ok just replaced my rotors on the front, and when taking off the spindle lock nuts there was a part of both that I pretty much had to take a small screwdriver and a hammer then basically chisel/wedge a part that looked like it was welded on. this was on both sides btw. is this some kind of alternative to a cotter pin or am I just going nutty? I didnt try to hammer the part back down when I replaced the locknuts but they are tight and I havent had an issue.

 

It is an alternative to a castle nut that allows a more compact arrangement. Nut is supposed to be replaced, but I have reused several. It's not too bad to straighten, unless someone really overdid the nut outer ring deformation.

Not hard to understand how this likely arose. If you used a castle nut, the end would have to be inside the wheel cover. You couldn't access to remove the cotter pin unless you removed the wheel. Then you might have to re-install the wheel to restraint the axle from turning to allow nut to be loosened, although brakes can be used if you have some help.

good luck

 

well what I did was just break the nut loose after I unbent the deformation on the nut end. they werent warped or anything and I stuck it back on, really tight and its been fine since, no wobbles or other abnormalities. was just curious if this was an alternative for a cotter pin. thanks for the help.

 

Yeah, it's an alternative for a cotter pin. That outer extension on the nut isn't threaded internally. It's only there so you can stake it down into the groove of the axle. That provides a pretty secure hold so the nut doesn't work itself loose.

 

I recently replaced front rotors on 3 honda vehicles. I also thought about relying on the tightness of the nut to retain, however when you consider the downside (wheel runs off), this is a no-brainer, bend the nut wall to lock in place!

good luck

 

gotcha...will do that now