Torque for Lug Nuts?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 2,865
Likes: 1
From: I may be getting old but I refuse to grow up
A guy I know ran a wheel nut through a steel wheel with an electric impact not watching what he was doing
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 2,008
Likes: 38
From: Space Coast Gator Territory
Years ago I bought a set of tires for my truck at Sams Club. I was going on a trip, so incase I needed to change a flat on the road I tried to loosen the lug nuts with my t-bar nut wrench. With all my mite I couldn't loosen the nuts and I could bench press over three hundred pounds at the time. I went back to Sam's and put a $20 bill on the counter and told the manager I'd give it to his strongest mechanic, or the guy who mounted the wheels. All they had to do is get the wheels off using my t-bar lug wrench. In addition, I wanted them to replace five of the s/s lug nuts they damaged through excessive force. After they checked them out I kept my $20 and they compensated me for the damage. The next time I was in the tire dept they had changed the way they tightened lug nuts and used a pre-set torgue wrench to finish. That lasted until another manager took over and it was back to the old way. I was told they were required by law to tighten all lug nuts at 110 lb.ft of torque. I always check the lugnuts and oil pan drain plug after anyone had done any work. Yes, they screw-up the drain plug also. I guess it is hard to find good help!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,336
Likes: 1
From: North Bellmore Ny
St. Jude Donor '09
Years ago I bought a set of tires for my truck at Sams Club. I was going on a trip, so incase I needed to change a flat on the road I tried to loosen the lug nuts with my t-bar nut wrench. With all my mite I couldn't loosen the nuts and I could bench press over three hundred pounds at the time. I went back to Sam's and put a $20 bill on the counter and told the manager I'd give it to his strongest mechanic, or the guy who mounted the wheels. All they had to do is get the wheels off using my t-bar lug wrench. In addition, I wanted them to replace five of the s/s lug nuts they damaged through excessive force. After they checked them out I kept my $20 and they compensated me for the damage. The next time I was in the tire dept they had changed the way they tightened lug nuts and used a pre-set torgue wrench to finish. That lasted until another manager took over and it was back to the old way. I was told they were required by law to tighten all lug nuts at 110 lb.ft of torque. I always check the lugnuts and oil pan drain plug after anyone had done any work. Yes, they screw-up the drain plug also. I guess it is hard to find good help!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 946
Likes: 0
From: Lake Geneva WI
The oil drain plug is the worst with big commercial companies such as, sears, wal-mart, sams club, etc. someone should show these guys that the torque of an oil drain plug & filter is not until you cant tighten anymore. try to do any and all work myself, If i have to take it in I take it to a guy I know well and understands the care I'm asking for.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,108
Likes: 0
From: Sebastian Florida
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,305
Likes: 2
From: Lewisburg WV
thegazman
If you torque your lug nuts unevenly you can warp your rotors when they are hot and you hit a puddle of water. Not matter what your tightening philosophy is all your lugs nuts should be torqued exactly same.
Instructor
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 128
Likes: 1
From: Lake Geneva WI
Years ago I bought a set of tires for my truck at Sams Club. I was going on a trip, so incase I needed to change a flat on the road I tried to loosen the lug nuts with my t-bar nut wrench. With all my mite I couldn't loosen the nuts and I could bench press over three hundred pounds at the time.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 264
Likes: 1
From: west central INDIANA
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