2009 Touring on 3rd wheel bearing

[moda_way]

So we just got done having a new power steering rack put into our 2009 Touring at 52k miles. That was a major shock, but in 7/2010, at 32k miles we had both front wheel bearings replaced, then in 12/2010 the right front wheel bearing had to be replaced again because the tech didn't install the half-shaft to torque. We're now getting ready to have the left (driver's side) wheel bearing done again. We're experiencing a lot of "Shake Faith" with our Pilot. I'm hoping the dealer is nice to us since we're clearly out of warranty, but at $75 for the part, I can easily do it myself if they want to be obtuse about the clear part failure.

Thought: I wonder if the reason the 2012 has smaller tires is because Honda has realized long term failures in the places we're seeing them.

Regardless, I'm getting very annoyed that at 54k miles, Honda has had to drop the subframe to replace a PS rack and replace 4 wheel bearings. Seems extremely accessive for a vehicle that is only used to transport kids to school or take on a road trip 2x per year.

[theirishscion]

I have to suspect that Honda are having increasing problems with their parts suppliers. My wife's '08 RDX just had it's rack and pinion and a power steering flexible hose replaced under warranty, 45,000 miles, at I shudder to think what cost and labor. My MIL's 2007 had to have both front wheel bearings replaced at 50,000 miles, and both back shocks replaced at 30,000. My Pilot's radio had a bad LCD and had to be replaced at ~20,000 miles. Now these are obviously all third party parts that are failing, and in this day and age, all cars are really just amalgamations of 3rd party parts, but what's changed between the Honda of today and the Honda of 15 years ago? Surely they were buying just as many parts from other manufacturers then? I'm coming to the conclusion from what I've seeing that there's failing QC going on at the parts suppliers (and by extension Honda, I guess, since the buck stops there) leading to thins like we've both seen. Your wheel bearings both failed because they were both faulty and presumably came from the same faulty batch, just like my MIL's. Ditto her shock absorbers. They both failed at about 1/6th the lifespan they should have had, simultaneously. Obviously a bad batch again, since they're symmetrical parts.

In your specific case, I'd push hard for a goodwill job on the front wheel bearings, since they obviously didn't do it right the first time around.

[moda_way]

I can't say whether it is bad QC or bad engineering design/requirements. Here's what I mean, are engineers designing parts to be more cost effective or lack the sturdiness they need. In either case, I would agree it is a cost cutting measure. Seals on a power steering rack have been perfected for years... this shouldn't be happening until well after 100k miles and that is even something I would consider early. My father's '88 Legend Coupe was sold at 213k miles to a friend who drove it another 100k miles with all the original parts on it sans the normal wear-n-tear items like brakes, tires. But the original cat, exhaust, suspension, PS rack, half shafts, etc all still in good working order. I don't expect this from Honda, but we're just at 53k miles now... 4 faulty front wheel bearings, a PS rack, a micro switch... what next?

If this pattern keeps up, I can tell you what is next... We move away from Honda totally. Its a shame because I know a penny wise leadership mentality has lead to great frustration amongst a once Honda hardcore family.

[osudelt69]

Originally Posted by moda_way

I can't say whether it is bad QC or bad engineering design/requirements. Here's what I mean, are engineers designing parts to be more cost effective or lack the sturdiness they need. In either case, I would agree it is a cost cutting measure. Seals on a power steering rack have been perfected for years... this shouldn't be happening until well after 100k miles and that is even something I would consider early. My father's '88 Legend Coupe was sold at 213k miles to a friend who drove it another 100k miles with all the original parts on it sans the normal wear-n-tear items like brakes, tires. But the original cat, exhaust, suspension, PS rack, half shafts, etc all still in good working order. I don't expect this from Honda, but we're just at 53k miles now... 4 faulty front wheel bearings, a PS rack, a micro switch... what next?

If this pattern keeps up, I can tell you what is next... We move away from Honda totally. Its a shame because I know a penny wise leadership mentality has lead to great frustration amongst a once Honda hardcore family.

What dealership do you guys take your Pilot? We had another nightmare experience at King's. They replaced our motor mounts without authorization, Pilot was there for front struts! Anytime you need a hand wrenching, I'll bring over my tools and compressor! - Marc

[moda_way]

Originally Posted by osudelt69

What dealership do you guys take your Pilot? We had another nightmare experience at King's. They replaced our motor mounts without authorization, Pilot was there for front struts! Anytime you need a hand wrenching, I'll bring over my tools and compressor! - Marc

Hey. Joe Morgan in Monroe is a nice place, but I think they're a tad lost when they were going to charge us for the 4th wheel bearing when warranty would've covered it. So we went to Performance on Rt. 4. Of course, that's where we bought the 09 Touring from.

I've got tons of tools, just not the specialty ones, which I'm tempted to buy now.b

[mobro]

Great points Moda Way and The IrishScion. I can't begin to list the problems I have with my 2009 touring. Many while under warrenty, several after, some I was able to get "good will" on. This was my first Honda, and I think it will be my last.

The most recent expense is the bushings on the lower control arms. I've heard they changed the design, which to me is like admitting something was wrong with the originals. But there is no offer at this time to cover the replacement with the new design. Its out of my pocket with 79,000 miles on the vehicle. My previous vehicle a 2001 Toyota Sienna which I sold to my son in law has 250,000 miles on it and still has the original suspension / steering parts. Too bad, I like how the Pilot drives and looks, but is it worth the expense to keep it running?