CtrlK

Honda Acty — Wheel Bearings

Front and rear wheel bearing replacement using 6206-2RS sealed bearings.

Bearing Specification

Bearing Type
6206-2RS — double-sealed deep groove ball bearing
Inner Diameter
30 mm
Outer Diameter
62 mm
Width
16 mm
Applicable Axles
Front and rear, all models
Compatible 6206-2RS Wheel Bearings
BrandPart NumberNotes / Info
Timken6206-2RSFront and rear — sealed ball bearing, both axles
SKF6206-2RSHEquivalent sealed bearing
NSK6206DDUJapanese OEM equivalent
Koyo6206-2RUJapanese OEM manufacturer — preferred

Diagnosing a Failed Bearing

A worn wheel bearing typically presents as a humming, grinding, or rumbling noise that changes pitch with vehicle speed. The sound may increase or decrease when you shift your weight by turning slightly — weight transfer onto the bad bearing usually increases the noise while taking weight off it reduces it. To isolate which corner is the problem, drive a long sweeping arc in both directions and notice which direction worsens the noise.

With the vehicle safely lifted and supported, grab the wheel at the 12 and 6 o'clock positions and try to rock it. Any perceptible movement indicates a worn bearing. Also spin the wheel by hand and listen for roughness or grinding.

Front Bearing Replacement

Tip:The front bearings on the Acty are pressed into the knuckle/hub assembly. A hydraulic press is the correct tool, but a bearing driver set and a large bench vise can work for a careful DIY approach. Do not hammer bearings in directly without a proper driver.
  1. Lift and support the vehicle. Remove the wheel and set aside.
  2. Remove the brake caliper (do not let it hang by the brake hose) and rotor.
  3. Disconnect the tie rod end and lower ball joint from the steering knuckle. A ball joint separator or fork tool is needed.
  4. Remove the axle nut (center hub nut). This nut is torqued very tightly — typically around 180 N·m (130 ft·lb). It may require an air impact gun or a long breaker bar with the vehicle on the ground to break loose.
  5. Slide the hub/knuckle assembly off the axle stub.
  6. Using a press or bearing driver, press the old bearing out of the knuckle.
  7. Clean the bearing bore thoroughly. Inspect for cracks or scoring — replace the knuckle if damaged.
  8. Press the new 6206-2RS bearing in squarely, applying force only to the outer race.
  9. Reinstall the hub, axle nut, ball joint, tie rod, rotor, and caliper. Torque the axle nut to spec and install a new cotter pin or bend the staking tabs if applicable.

Rear Bearing Replacement

The rear bearings on the Acty sit inside the rear drum. The drum must be removed to access them.

  1. Lift and support the rear of the vehicle. Remove the rear wheel.
  2. The rear drum is held in place by the wheel studs (no separate drum retaining bolts on most models). If the drum will not slide off by hand, it is likely seized onto the hub due to rust. Apply penetrating oil around the drum-to-hub mating surface and allow it to soak. Use a slide hammer with the correct adapter threaded into the lug holes to pull the drum free — do not strike the drum with a hammer, as this can crack the cast iron.
  3. With the drum off, the bearing is exposed at the axle end of the hub. Note the orientation of the bearing seal before removal.
  4. Use a slide hammer with a bearing puller attachment to extract the old bearing from the drum housing.
  5. Drive or press the new 6206-2RS bearing in to the correct depth, again applying force only to the outer race.
  6. Reinstall the drum, wheel, and torque the lug nuts to spec.
Warning:Always replace bearings in pairs — both sides of the same axle. If one bearing has failed, the other has experienced the same mileage and conditions. Replacing only one typically results in the other side failing shortly after.