Lug-Nut Warning
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2007
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Lug-Nut Warning
This would apply to the two-piece lug nuts (nut+washer) that Ford uses.
I have 120K on my '03, the aluminum factory wheels have been on several dozen times over it's life, brakes, tire rotation, other maint.
When I went to rotate this times I noticed a front lug nut half way off the stud. Others were a little loose. Since I use an air gun on the nuts, I know I just didn't forget to tighten it.
After examining the washer side that touches the aluminum wheel, I noticed that the ridges in the washer were smoothed in with aluminum; therefore the ridges weren't biting into the wheel anylonger. The aluminum came from the wheels.
I replaced all the lug nuts with new.
Just a note to keep in mind.
Steve
I have 120K on my '03, the aluminum factory wheels have been on several dozen times over it's life, brakes, tire rotation, other maint.
When I went to rotate this times I noticed a front lug nut half way off the stud. Others were a little loose. Since I use an air gun on the nuts, I know I just didn't forget to tighten it.
After examining the washer side that touches the aluminum wheel, I noticed that the ridges in the washer were smoothed in with aluminum; therefore the ridges weren't biting into the wheel anylonger. The aluminum came from the wheels.
I replaced all the lug nuts with new.
Just a note to keep in mind.
Steve
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 5,859
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From: USA
Lugnuts used on the Superduty should be tightened with a Torquewrench to 150 ft/lbs back in early yrs
Now the 09's say 165 ft/lbs.
Impact guns used without torque sticks can warp a rotor if not careful.
Just a FYI
Rich
Now the 09's say 165 ft/lbs.
Impact guns used without torque sticks can warp a rotor if not careful.
Just a FYI
Rich
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: San Diego, CA
99-03 are 150-165lb-ft per lug.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2007
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Seems the determining factor would be the number of times torqued, not the amount of torque used.
I'm still using the same lug nuts on the Freightliner that came with it. 10 years ago. 400 or so ft-lbs of torque on each one.
-blaine
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Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: San Diego, CA
I've always torqued to spec in the correct pattern (in 2 or 3 setting increments to seat the wheel on the hub). I sometimes get movement out of some of the lugs when I check the torques about 50 miles later. After that, no problems. Never had one loosen let alone back off.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2009
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From: Greenwood, SC
Of course it depends on the number of times they get used. It also depends on the quality of hardware. I know these are good trucks but I don't know how solid the nuts are. (that was kind of funny)
If the OP felt lack of confidence, as would I, I would just assume put new nuts on the truck. (still funny)
If the OP felt lack of confidence, as would I, I would just assume put new nuts on the truck. (still funny)
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2008
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From: Az
Thanks
Logistics Pro
Joined: Aug 2007
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From: Millersburg, OH
Basically you torque the nuts in stages. I always do it this way. First stage is to 75 ft/lbs following the proper tightening sequence (i.e. in a crossing pattern). Once you get all 8 nuts tighten to 75 ft/lbs you repeat the sequence at 125 ft/lbs for the second stage. Once you get all 8 nuts tighten to 125 ft/lbs you repeat the sequence at 155 ft/lbs for the third and finally stage. I always go around in a circle a fourth time to make sure they are all at 155 ft/lbs.
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,825
Likes: 2
From: Az
Basically you torque the nuts in stages. I always do it this way. First stage is to 75 ft/lbs following the proper tightening sequence (i.e. in a crossing pattern). Once you get all 8 nuts tighten to 75 ft/lbs you repeat the sequence at 125 ft/lbs for the second stage. Once you get all 8 nuts tighten to 125 ft/lbs you repeat the sequence at 155 ft/lbs for the third and finally stage. I always go around in a circle a fourth time to make sure they are all at 155 ft/lbs.
Thanks alot
Reps sent
