Lug nut torque procedures
New User
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
You don't lose an ounce. As long as the socket is in a straight line with the head of the torque wrench, no loss occurs. If you use a crows foot or something that extends the distance between the handle and the head, then it makes a difference. Torque away.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 162
Likes: 9
Yes, an extension will alter the final torque. However, if you have a quality digital torque wrench you will see the readout to insure that the proper torque value is achieved.
On all of my other vehicles, I torque to final value in the air since they use bolts and do not require high torque. However, it seems even the wheel can become off center while lowering it while the nuts are loose on the truck - most of the weight will be on the lower bolts. Next time, I will torque while in the air just to be on the safe side.
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,598
Likes: 5
From: Maryland
I put the lug nuts on hand tight in the proper sequence, then use my impact to seat the wheel. Then, I lower the truck and torque to 165. I use a specific lug nut socket that has the reach and does not require an extension.
Yes, an extension will alter the final torque. However, if you have a quality digital torque wrench you will see the readout to insure that the proper torque value is achieved.
On all of my other vehicles, I torque to final value in the air since they use bolts and do not require high torque. However, it seems even the wheel can become off center while lowering it while the nuts are loose on the truck - most of the weight will be on the lower bolts. Next time, I will torque while in the air just to be on the safe side.
Yes, an extension will alter the final torque. However, if you have a quality digital torque wrench you will see the readout to insure that the proper torque value is achieved.
On all of my other vehicles, I torque to final value in the air since they use bolts and do not require high torque. However, it seems even the wheel can become off center while lowering it while the nuts are loose on the truck - most of the weight will be on the lower bolts. Next time, I will torque while in the air just to be on the safe side.
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 25,479
Likes: 742
From: Isanti, MN
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 162
Likes: 9
All the BMW's and Porsches I have owned are hubcentric and you can easily put the wheel off center if not properly torqued down. It does not take much movement of the wheel to make the car slightly shake as a result. I have had quite a few cars at my shop for this very reason.
Also, put a wheel on your truck with the nuts hand tight and you will see the wheel move up as you lower the truck. The tolerances are not high enough for what you describe, even with a hubcentric wheel.
Also, put a wheel on your truck with the nuts hand tight and you will see the wheel move up as you lower the truck. The tolerances are not high enough for what you describe, even with a hubcentric wheel.
More Turbo
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 618
Likes: 69
I know I'm going to stir the pot with this one, but what do you think about putting never seize on the threads?
I believe it provides a more consistent clamping force vice running the lugs down on dry threads. But, you have to be sure it does not come into contact with the friction face (inside face of the washer) of the lug washer or cone part of the lug if using cone lugs.
I did some testing a few years back and getting never seize on that friction interface would drive up the clamping forces (stresses on the stud) significantly, upwards of 300% based on the measured stretch of the stud.
I also back off the torque values 10% due to the decreased friction from using never seize the threads.
After living in salty environments, I became a believer in never seizing every bolt/nut that came off my vehicles.
It's worked fine for me 20+ years and several of my vehicles have wheels that are hub centric.
Adam
I believe it provides a more consistent clamping force vice running the lugs down on dry threads. But, you have to be sure it does not come into contact with the friction face (inside face of the washer) of the lug washer or cone part of the lug if using cone lugs.
I did some testing a few years back and getting never seize on that friction interface would drive up the clamping forces (stresses on the stud) significantly, upwards of 300% based on the measured stretch of the stud.
I also back off the torque values 10% due to the decreased friction from using never seize the threads.
After living in salty environments, I became a believer in never seizing every bolt/nut that came off my vehicles.
It's worked fine for me 20+ years and several of my vehicles have wheels that are hub centric.
Adam
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 6,801
Likes: 7
From: DFW, TX-GoldCanyon, AZ
I know I'm going to stir the pot with this one, but what do you think about putting never seize on the threads?
I believe it provides a more consistent clamping force vice running the lugs down on dry threads. But, you have to be sure it does not come into contact with the friction face (inside face of the washer) of the lug washer or cone part of the lug if using cone lugs.
I did some testing a few years back and getting never seize on that friction interface would drive up the clamping forces (stresses on the stud) significantly, upwards of 300% based on the measured stretch of the stud.
I also back off the torque values 10% due to the decreased friction from using never seize the threads.
After living in salty environments, I became a believer in never seizing every bolt/nut that came off my vehicles.
It's worked fine for me 20+ years and several of my vehicles have wheels that are hub centric.
Adam
I believe it provides a more consistent clamping force vice running the lugs down on dry threads. But, you have to be sure it does not come into contact with the friction face (inside face of the washer) of the lug washer or cone part of the lug if using cone lugs.
I did some testing a few years back and getting never seize on that friction interface would drive up the clamping forces (stresses on the stud) significantly, upwards of 300% based on the measured stretch of the stud.
I also back off the torque values 10% due to the decreased friction from using never seize the threads.
After living in salty environments, I became a believer in never seizing every bolt/nut that came off my vehicles.
It's worked fine for me 20+ years and several of my vehicles have wheels that are hub centric.
Adam
Torque specs are usually rated for clean and dry threads, not oiled or even lightly oiled or with an anti-seize agent..
I only advise lubricant on mating surfaces to reduce galling. Never use it or advise its use on threads..
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 6,801
Likes: 7
From: DFW, TX-GoldCanyon, AZ
Torque wrenches are not calibrated with extensions and extensions will alter your torque reading slightly depending upon the length and hardness of the extension. I use the shortest "Impact" rated extension possible and consider it sufficient.
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