I replaced the wheel hub/bearing assy on my '99 4dr EX. The car is now running quiet and smooth. The problem is when I try to torque the spindle nut to align with spindle slot, the nut passes the slot at least 1/4 turn and is as tight as I can get it with a breaker bar. Also, the torque is far short of the spec. I had to loosen the nut to lock it. I went to NAPA today to get a new nut, but it did not have an indent like the OE nut. Not sure how long I can drive without the wheel falling off - any help is most appreciated.

 

Not sure on a '99, but 5th gen cars have no indent on a new nut. You create the indent with a punch or chisel after the nut's tightened down. You don't have to go by the old indent if you're reusing the old nut; just create a new one.

Don't drive the car it the nut isn't tightened to spec as you will ruin the wheel bearing. If you don't have a torque wrench that goes high enough, use a 5' piece of pipe over a breaker bar and estimate 181 ft/lbs.