front wheel bearings.

I just put front axles in my 89 civic LX and while I was doing that I
noticed some play in the hub. I plan to replace both front bearings but
have some questions that hopefully can be answered here.

Are the front bearings pressed into the hub? because I can find bearings
online but not a hub/bearing assy.
would it be easier to go to a pull apart and get the whole steering knuckle?

is there a web site I haven't found yet where I can look at a schematic
or diagram?

I used to work in automotive and had access to Mitchell online and
alldata, is there something similar for free??

I appreciate any and all help, and I hope my bearings don't melt before
I get it.

 

if the bearings really do need replacing, and it's not common on your
vintage honda, the cheapest quickest way is to just get some use
knuckles from a junk yard. something in the range of $40. new bearings
are $60+, and you have the labor to change them on top of that. yes,
they're pressed in.

be sure of your bearing diagnosis. aftermarket axles are not all the
same - notably, the outer joint is a different size between the 88-91
civics and later years. these days, parts stores try to sell you the
larger newer version, and while it will go in, it'll mess up the knuckle
seal. if you tightened against that seal, the bearing may indeed seem
to be loose when actually, it's an axle issue.

 

thanks for the reply Jim,
She is still going, I have been feeling the wheel after driving and I
figure if it isn't too hot to lay my hand on and I am not hearing any
abnormal roaring from the front that changes in the curves that
everything is fine for now.
I changed the axles myself in the driveway and while the axle was out
of the left side there was maybe an inch of up and down play moving just
the hub. I think 5/16 of an inch of play is normal? and it didn't sound
too good without the axle in,it also got very hot on the test drive but
since then has not gotten hot at all, a little warm maybe.
It seems to be performing well right now, I think I will leave it
till it gets worse, thank you for the advice I think I will start
looking for a pull apart that has what I need.

 

the heat comes from braking under normal circumstances. if the bearing
was shot enough to be generating that much heat, you'd hear it.

no. something is seriously wrong. to get that much play in the
bearing, the balls would have to be missing. hard to believe that's
what has happened here.

see above - heat comes from braking.

if you have 5/16 of play, you need to get the vehicle checked by someone
with experience. this is a primary safety issue.

 

the heat I was experiencing was after the test drive after replacing my
axles. I removed the brake caliper in the process so some excess heat
was generated from seating the front pads.

I am experienced. I was mistaken. RWD vehicles are allowed a small
amount of play in the front bearings, FWD are not allowed any play. I
don't see the safety issue, if the bearing melts I get stuck on the side
of the road...so what, I am a 43 year old 6'3" 235 lb man that carries a
gun, I should be OK.

 

the heat I was experiencing was after the test drive after replacing my
axles. I removed the brake caliper in the process so some excess heat
was generated from seating the front pads.

I am experienced. I was mistaken. RWD vehicles are allowed a small
amount of play in the front bearings, FWD are not allowed any play. I
don't see the safety issue, if the bearing melts I get stuck on the side
of the road...so what, I am a 43 year old 6'3" 235 lb man that carries a
gun, I should be OK.

 

eh? you don't need to remove the calipers to replace the drive shafts.

i once saw a guy shoot his own balls off at a gas station on the way to
phoenix in arizona. he had his magnum stuffed into the waist of his
pants with the barrel pointed ready to do the job. doubtless his excuse
was that it was ok to wear his piece like that because he was
"experienced" too.

 

they do if you are replacing the brake pads and rotors at the same time.

Dumbasses come in all shapes, sizes and flavors don't they. :-D