Parts for your 2013 Honda Stream-Wheel bearings

2013 Honda Stream wheel bearings: what they do and when to replace them

Based on technical sources such as the Honda Stream RN6–RN9 workshop manual, Honda EPC (electronic parts catalogue), and major bearing manufacturers’ catalogues (NTN, NSK, Koyo), the 2013 Honda Stream is fitted with sealed wheel bearings at each corner. On this model they’re non-serviceable, and depending on variant they may be pressed into the front knuckle with a separate hub, while the rear commonly uses an integrated hub and bearing unit with an ABS encoder ring. So yes—wheel bearings are absolutely relevant on a 2013 Honda Stream.

On a 2013 Stream, the wheel bearings let each wheel spin smoothly with minimal friction while keeping the hub properly supported under cornering, braking, and load. They also keep water and road grit out thanks to tight seals. Because they’re sealed units, they’re not greased or adjusted during routine servicing—when they wear, they’re replaced.

Good servicing habits make a big difference. A technician should road test for the tell-tale humming or growling that rises with speed, and listen while turning gently left and right. With the car safely raised, they’ll spin each wheel and check for roughness or play, then feel for heat at the hub after a drive. Keeping wheel nuts correctly torqued, avoiding big kerb hits and potholes, and not blasting the hub seals with a pressure washer all help bearings last longer.

Typical replacement triggers include noise, free play, roughness when spun, uneven tyre wear, or an ABS light caused by a failed encoder ring in the hub unit. Quality matters—choosing reputable OEM-equivalent bearings (NTN/NSK/Koyo) will keep the Stream quieter and on the road longer. Front bearing work may involve pressing the bearing in and out of the knuckle, rear hub units are often bolt-on. After front-end bearing work where the knuckle is removed, it’s sensible to book a wheel alignment check.

There’s no fixed change interval—many last well beyond 150,000–200,000 kilometres in Aussie and Kiwi conditions, but coastal corrosion, rough roads, or heavy loads can shorten that. If one front bearing fails, the opposite side isn’t automatically due, but it’s common to assess both sides while everything’s apart. Follow Honda torque specs for axle nuts and hub fasteners, and recalibrate or clear ABS faults if a hub with an encoder is replaced. Done right, the Stream will track straight, run quiet, and treat its tyres kindly.

Popular questions

Does the 2013 Honda Stream use separate bearings or complete hub assemblies?

It uses sealed bearings in all cases. The rear is commonly an integrated hub-and-bearing unit with an ABS encoder ring. The front may be a pressed double-row bearing with a separate hub on many variants. Both styles are non-serviceable—replace when worn.

How can someone tell a Stream’s wheel bearing is on the way out?

Listen for a steady humming or droning that changes with speed and may get louder when gently loading one side in a lane change. Jack each wheel and check for play at 12 and 6 o’clock, feel for roughness when spun, and look out for an ABS light if the encoder ring in a hub unit has failed.

Is a wheel alignment needed after bearing replacement?

If the front knuckle is removed to press a bearing, an alignment check is a smart move because camber/toe can shift slightly. For rear bolt-on hub units, alignment usually isn’t affected, but it’s still worth checking tyre wear and pressures.