i know, noob question. but i've never needed to, and i've never seen the answer.

buying a shell, and it has no front axles in it. i'm sure it's been rolled around.

are the front wheel bearings toast?

i know cars like vw's, etc. you need an axle or at least a stub due to the bearing desingn.

same with a honda?

thanks!!!

 

I wouldnt think so, we rolled my friend's integra around for almost a year with no front axles and everything is just fine.

 

Not sure about rolling, but for normal driving in a car that has been converted to mid or rear engine or RWD needs to have something preloading the wheel bearings. Dave Dunn, who built the H22 mid-engine Integra used large bolts of the same size and pitch as the axle's outer joints, with the axle nut on there and torqued to normal spec to keep the bearings preloaded.

Look at the rear wheel bearings. Those also have a large nut similar to the front CV axle nuts.

But if you're only rolling it a short distance, like on/off a trailer, I really can't say how good or bad that would be for the bearings. If you can find any blown axles laying around, just remove the outer joints and throw them into the hubs before moving the car if you're worried about it.