Lug nutz

[Scrounger]

Anyone have a recommendation on how much to torque the lugs on a 14" trailer wheel? 90 pounds?

 

[Builder]

Anyone have a recommendation on how much to torque the lugs on a 14" trailer wheel? 90 pounds?

Best thing is to call manufacturer. Someone gives you the wrong value and you could be at risk of a great deal of damage.

 

[Diamondpilot]

If its a 5 lug wheel and has standard egg corn 1/2" lugs the recommended value is 110-120 Ft Lbs. But like builder said, check your trailers literature or call the manufacture.

Chris

 

[Willl]

Does anybody actually use a torque wrench on lug nuts ?

The only time I pull my torque wrench out is for head bolts, everything else is by the grunt system.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Does anybody actually use a torque wrench on lug nuts ?

The only time I pull my torque wrench out is for head bolts, everything else is by the grunt system.

I do on all the trailers I pull, which is as many as 75 different ones per year. I have been bitten. It actually lives in my truck with a 6 ton bottle jack and a 4 way lug wrench. For the torque wrench I bought a set of flip flop lug nut sockets from Harbor Freight.

Chris

 

[Builder]

Does anybody actually use a torque wrench on lug nuts ?

The only time I pull my torque wrench out is for head bolts, everything else is by the grunt system.

Most definately. Trucks, trailers, whatever. Tq wrench must be used.

 

[Chuck K.]

Have to agree with Willl on this one.. All my years as a mechanic from heavy line ending up in drivability.. I only used a torque wrench on heads, mains and rod caps. and to check pinion bearing load (inch pound torque). And I never had a wheel fall off or any other major malfunction.. Maybe a few more when I first started but once your familiar with your tools etc. you really dont have time while working on comission..

If ya wanna take it to limit and get technical there is probablly torque specs for headlight ring.. If you have to desire to torque them

 

[Bird]

As the old saying goes, "Do as I say, not as I do." Like Willl, I've never used a torque wrench on lug nuts, but I also know that DiamondPilot and Builder are right. You ought to use one.

 

[Diamondpilot]

I think it is getting more and more important. I can not tell you how many complete wheels come off along the highway I live 1.5 miles from. I bet I see one a week and it usually seems to be the front drivers side. Not sure why but on the left side things are always trying to loosen themselves.

I have a feeling it has to do with the new light weight aluminum and other material wheels. They are making them lighter to improve the ride and they are getting bigger at the same time. Larger leads to more loads. Heck you are seeing 18" wheels with only 4 lugs on cars like Civics from the factory.

This thread made me think the other day about my lugs. I put new front brakes on my Saturn a month back and torqued them to spec, 96 FT LB, I did 100. Anyway I ran the wrench around them again and gave 5 of the 8 total front lugs a half a turn or so. I attribute this to the new rotors I had put on but either way they were slightly loose. I do know when I go to my tire store now days they always use a torque wrench and then give you a paper with all the specs, including torque, and recommend you bring it back in 200 miles or less for a re-torque.

Chris

 

[Willl]

I do know when I go to my tire store now days they always use a torque wrench and then give you a paper with all the specs, including torque, and recommend you bring it back in 200 miles or less for a re-torque.

That's only for the lawyers.