Lug nut torque procedures
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2012
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From: Cedar Rapids, IA
Lug nut torque procedures
I wanted to mention to this forum the importance of periodically checking lug nut torque. For the DRW, the owner's manual says to check the torque at 100 miles and again at 500 miles of new vehicle operation and after any wheel disturbance. The torque wrench should be set to 165ft-lb.
I think this represents the bare minimum of what we should do. First of all, I should have checked mine when I took it home because at the 100-mile check some of the lug nuts took over 3/4 turn to reach the specified torque... scary. At 500 miles, up to 1/4 turn was observed. I checked again at 1000, 3000, and 5000 miles and they still needed to turn a little!
The bolts stretch a little and the wheel/hub mating surface settles, so on something this heavy and expensive it's critical that we stay vigilant about periodic checks.
Also tighning 32 lug nuts to 165ft-lbs is a good workout for the biceps and triceps!
Carl
I think this represents the bare minimum of what we should do. First of all, I should have checked mine when I took it home because at the 100-mile check some of the lug nuts took over 3/4 turn to reach the specified torque... scary. At 500 miles, up to 1/4 turn was observed. I checked again at 1000, 3000, and 5000 miles and they still needed to turn a little!
The bolts stretch a little and the wheel/hub mating surface settles, so on something this heavy and expensive it's critical that we stay vigilant about periodic checks.
Also tighning 32 lug nuts to 165ft-lbs is a good workout for the biceps and triceps!
Carl
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The lugs get just a drop of oil on between the washer and the nut.
It's a pain, but I torque to 80, 120, 165, 165.
I use a 12" impact extension for reach and to minimize twist of the extension.
I also use deep impact socket for the same reasons.
And you are right, it is a pain when doing all 4 wheels.
It's a pain, but I torque to 80, 120, 165, 165.
I use a 12" impact extension for reach and to minimize twist of the extension.
I also use deep impact socket for the same reasons.
And you are right, it is a pain when doing all 4 wheels.
Cargo Master
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Using an impact extension I would think next to none. But, it doesn't really matter because you need the extension to access the nutsl.
My personal opinion is that if it is off 10 pounds either way it doesn't really matter. More important is that all the lugs are torqued equally. And that is the real pitfall with using a gun to install the lugs.
20+ years in the automotive light truck business and I never used torque wrenches on wheels, and never had a problem.
I have used the T wrench on my own vehicles with alloy wheels since buying my first camper.
My personal opinion is that if it is off 10 pounds either way it doesn't really matter. More important is that all the lugs are torqued equally. And that is the real pitfall with using a gun to install the lugs.
20+ years in the automotive light truck business and I never used torque wrenches on wheels, and never had a problem.
I have used the T wrench on my own vehicles with alloy wheels since buying my first camper.
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2012
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From: Cedar Rapids, IA
It depends on if you are using an impact wrench or a plain old torque wrench. If you were using a calibrated impact, then the extension would soften the blows, and there are in fact calibrated extensions of various stiffness parameters that can deliver a semi-controlled torque.
If you are using a hand torque wrench, which is the preferred method, the extension does not affect the torque in any way, regardless of stiffness.
Carl
If you are using a hand torque wrench, which is the preferred method, the extension does not affect the torque in any way, regardless of stiffness.
Carl
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From: North Central Washington
OK thanks guys, I do use a standard 1/2" Snap-On click type torque wrench. I just had it in my mind that using an extension would change the torque value. But I guess tight is tight, I'll have to think about that a little.
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Am I correct in assuming that using an extension on a torque wrench would lessen the torque?
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Brett Foote
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From: North Central Washington
Well I just checked mine and I could not tell very little if any deference. I first torqued the front lug nuts with a 12" extension and then rechecked them without the extension. I should add that I don't think it would be a good idea to build and torque a High Performance motor with a 12" extension. 
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Putting an extension on a torque wrench most definitely changes the applied torque value!
Lets say you are using a 14" torque wrench. Then you add a 12" extension. You then set the torque wrench for 165ft-lbs.
How much torque are you actually applying to the lug nuts?
306ft-lbs!!
Wayyy more than the 165ft-lbs spec!
Here's are two calculators to make sure you are applying the correct torque value:
Extensions Calculator « Support Library « Van F Belknap Company
http://www.norbar-usa.com/calculator...alculator.aspx
Lets say you are using a 14" torque wrench. Then you add a 12" extension. You then set the torque wrench for 165ft-lbs.
How much torque are you actually applying to the lug nuts?
306ft-lbs!!
Wayyy more than the 165ft-lbs spec!
Here's are two calculators to make sure you are applying the correct torque value:
Extensions Calculator « Support Library « Van F Belknap Company
http://www.norbar-usa.com/calculator...alculator.aspx
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 21,373
Likes: 8,084
From: North Central Washington
Putting an extension on a torque wrench most definitely changes the applied torque value!
Lets say you are using a 14" torque wrench. Then you add a 12" extension. You then set the torque wrench for 165ft-lbs.
How much torque are you actually applying to the lug nuts?
306ft-lbs!!
Wayyy more than the 165ft-lbs spec!
Here's are two calculators to make sure you are applying the correct torque value:
Extensions Calculator « Support Library « Van F Belknap Company
Torque Wrench Extension Calculator
Lets say you are using a 14" torque wrench. Then you add a 12" extension. You then set the torque wrench for 165ft-lbs.
How much torque are you actually applying to the lug nuts?
306ft-lbs!!
Wayyy more than the 165ft-lbs spec!
Here's are two calculators to make sure you are applying the correct torque value:
Extensions Calculator « Support Library « Van F Belknap Company
Torque Wrench Extension Calculator
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Nevermind, a right-angle extension doesn't change the torque value.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 193
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From: Cedar Rapids, IA
OK guys, putting an extension on the end of the torque wrench handle (between the handle and the hand) does not change the torque. Putting a depth extension between the torque wrench and the socket does not change the torque. I don't care if it's a mile long and twists 10 full turns, torque in = torque out. The only way to change the torque us to use a crow's foot or some other leverage-advantage extension between the torque wrench and the fastener.
Carl
Carl
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 193
Likes: 1
From: Cedar Rapids, IA
Putting an extension on a torque wrench most definitely changes the applied torque value!
Lets say you are using a 14" torque wrench. Then you add a 12" extension. You then set the torque wrench for 165ft-lbs.
How much torque are you actually applying to the lug nuts?
306ft-lbs!!
Wayyy more than the 165ft-lbs spec!
Here's are two calculators to make sure you are applying the correct torque value:
Extensions Calculator « Support Library « Van F Belknap Company
http://www.norbar-usa.com/calculator...alculator.aspx
Lets say you are using a 14" torque wrench. Then you add a 12" extension. You then set the torque wrench for 165ft-lbs.
How much torque are you actually applying to the lug nuts?
306ft-lbs!!
Wayyy more than the 165ft-lbs spec!
Here's are two calculators to make sure you are applying the correct torque value:
Extensions Calculator « Support Library « Van F Belknap Company
http://www.norbar-usa.com/calculator...alculator.aspx
Carl