Lug nut torque specs?
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
I tightened lug nuts with the old tight enough method for years. Never had a problem. Then I bought a new truck many years ago, and swapped tires and rims. Tightened them like normal, star pattern, checked all twice with similar torque, blah blah. Few weeks later I noticed two of my 8 lugs were busted off on one wheel. One other wheel had one busted. Checked the remaining ones and and many were loose. When torqued again, I spun off 5 or 6 studs. My truck didn't drive weird or anything but the vibration from use under a heavier vehicle obviously did not play well together. I bought a torque wrench and haven't had problems since.
On lighter vehicles, it probably isn't as much of an issue but heavier ones obviously are. It could have ended badly.
On lighter vehicles, it probably isn't as much of an issue but heavier ones obviously are. It could have ended badly.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 812
Likes: 4
I just re-read all the posts. I missed the part where it turned into a pissing match.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 19,693
Likes: 12,818
From: Wyoming
I just checked my owner's manual to verify that 165 lb ft was also for the SRW, and it is. I checked all my lug nuts tonight. All of them were to spec (within the margin of error on my Craftsman torque wrench).
21mm socket fits the lug nuts.
21mm socket fits the lug nuts.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 495
Likes: 6
From: Snohomish, WA
The torque spec isn't so vehicle specific as you might think. It is hardware specifiic to the tensile strength and where the yield point is in the fastener. The most accurate measure of the proper clamping would be to measure the stretch of the stud, that way any inconsistencies with thread condition and contamination of the threads is accounted for. Too much work for so little payout, so we use torque. Can you imagine using a dial indicator while tightening the nut? PITA
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 2,244
Likes: 555
its to bad that more people dont see the light. ive got several torq wrenches for the reason you mentioned . " because ive never had a failure when its tightened correctly"
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,304
Likes: 177
From: Vancouver, BC
I bring a breaker bar and a torque wrench with me on long trips. I would rather bring them and not need them than need them and not bring them!
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Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: Houston, Texas
no chance each wheel/tire weighs 175+. Ive got 22" forged wheels, they weigh 46lbs each without the tire. Tire weighs more than the rim, but more likely they are 120-ish each (wheel/tire).
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 495
Likes: 6
From: Snohomish, WA
Are you sure about that? Mine are aftermarket STEEL wheels with a higher weight rating than yours!
Laughing Gas
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 906
Likes: 107
From: Seattle area
65lb Rickson wheels plus 95 lb toyo M608Z (285) = 160 lbs per wheel/tire.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 495
Likes: 6
From: Snohomish, WA
I stand corrected, I know I can really feel the higher unsprung weight. I was going by shipping weight minus the pallet, which I missed by 60 lbs total.
Fleet Owner
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 21,195
Likes: 306
From: Near Salmon Arm BC
Also a torque wrench for reinstalling the tires and torque specs on a decal for the truck and the trailers inside the door post near the other specs like gvwr etc.
Company rule is if you need to use a spare on the truck or trailer, stop after approximately 15 minutes of driving and retorque.
Safety first!
As an AME i am in the habit of using a CALIBRATED torque wrench on almost ever fastener I touch.
So I like your style
New User
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Torque wrench for 165ft.lbs
Every company pickup truck has a long handled ratchet, 6 inch extension, and sockets to fit the pickups wheel nuts and the nuts on the different trailers they pull frequently.
Also a torque wrench for reinstalling the tires and torque specs on a decal for the truck and the trailers inside the door post near the other specs like gvwr etc.
Company rule is if you need to use a spare on the truck or trailer, stop after approximately 15 minutes of driving and retorque.
Safety first!
As an AME i am in the habit of using a CALIBRATED torque wrench on almost ever fastener I touch.
So I like your style
Also a torque wrench for reinstalling the tires and torque specs on a decal for the truck and the trailers inside the door post near the other specs like gvwr etc.
Company rule is if you need to use a spare on the truck or trailer, stop after approximately 15 minutes of driving and retorque.
Safety first!
As an AME i am in the habit of using a CALIBRATED torque wrench on almost ever fastener I touch.
So I like your style