Wheels bolts coming loose

TractorLegend · Apr 11, 2006

Yeah, I saw those torque wrench calibrators in a Snap-On catalog before---i think they range fom a few to several thousand dollars---relegated for government agencies and contractors I'd think.
Theres another positive benefit to using torque wrenches on wheel nuts. You can avoid some warping of brake rotors by not "stretching" the metals on todays newer, lighter workings.
It wasn't as critical on older, heavier iron.
As for the statement about overtorqueing leading to alignment-that is false info. Lug nut torque doesn't affect alignment unless the wheel is falling off.
I think there are some shops that may be just using air guns to rattle them down and they shouldn't.
I've had customers complain (likely due to a weak arm or poor loosening tools) that we overtightened lugs when they were verified with a torque wrench after say the customer got a flat tire.
Mechanics seem to be easy targets. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif

Jagmandave · Apr 11, 2006

I'd recommend wire brushing the rust then just putting a thin coating of axle grease on those hubs. I've seen stuff rust right thru the antisieze compound, it's really more for threads and shafts and such, plus too and also - it's a real bugger to get off your hands!

Trev · Apr 11, 2006

( I'd recommend wire brushing the rust then just putting a thin coating of axle grease on those hubs. I've seen stuff rust right thru the antisieze compound, it's really more for threads and shafts and such, plus too and also - it's a real bugger to get off your hands! )

Well, then I got lucky.. because that's exactly what I did.. smeared some JD high-pressure lithium lube on each before I installed them.

How long does it take for an over-torqued wheel/rim/rotor to permanently warp after being over-tightened? They did it last night.. as far as I know. Of course I wasn't allowed to observe. I should look at each one and re-torque it.. but I hope I'm not too late. <sigh>

I'll do that tonight. And hope for the best..

Tks for all the info! This forum is so cool for finding out the real deal on subjects!

Bob

RobertN · Apr 11, 2006

I have seen two scenarios from over-tightened lugs.

1. Can't get them off... Happened to me once. Had rims put on, went to rotate them but couldn't break the lugs loose with my 1/2" impact or small breaker bar. My Grandfather had a flat on his pickup once; could only loosen 1 of the 8 lug nuts. Had to call a tire service to come out with a big breaker bar...

If they are too tight, the average lug wrench from a car won't budge them; it just busts you knuckles.

2. Had warped rotor from over tighteneing once...

I run them down snug with air, then go over them in pattern twice with a torque wrench. Check again after 25-50 miles...

Trev · Apr 11, 2006

( I run them down snug with air, then go over them in pattern twice with a torque wrench. Check again after 25-50 miles... )

When you check them after the 25-50 miles, how often do you find that they need further tightening? Just trying to get a feel for this.

Thanks,
Bob

1bush2hog · Apr 11, 2006

I have never seen steel wheels that needed to be checked after 25-50 miles if the wheel and lug nuts were put back on correctly and tightened in proper sequence - guess I have been lucky /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

I have never had this problem on my aluminum wheels either except when they were new.

However, if the lugs are not properly seated in the rim, or are not properly tightened, then they will loosen.

JimR · Apr 11, 2006

I too have never re-checked the tightness of a lug nut once they are on and tight. My air wrench gives them 4 burps once they are on and that's it. I have found that to be around 90-100 pounds.

Jagmandave · Apr 11, 2006

Old VW beetles were real sensitive to wheel torque, if you didn't use a torque wrench sometimes you'd get one heck of a vibration - loosening and retorquing usually fixed it.

Chances are if you just loosen and retorque you haven't suffered any permanent damage............

RobertN · Apr 11, 2006

I have not had them loosen after the checking at the first 25-50 miles.

Trev · Apr 11, 2006

( I have not had them loosen after the checking at the first 25-50 miles. )

Sorry, I worded my question poorly. I was wondering how often you had found them loose *at the point* of the 25-50 mile check. Not after the check, but during the check. I would presume you wouldn't bother with the check unless you had found it necessary at least once..?

Thanks...