn't work out for you. What did you end up doing?