Specifically on a 2000 SI but I imagine the answer is the same for most Hondas. I had mine apart last night trying to lube the outer splines. The nut came off pretty easy once I unstaked it. I reused the old nut and that got me thinking about what might happen if it came off. It looks to me like nothing much would happen except maybe the axle would retract a little. The local experts here probably know for sure and maybe they can chime in.

 

Would feel like a bad wheel bearing.

 

Yep, axle nut draws the inner and outer races of the wheel bearing together.

 

Does Honda use tapered wheel bearings?

 

Nope, double ball bearing, sealed press in unit.

 

probably something from a scene in one of the final destination movies. Glad you're still alive man.

 

Does it actually do anything to the bearing, or as long as it's on there, it's all good? Like could overtorquing or undertorquing make the bearing go bad faster? It's not like the shaft could pull too far back and have the shaft swinging around wildly...

 

If you under tighten it will wear faster, you can't really over tighten it.

 

^^^ i agree, i dont think anything really bad could happen. It like impossible to get those bastards out without taking off the LCA... so it might get wobbly but thats about it.

Disclaimer: Should someone decide to test this theory I take no legal liability for this information in any and all instances where this situation may occur. haha