Front outer tie rod torque procedure
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 162
Likes: 55
From: Raleigh, NC
Front outer tie rod torque procedure
Yes, I've done a search but don't see what I'm looking for. I understand the torque specc on the nut for the outer tie tod end is 15 ft lbs. then tighten 160ﾟ, then 33 ft lbs.
However, if one tightens the castle nut 160ﾟ after the 15, 33 ft lbs has well been exceeded. What's the point in stating 33 ft lbs when it's probably already at 60 ft lbs?
I'm assuming the 160ﾟ of tightening pulls the tapered stud up into the spindle. I wondered then if you're supposed to loosen the nut, then tighten to 33 ft lbs.
However, if one tightens the castle nut 160ﾟ after the 15, 33 ft lbs has well been exceeded. What's the point in stating 33 ft lbs when it's probably already at 60 ft lbs?
I'm assuming the 160ﾟ of tightening pulls the tapered stud up into the spindle. I wondered then if you're supposed to loosen the nut, then tighten to 33 ft lbs.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 3,956
Likes: 520
From: Da U.P.
I just crank 'em down to German torque. If you don't have a bonzai impact gun, give it the ugga duggas until it stops. That said, they probably want you to crack the nut loose after the 160 and set it back down to 33ft/lb. You can feel when it doesn't want to go anymore, that's about the point you stop. Just enough tension on the fasteners so you don't induce any irreversible stretching.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 323
Likes: 68
From: Sacramento California
33# is the minimum torque to check for. 15#_160°_then verify 33# torque. And after all that if the castle nut doesn't line up with the cotter pin hole its acceptable to go forward to line it up. I guess just a long way of saying 33# torque verification after 160° rotation.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 87,315
Likes: 1,585
From: Western NY
IIRC, the reason for the funky torque procedure, is because the spindles are aluminum, which can distort, if the tie rods are overtightened. Secondly, again, IIRC, these are not the traditional "castle nuts" with cotter pins. They're a hex nut with some sort of "crush washer" built into them..
