Parts for your 2005 Honda Odyssey-Wheel hubs

2005 Honda Odyssey wheel hubs — what they do and when to service them

Yes, the 2005 Honda Odyssey absolutely uses wheel hubs. Technical references include the Honda Factory Service Manual (sections “Front Hub/Knuckle/Front Wheel Bearing” and “Rear Hub Unit”), which details the front hub and press-fit bearing design, and a bolt-on rear hub/bearing unit with an ABS encoder. Honda’s parts catalogues list a front wheel hub (commonly 44600-SHJ-A00) and rear hub/bearing assemblies (e.g., 42200-SHJ-A51, variant by trim). Major catalogues also stock complete hub or hub-and-bearing parts for this model. So wheel hubs are not only relevant — they’re essential on a 2005 Odyssey.

On this Odyssey, the wheel hubs are the mounting point for the wheels and the connection between the rotating wheel and the stationary suspension. They house or mate to the wheel bearing, keep the wheel running true, and often carry the ABS tone ring or sensor input. A healthy hub and bearing keep things smooth and quiet, look after tyre wear, and ensure accurate ABS and stability control signals.

Front end: the bearing is pressed into the steering knuckle and the hub is pressed into the bearing. That usually means a workshop press or a purpose-made puller kit. Rear end: it’s typically a bolt-on hub/bearing unit that’s quicker to swap, with an electrical connector for the ABS signal where fitted. Either way, the job rewards clean mating surfaces, correct torque, and care with the ABS wiring.

Common signs it’s time to act:

• A humming or droning that rises with road speed, often changing when the steering is gently loaded left or right.
• Play when rocking the wheel at the 12 and 6 o’clock positions, or a rough feel when spinning by hand.
• ABS light or pulsating brake feel from a damaged encoder ring or sensor signal at the hub.

For servicing, hubs and their bearings are “sealed for life”, so it’s inspection and replacement rather than periodic greasing. At service time, a mechanic should road test for bearing noise, check for play, and scan for ABS faults. If replacement’s needed, quality parts matter — genuine Honda or reputable aftermarket brands will last longer and stay quieter. On the front, many owners remove the knuckle and have a shop press the bearing and hub to avoid damage. On the rear, clean off corrosion before refitting the new hub so it sits flat, and reconnect any ABS plugs carefully.

Handy tips:

• Replace the axle nut and any cotter pins, torque wheel nuts in a star pattern.
• No alignment is normally required, but if the knuckle is removed, it’s smart to check alignment afterwards.
• Coastal and rural conditions in AU/NZ can speed up corrosion — anti-seize on the hub face can help next time.

How do they decide which side is noisy?

Road test on a smooth surface at 60–80 km/h, gently weaving. If the noise grows when loading the right (steer left), the left front or rear hub is often the culprit, and vice versa. A mechanic may also use a chassis ear or lift the vehicle and listen at each corner while spinning the wheels by hand.

Do both hubs need replacing together?

Not necessarily. It’s fine to replace just the failed side. That said, if the vehicle has high kilometres and one hub has gone noisy, the other may not be far behind, so some owners choose to do both fronts or both rears for convenience.

Can the bearing be replaced without the hub on a 2005 Odyssey?

Front: yes — the bearing is a separate, press-fit part and the hub is reused if it’s undamaged. Rear: it’s typically a complete bolt-on hub and bearing assembly, so the unit is replaced as one piece.