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[straightcashhomie]

How many people actually tighten their wheel lugs with a torque wrench?.. Just saw one of our members post photos in the photo section, very misfortunate. I never understood, if tightening lugs to a certain torque is so important why do dealers always over tighten the crap out of em..

[Reznick]

Always always always tighten the lugs or wheel studs with a torque wrench to manufacturer specs and in the pattern they suggest. The pattern typically crisscrosses the wheel in a star figure.You can warp the rotor very easily by not doing this properly. I hate to say it but a lot of dealers and shops just plain old don't care.There are air wrenches that can be set to a torque spec , but that should never be used as a final tightening tool, only to make sure you don't over tighten the studs. Its laziness really because going down through a set of wheels with a torque wrench takes about 5 minutes to go around the whole car once the wheels are on.....My family has owned a heavy equipment sales and service shop for over 30yrs. the HUGE sprockets that drive the tracks on a bulldozer call for torque specs. There are about 50 bolts that need to be torqued to about 300 pounds and then another quarter turn. We do it because that's what it calls for, but I've seen plenty of shop that don't..laziness

[zzzbullseye]

Originally Posted by Reznick

Always always always tighten the lugs or wheel studs with a torque wrench to manufacturer specs and in the pattern they suggest. The pattern typically crisscrosses the wheel in a star figure.You can warp the rotor very easily by not doing this properly. I hate to say it but a lot of dealers and shops just plain old don't care.There are air wrenches that can be set to a torque spec , but that should never be used as a final tightening tool, only to make sure you don't over tighten the studs. Its laziness really because going down through a set of wheels with a torque wrench takes about 5 minutes to go around the whole car once the wheels are on.....My family has owned a heavy equipment sales and service shop for over 30yrs. the HUGE sprockets that drive the tracks on a bulldozer call for torque specs. There are about 50 bolts that need to be torqued to about 300 pounds and then another quarter turn. We do it because that's what it calls for, but I've seen plenty of shop that don't..laziness

+1

I always use a torque wrench and would highly recommend their use. A decent torque wrench is relatively inexpensive and helps reduce, if not eliminate, lug related issues.

I've not experienced over-tightening with the dealership, but I suppose it happens, and it's a matter of the diligence of the individual mechanic to spin the lugs on using the proper tools and methods.

[morphius909]

Torque it.

[jheath]

Always hand torque em. Lots of shops don't, they just bang them on forever with an impact. I always do them myself, or if my regular guy does them I am in the shop when he does.

[straightcashhomie]

Originally Posted by Reznick

Always always always tighten the lugs or wheel studs with a torque wrench to manufacturer specs and in the pattern they suggest. The pattern typically crisscrosses the wheel in a star figure.You can warp the rotor very easily by not doing this properly. I hate to say it but a lot of dealers and shops just plain old don't care.There are air wrenches that can be set to a torque spec , but that should never be used as a final tightening tool, only to make sure you don't over tighten the studs. Its laziness really because going down through a set of wheels with a torque wrench takes about 5 minutes to go around the whole car once the wheels are on.....My family has owned a heavy equipment sales and service shop for over 30yrs. the HUGE sprockets that drive the tracks on a bulldozer call for torque specs. There are about 50 bolts that need to be torqued to about 300 pounds and then another quarter turn. We do it because that's what it calls for, but I've seen plenty of shop that don't..laziness

Originally Posted by zzzbullseye

+1

I always use a torque wrench and would highly recommend their use. A decent torque wrench is relatively inexpensive and helps reduce, if not eliminate, lug related issues.

I've not experienced over-tightening with the dealership, but I suppose it happens, and it's a matter of the diligence of the individual mechanic to spin the lugs on using the proper tools and methods.

Originally Posted by morphius909

Torque it.

Originally Posted by jheath

Always hand torque em. Lots of shops don't, they just bang them on forever with an impact. I always do them myself, or if my regular guy does them I am in the shop when he does.

thanks for ur opinions, also what tq wrench r u guys using? How about for Spark Plugs?!

[abhishriv]

always torque the wheels and check them regularly! spark plugs have specific torque settings also.

[morphius909]

Originally Posted by straightcashhomie

thanks for ur opinions, also what tq wrench r u guys using? How about for Spark Plugs?!

I have two separate Torque Wrenches. One small (3/8") for plugs and one large one (1/2") for lugs.

You'll want 1/2' for tire lugs. Most if not all torque wrenches will have Ft. Lbs and Nm Scale. Make sure it has both as owners manuals sometimes give torque ratings in only one scale.

Torque Wrenches are a bit delicate so don't drop it and make sure you get one with a storage case.

I'm in Canada so I went to Canadian Tire (we call it CRAPPY TIRE Here haha).

*P.S. Putting Antiseize on the lugs is a bit controversial. I put antiseize on as the Canadian winters are corrosive and it just helps to take the lugs off in the spring/fall during tire changeover for me. There is a lot of speculation that if you put on antiseize, that so called torque setting is not valid anymore....I'm not gonna get into the pros and cons. Others on here will probably bring it up. Just be aware. For me, I torque mine wheels to 88 ft.lbs with antiseize).

[abhishriv]

Originally Posted by morphius909

I have two separate Torque Wrenches. One small (3/8") for plugs and one large one (1/2") for lugs.

You'll want 1/2' for tire lugs. Most if not all torque wrenches will have Ft. Lbs and Nm Scale. Make sure it has both as owners manuals sometimes give torque ratings in only one scale.

