heffergm was right on the money. I finally took it in before real damage was done (I was babying it), and they fixed it to the tune of $114 (also had a nail in my rear tire). The money's not so bad, I suppose, to finally resolve this and get some peace of mind back.

I removed the wheel and looked at the nut, but the original paint line was still in line, so I figured that wasn't it. Turns out, all it takes is a tiny bit of movement.



OH, and there's a TSB with updated torque specs for the nut. Helms manual says 181 ft/lbs, but the updated figure is 220 ft/lbs...someone want to add an FAQ on this?

 

Dan, did you go to Pompano Honda?

 

I understand that a special or particular lubricant is needed and the Honda OEM lube (for the torque of the axel) is not of sufficient quality and that there is a special high quality lube available .... does anyone know what it is??? If so please let us know.
Thanks!

 

Yeah, Pompano...really nice guys, I'd definitely go back there again.

Got to listen to some woman bitching up a storm because her hybrid Civic wan't getting the 47 mpg highway that the sticker claimed, only 35 at best. Granted, I think she had a point, but attacking the service guy wasn't going to get her anywhere. The tech approached it the right way...he took her abuse for a while, the finally said "Ma'am, you need to stop yelling at me. I have shown you nothing but respect since you got here, I would appreciate it if you would stop yelling and show me the same. If you'd like to make a maintenance appointment, I'd be happy to help."