As stated, I have a 2003 Honda Civic EX, 2dr, MT. I have been noticing a progressively louder sound from the rear of the car. We just got new tires, and at first I thought it was that, but its getting louder. I checked everything out and nothing seems to be rubbing. The breaks are within spec and the emergency break is not dragging. Upon inspection, the left hub bearing seems tight. I removed the wheels and drums and it does not turn as freely as the right side. It is NOT loose, just tight. Could this be the source of my problem? And if so, Can I just repack the bearings or do I need to replace them? The part only comes as a complete unit, so I cannot buy just the bearing set.
Even if they are not loose, the wheel bearings can be noisy. You have gone through the proper steps of checking to make sure nothing is rubbing and check the brakes. The rear wheel bearings come pre-assembled in the hub unit, so you'd have to get the hub unit and replace it as a whole. Fairly straight-forward repair: Remove the wheel, remove the drum, pop off the cap that covers the spindle lock nut (the cap can be reused), remove the spindle lock nut (22mm) and throw it out (should always use a new one once it is removed), slide off the hub assembly. Reinstall with new hub assembly in reverse order. Be sure to torque the hub lock nut to proper specs (134 lb-ft), as if it is overtightened/undertightened it can cause the new bearing to prematurely wear out.
most like it is the bearings. they must not have been lubricated with grease for bearings. u can probably save em still if this problem has been going on for a long time. take ur wheel and drum hub off and check. if there ain't no BB balls inside the ring then ur bearings are gone and metal against metal rubbing is happening. if they sell em only in a kit, look on OKorder or go to ur local junkyard.
