Hi all! I have a serious reoccurring problem with my 1996, Honda Accord (2-dr, 5-speed). At 230,000 kms, it is in need of it's 7th wheel bearing. About three years ago, the Px side rear bearing started to act up; I replaced it. A year later and 30,000+ kms, later, the same bearing went again. And again, the same bearing one year later. About two weeks ago, my front driver's side started to act up. I replaced it today as it was really starting to get loud. To my surprise, on the drive home, the whining sound is still there but not as loud. The mechanic at the dealer stated on the invoice that he checked the right rear bearing and it indeed needed to be replaced (again). However, I don't think he checked the driver's side rear bearing as it is also making noise (I am getting good at diagnosing which bearing is acting up). That will make is seven bearings in only 115,000 kms! I have spoken with 4 service managers or Honda mechanics way back when I was only on my fourth bearing. All state that this is highly unusual. One told me to contact Honda Canada. I did. They may as well have laughed at me, as it was quite clear that even though they admitted it was unusual, there was nothing they could do and I should be complaining to a service manager. I am not willing to let this go. I have owned 6 different Honda vehicles. I have only ever changed 1 bearing before - eve r- and that was on a '79 accord; it need new rotors and the bearing had seized onto the rotor; the bearing was still ok. All of my previous cars have lasted to the 400,000-km mark too. I also own a 90-hp Honda outboard motor and various other Honda products. I believe I am entitled to a little more customer loyalty. Does anybody have some suggestions or contacts for my next step? One more thing and this may sound a little funny. Through the course of speaking to other people about this problem I have heard an interesting diagnosis from two different people. They state that a bad ground can cause premature bearing failure. The logic is that the engine is on rubber mounts - electrically isolated from the frame. If the frame builds a static electric charge, the only course it can take to the engine is to arc through the bearings. It sounds so ridiculous that it might actually be true. Ironically, one of the first things I noticed with this car was that I always got one helluva shock whenever I exited the vehicle. Whaddya think?
