Lug Nut torques specs-Is it really that important?

[j13smiley]

Yep, torque.

 

Late 90's lots o us fbody guys had warped rotors. We determined cause was wheel torque. Since then I've always torqued wheels by hand and never had an issue.

 

Maybe I'd think differently if I were a full time mechanic. But as a home mechanic - I do everything by the torque # listed in the manual.

[redwngr]

For the curious, the 140 ft-lb spec is in the 'Capacities and Specifications' section in the back of the owners manual.

[aaronarf]

Just wondering out loud here, but I wonder if some of the Chevy shake problems could be from the lugs since some have mentioned that they can cause vibrations?

More so if the wheels are lug centric. If you don't torque the lugs in the proper order the wheel can be off center which can cause vibrations.

 

I always torque, sometimes in stages if it's on aftermarket wheels. (I.e. criss cross pattern, hand tight, 50lbs, 100lbs then final torque value.

 

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

[j13smiley]

Yes, I also torque in stages

[pickmeup]

Always keep you nuts tight and torqued.

[CRApex]

So it seems getting the lugs too tight is more of an issue than people not tightening enough. If they have been over tightened thus stretching the studs and possibly warping rotors, is the damage already done? Is there any reason after the fact to go back, loosen and re torque?

[scott19677]

You have to watch those dummies at the dealerships that just use an impact wrench, they will warp the shite out of your rotors.

[HoosierZ]

I nearly lost a wheel once when my brother used an impact on my lugs. Two days later, I heard a horrible banging sound coming from the back of the truck which turned out to be a wheel held on with one loose lug nut and two of the studs were broken off. Luckily, I was in town and not on the highway.

[sdeeter19555]

So it seems getting the lugs too tight is more of an issue than people not tightening enough. If they have been over tightened thus stretching the studs and possibly warping rotors, is the damage already done? Is there any reason after the fact to go back, loosen and re torque?

I do that, I have them leave the centers off until I get home, then I loosen and torque everything evenly. Again, depends on the shop...some do it right.

 

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk

[Dnt]

Lug Nut torques specs-Is it really that important?

Yes

[redwngr]

While we're on the subject of fastening wheels, do NOT use lube on the threads. The spec applies to dry threads. Lube (including never-sieze) will result in over torquing.

Edited January 1, 2017 by redwngr

[Dnt]

http://www.wheel-check.com/?gclid=CIzTjJTBodECFdgQgQodgdACig

[jagabom (Esquire)]

http://www.wheel-check.com/?gclid=CIzTjJTBodECFdgQgQodgdACig

Always wondered what those things were for.

Thanks

Jim

CYWG

[Silver ice 6.2]

Torque wrench and socket underneath my back seat... I check them every month since I put aftermarket wheels. Not one is loose.

[Waterfowler41]

I just rotated my tires today...every time I torque my wheels to the ridiculous 140 ft lbs i say a few Hail Marys hoping nothing strips. Seems like a ridiculously high amount of torque

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk