Wheel lug torque
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More Turbo
Joined: Apr 2009
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Wheel lug torque
Hey guys I looked on AllData for wheel lug torque and it says 165 ft lbs. I have read other forums and they say around 100. 165 sounds a little extreme. I have stock wheels and an 8 bolt pattern. should I go with 165 or a little lower?
-AJ
-AJ
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2009
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From: Trona, CA
If you're not towing I think 100-130 would be fine. I run mine at 120-130. The spec is 165 from what I read, but that's just like running E-rated tires and 80PSI...for "just in case" you decide to haul 10 tons.
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Joined: Mar 2010
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From: Harrisburg NC
Is it bad for them to be that tight? i mean personally i dont want my tire to fall off when im rollin down the road. I dont know how tight i get them i just hammer them all some with a impact and go by feel
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Mesa AZ
I use 150 ft/lbs as well. I figured the high figure was because of alloy wheels. I always imagined steel wheels would require less torque to remain tight.
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More Turbo
Joined: Apr 2009
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well i do know if they arent torqued properly and just impacted on you can warp rotars which I have seen on alot of vehicles. Ill go on the high side and do about 130 or so. When I saw 165 I almost fell over.
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Joined: May 2004
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From: Central Coast of CA
I disagree.
Torque specs for F150's with 14mm lugs are 150ft lbs.
Towing or not, Ford's torque specs are 165ft lbs.
I always use a two-step torque method. 80 - 85ft lbs first, then 165.
Stewart
Torque specs for F150's with 14mm lugs are 150ft lbs.
run mine at 120-130. The spec is 165 from what I read, but that's just like running E-rated tires and 80PSI...for "just in case" you decide to haul 10 tons.
I always use a two-step torque method. 80 - 85ft lbs first, then 165.
Stewart
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Brett Foote
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Joined: Jul 2009
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From: Trona, CA
You can run them at whatever you want. Specs also say run 75PSI on my F250 and we all know that leads to ridiculously uneven tire wear and harsh ride if you're not towing. I never said the spec was ONLY for towing, only that it was spec'd that way so that someone who was towing would still be ok. Like I implied, manufacturers do certain things to cover their backside, especially after Ford had the Firestone debacle. Tire pressures and lug torque is among those IMO. I haven't had a problem running mine at 128, and my friend runs his '10 PSD at 100 with no problems, even towing light-moderate. I have never heard why Ford increased it from 150 to 165 and I can fathom no situations where a lug would back out even at 130lb-ft, loaded or not. The local tire shop works on lots of trucks and only does 90, and has been in business for decades. Haven't seen many 3 wheeled trucks yet.
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Joined: May 2004
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From: Central Coast of CA
Thanks! You can too brother! 
Ford doesn't set tire pressures, tire manufacturers do. Even then, it's usually listed as a max pressure.
I never said you did. I just said whether a person is towing or not, the specs are 165ft lbs.
You can justify it any way you want bro, i'm not arguing with ya, just disagreeing is all. Don't take offense because don't agree with you.
I didn't even say you were wrong, just that I disagree, and then I qualified why I disagree.
I didn't know they had.
Ok, but does that make it right, safe, or ok just because nothing bad has happened yet?
I'm just sayin' bro, I prefer to err on the side of safety and follow Ford specs, that's all.
Stewart
Specs also say run 75PSI on my F250 and we all know that leads to ridiculously uneven tire wear and harsh ride if you're not towing.
I never said the spec was ONLY for towing, only that it was spec'd that way so that someone who was towing would still be ok.
Like I implied, manufacturers do certain things to cover their backside, especially after Ford had the Firestone debacle. Tire pressures and lug torque is among those IMO. I haven't had a problem running mine at 128, and my friend runs his '10 PSD at 100 with no problems, even towing light-moderate.
I didn't even say you were wrong, just that I disagree, and then I qualified why I disagree.
I have never heard why Ford increased it from 150 to 165
The local tire shop works on lots of trucks and only does 90, and has been in business for decades. Haven't seen many 3 wheeled trucks yet.
I'm just sayin' bro, I prefer to err on the side of safety and follow Ford specs, that's all.
Stewart
Senior User
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From: Trona, CA
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 29,380
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From: Central Coast of CA
No they do not. Tire manufacturers list a max pressure on the sidewall. All vehicles sold in the US for decades now have been required to list a recommended tire pressure on the VIN sticker in the door jamb. That number is not set by any tire manufacturer, it is set by the vehicle manufacturer.
Also, to use your words (not sure if it's 100% correct), the pressure is "recommended" not specified.
Torque specifications are not a recommendation.
Besides, whether it's Ford or a tire manufacturer, it's understood that tire pressures are not static and are adjustable within a range, unlike toque specs.
Most people have been in accidents in their lifetime, they do not consider driving unsafe.
Since nothing bad has happened "yet" in their decades of existence as a tire shop - yes, I tend to qualify that as right, safe, ok, and every other good adjective out there
I don't.
Stewart
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Joined: Aug 2004
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From: North Central Rural Sask.
When I worked at the tire shop a few years ago, we torqued them down to 150, all the time. I never bother with the 80lbs then 150 lbs either, it was always 150, then a second go around (sometimes 3rd) at 150. When you change studs, the studs will have a torque recommendation that may or may not differ as well.
Another thing to remember for the guys that have aluminum rims(steel rims wont hurt either!) is to take a wire brush, or wire wheel to the back of your rim, and where it bolts on on the truck, and make sure there is no corrosion, rust, etc. All to often that is missed, and I have seen the damage it can do! Also, dont forget your retorque!
Tire pressures also can vary so much. If you want your tires to always be at the best pressures, you have to constantly change the pressure for what your doing(if the truck is empty, loaded, etc.)
Another thing to remember for the guys that have aluminum rims(steel rims wont hurt either!) is to take a wire brush, or wire wheel to the back of your rim, and where it bolts on on the truck, and make sure there is no corrosion, rust, etc. All to often that is missed, and I have seen the damage it can do! Also, dont forget your retorque!
Tire pressures also can vary so much. If you want your tires to always be at the best pressures, you have to constantly change the pressure for what your doing(if the truck is empty, loaded, etc.)
Have a nice Beer!!!
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: WA Resident
Ain't that the truth!!!