who torques their lug nuts?

[tomls1]

i've heard that if you remove your wheels, it's important to torque them to proper specs when putting them back on. the specs for my c5 are somewhere in the 100s...the craftsman torque wrench that i got for christmas only goes to 75. so i'm wondering how important proper torque on wheel lugs really is. i've never seen garages/shops torque wheels lugs.

just looking for some opinions...do i need a new torque wrench?

 

[Ken]

You should always use a torque wrench with aluminum wheels. It doesn't hurt to check 'em regularly too, like maybe the second or third time around when you check the air pressures.

_ken

 

[JohnZ]

Many garages/tire stores just use air impact wrenches, because it's fast and easy - that's how wheels get ruined, rotors get distorted, and lug studs get snapped off. A proper torque wrench is essential, especially with alloy wheels.

 

[Tom Bryant]

Absolutely agree with Ken and John. I always torque the lugs. Nothing worse than warped rotors. C3 with aluminum wheels is 85 lbs. Whenever one of my cars come home from the dealer after service I go out and loosen and torque the nuts. Even if you do it just for peace of mind.

Have you ever had a flat and have a nut or 2 that won't come loose no matter what? Did you have mental images of taking that impact wrench mechanic to one of Sadams torture chambers? If you have them torqued right you will be able to get them off later.

Tom

 

[tomls1]

sounds like there may be a new torque wrench in my future. i figured it was pretty important. i just wish my existing wrench went higher then 75.

thanks for all the input.

 

[Ken]

Remember to pay attention to the instructions for handling and storing your torque wrench when not in use; it is a precision instrument and should be handled as such. Also, always set it to zero when not in use.

_ken

 

[c4cruiser]

Most tire stores now use an impact wrench with a special socket/ extension that is designed for a specific torque value. There are different ones for different torque settings. I'm not sure how accurate those deals are, but when I have seen them used, they just do each lug to full torque in whatever pattern is necessary.

The wheels on my 92 are torqued to 100 ft/lbs. and I always tighten them in three steps 50, 75 then 100. Then I re-torque them after 30 miles or so.

 

[ZR1 MK]

My Corvette specs wheels to be tightened to 100 lbs. I tighten to 80 lbs for street and track wheels. This has also been for every car I have owned.
Mike

 

[Eric]

After three lugs snapped and just about caused my wheel to fall off on my 77 Cutlass Supreme when I was 17, I'll always use the torque wrench.

Hey Tom, if you need a hegher spec one in the meantime, you can bum mine. You know where I live or I can bring it to work.

- Eric

 

[*89x2*]

...the craftsman torque wrench that i got for christmas only goes to 75. so i'm wondering how important proper torque on wheel lugs really is. i've never seen garages/shops torque wheels lugs.

just looking for some opinions...do i need a new torque wrench?

The Craftsman wrench I have goes WAY into the hundred(s) - used it every time It is really important and can contribute to brake wear to a wheel falling off:eek

-Never seen a shop do this??????? other than a shop that uses "torque sockets" (sockets that are a set length - usually a color specific to the torque ammt. )I have always seen this done - exception being the State inspectorsad

Hope this helps