Thread: The torque debate...

Going to get new tires this afternoon. No, not because of some wicked snow storm. Things are still dry here in the southwest. My old ones are showing cords.

To anyone that works at a tire center;

What's the best (most tactful) way to ask that your wheels are properly torqued, and not just hammered on full bore with the impact? I understand these guys work hard, and I don't want to come across as a jerk. Just want it done "buy the book."

Thanks!

if the shop is using the torque sticks like they are supposed to they can hammer them on all they want...

Any good tire shop and /or mechanic will use a torque wrench on wheels.

Scenario #1.....
You: Do you guys use a torque wrench?
Shop: Yes
You: You are my hero.
Shop: Easy sir.


Scenario #2.....
You: Do you guys use a torque wrench?
Shop: No.
You: Could you?
Shop: Ok.


Just ask them!

I think most guys use torque sticks. Like Nick said they can hammer all they want but whatever that torque stick is set for is all the tighter that lug will go. Eliminates the need for a torque wrench. Also speeds up the process.

Seems pretty straight forward. I suppose I'm over thinking it.

I struggle handing my keys over to someone else. I have trust issues.

How many people on here torque there lug nuts?

Just check them when you get home. I re-check EVERYTHING that others touch on my rides.

Originally Posted by Slick2500

How many people on here torque there lug nuts?

Guilty.

Originally Posted by Slick2500

How many people on here torque there lug nuts?

Every time.

Originally Posted by Slick2500

How many people on here torque there lug nuts?

I don't!
I just learned after breaking a handful studs when they are tighten enough

Never torqued a lug on a car in my life. At work on a semi/bus/box truck though you can bet your ass I do. 450ft lbs absolute minimum.

I try to. Or I at least guestimate it pretty well. I have forgotten once or twice to get home after the next time I drive it I was wondering what that shaking was.... *Retightens finger loose lugnuts by hand....*

Never in 35 years of driving and at anticipated high speeds ; ) have I torqued a lug nut...

I just recently delt with a broken wheel stud because the tire shop cross threaded the lug nut. Needless to say I got them to pay for a new wheel stud that was replaced at the dealership, $145.

nut goes on, impact follows babababab done. I just dont let the impact pact away

Originally Posted by HighOctaneRacing

Fixed!

I torque all lug nuts because it's the right thing to do

How did I miss that one? Stupid English and having 500000000000000000000000000000000000000 words that sound the same butt mean different things.

Some torque stick may be rated for 100 ft lbs, but if you only let it go blap blap a few times after it's on all the way it's likely not at 100 ft lbs yet. Several of our sticks do this, they tend to be around 90-95 ft lbs which is still fine but when we double check every lug nut with a wrench they move a little less than 1/4th turn.

And you can over power a torque sticks rating aswell, really easy with a powerful air impact.