Torque Wrenches are a bit delicate so don't drop it and make sure you get one with a storage case.

I'm in Canada so I went to Canadian Tire (we call it CRAPPY TIRE Here haha).

it really is crappy tire, i bought a torque wrench on sale there couple weeks back, came back home to use it and it didnt click at any setting.. went back to exchange it, got the new one and same thing will have to go back next weekend and yell at them, thinking ill just get one of those needle gauge torque wrenches again like i used to have.

[Das_Stig]

what.. i only took my car in to get the locks installed because i don't have a torque wrench here in chicago... didn't know they might be too lazy to do it right..

[morphius909]

Originally Posted by abhishriv

it really is crappy tire, i bought a torque wrench on sale there couple weeks back, came back home to use it and it didnt click at any setting.. went back to exchange it, got the new one and same thing will have to go back next weekend and yell at them, thinking ill just get one of those needle gauge torque wrenches again like i used to have.

Stick with the Mastercraft Maximum. it's better crappy tire brand. Hold out for those 70% off sales

[straightcashhomie]

Originally Posted by morphius909

I have two separate Torque Wrenches. One small (3/8") for plugs and one large one (1/2") for lugs.

You'll want 1/2' for tire lugs. Most if not all torque wrenches will have Ft. Lbs and Nm Scale. Make sure it has both as owners manuals sometimes give torque ratings in only one scale.

Torque Wrenches are a bit delicate so don't drop it and make sure you get one with a storage case.

I'm in Canada so I went to Canadian Tire (we call it CRAPPY TIRE Here haha).

*P.S. Putting Antiseize on the lugs is a bit controversial. I put antiseize on as the Canadian winters are corrosive and it just helps to take the lugs off in the spring/fall during tire changeover for me. There is a lot of speculation that if you put on antiseize, that so called torque setting is not valid anymore....I'm not gonna get into the pros and cons. Others on here will probably bring it up. Just be aware. For me, I torque mine wheels to 88 ft.lbs with antiseize).

awesome, I just picked up a craftsman microtork wrench 3/8s for plugs and such. how about this 1/2 inch one from ecs? http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E92-335...All/ES2221244/

[MrRetep]

yup, always torque wrench. and check them periodically especially before/after spirited driving.

[gpb]

Originally Posted by morphius909

There is a lot of speculation that if you put on antiseize, that so called torque setting is not valid anymore

Not really any speculation, adding antiseize invalidates the torque value if the manufacturer didn't specify to use it. There *is* speculation as to whether it's needed or not, but I won't get into that as it's been a long time since I lived in the Rust Belt.

Torque is a measure of the sliding friction between the threads as you tighten the bolt. Add antiseize and you change the coefficient of friction, which means you risk over or under torquing the bolts if you go by the specified torque value.

If you must use something on the threads different from the manufacturer's specification, supposedly you can use the K values to figure the new/correct torque values. I'd be really cautious doing this and recheck torque periodically to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

[335BBS]

Originally Posted by straightcashhomie

How many people actually tighten their wheel lugs with a torque wrench?.. Just saw one of our members post photos in the photo section, very misfortunate. I never understood, if tightening lugs to a certain torque is so important why do dealers always over tighten the crap out of em..

I've never seen anyone (dealer or tire shop) NOT torque them. Is basic. Always the last step. Automatic.

[MrQuickR1]

88'#'s is the target??
I usually torque everything but never on the tires.
Wondering if this is part of the pulsing feeling I get when braking/driving
I guess I will start as soon as I swap the winter tires on

[Braumin]

Yes if you over torque you can warp the rotors. Unfortunately this is a one way process. Re-torqueing them now won't unwarp them and your pulsation will likely be with you until you change the rotors.

Lots of shops just use an impact to blast the lug nuts on. It's a terrible practice.

[talisman311]

I bought a harbor freight 1/2 for 20 on sale. I always use it to torque any lug nut.

[MrQuickR1]

Originally Posted by Braumin

Yes if you over torque you can warp the rotors. Unfortunately this is a one way process. Re-torqueing them now won't unwarp them and your pulsation will likely be with you until you change the rotors.

Lots of shops just use an impact to blast the lug nuts on. It's a terrible practice.

That sucks, they're brand new rotors too lol. Oh well looks like I'll be doing brakes again this Spring

[zzzbullseye]

Originally Posted by straightcashhomie

awesome, I just picked up a craftsman microtork wrench 3/8s for plugs and such. how about this 1/2 inch one from ecs? http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E92-335...All/ES2221244/

This is the wrench I purchased and use. It has a very solid feel and adjusts easily and precisely. Initially, I purchased one from AutoZone for ~$50 that was similar to the one in your link, and it was junk. You typically get what you pay for in tools. Also, keep in mind that ideally, the target torque reading for the given usage should fall roughly in the middle of the tool's capability...so don't be tempted to buy a 30-250 ft. lb. wrench as more capacity in this instance isn't necessarily better.

[ken1137]

Yes, I always use a torque wrench for the final fastening. I bought a nice one from BavAuto. I also use an impact wrench (Ingersoll-rand) to remove the lugs once loosened with a breaker bar, and to mount the lugs to about 70 Ft lbs. The final target is 90 Ft lbs with the torque wrench.

[dcat151]

I always use a torque wrench. I try to get any shop that's working on my car to do so too, with mixed success.