Do you use a torque wrench for lug nuts? Yes/No

[khooper]

Originally Posted by BlackSentra07

I was browsing my manual yesterday and it said to use 83 ft/lbs of torque for the lug nuts. Reason I ask is I plan on rotating my tires myself when my maintenance schedule calls for it.

So, who follows this and uses a torque wrench? Or who simply tightens the lug nuts until you feel right?

How important is it to use the torque wrench to specified use? 1-10?

It is important to have a reliable, accurate torque wrench to properly tighten fasteners to specification. A torque wrench is probably be one of the most expensive hand tools in the collection.

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[Volcano God]

If I found out that a particular shop didn't use a torque wrench, I would RUN AWAY! No excuse to NEVER use the tools of the trade. Any certified tech worth his salt will use one ALWAYS if they care anything about quality or specifications outlined in all shop manuals.

You should ALWAYS torque your lugs or any critical components per specifications. Failure to do so will end up in you bitching about the quality of the rotors used by Nissan.

Harbor Freight is where I got my break away torque wrench. One can be had for ~$25 smackers.

[Scooters02Altima2.5s]

would you NOT torque down the engine studs, or strut tower nut? certainly not, i cant see how not doing it on the only part that keeps you in contact with the road is acceptable. IMO, before i got my own, i would take it to the local tire shop and have the lugs torqued after i messed with taking them off, for whatever reason.

[bSER272]

Yes. Not only does it ensure proper tension, but its easier to use than the lug wrench.

[paulie.]

I was thinking.. we put wheel locks on our cars on the lot (as does almost every dealership in the area). I've never torqued a wheel lock on the car, and I've never torqued the lugnut back on after removing the wheel lock.

nor has any other dealership I've ever been at. so if you're driving a fairly new car, I'd venture to say your lugs are not torqued properly.

[AquaX]

I don't own a torque wrench but I plan on buying one soon. If I did own one I would only use it for things that needed to be torqued down to spec like the head. I don't see a point in using it for the wheels I usually just tighten them up till it feels like it wont come off you know

[BlackSentra07]

Went out to a Harbor Freight store today to buy one. Didn't feel the need to spend $60-80 for a Craftsman one. I've also heard of some reliability problems with the Craftsman one and it having only a 1 year warranty.

Bought a 3/8" drive, 84 ft/lbs max torque wrench. About 14" long I believe. Came with a nice plastic red case and the wrench itself is all high quality metal.

Price: $14.99 with lifetime warranty. Can't beat that for the price.

Already used it to check my current lugs and such. Good piece of equipment.

Also had to run to Sears to buy a 13/16" deep socket 6 point for the lugs.

[Scooters02Altima2.5s]

That is a great deal on a 84lb'er, do you plan on doing any other work with your car though? Some other parts IE suspension, require 120+lbs...

I too had to get me a deep well, but i got a 21mm. seemed to fit a bit more snug, I tried a 13/16 and it felt a bit sloppy. Sentra could be diff though. Good buy either way

[BlackSentra07]

Originally Posted by Scooters02Altima2.5s

That is a great deal on a 84lb'er, do you plan on doing any other work with your car though? Some other parts IE suspension, require 120+lbs...

I too had to get me a deep well, but i got a 21mm. seemed to fit a bit more snug, I tried a 13/16 and it felt a bit sloppy. Sentra could be diff though. Good buy either way

I thought about getting the 120+lbs, 1/2" drive one, but settled on the 84lb., 3/8" drive. I figure the 3/8" drive will be a lot more versatile for things I'll be doing.

The biggest thing I'll need to ever torque down are my lugs. No major mods I'm planning on. I like my new car warranty to much and the smooth ride.

I tried the 21mm and wouldn't fit. the deep socket 13/16" is really snug... almost too snug. I like 6 pt.'s more than 12 pt.'s as well.

[CARTLLA8891]

...Tqing down the wheel lugs will also help ensure proper brake wear.....

[VQWERTY]

guess i need to get one... got the pulsating brake problem

[CARTLLA8891]

not gonna fix it but it will help prevent it from happening again....
need the have the rotors resurfaced (if they can be) and new pads.....to fix pulsation

[step02]

You should get two separate torque wrenches: one for high torque applications and one for lower range torque applications that require higher precision.

For wheel lugs, I would recommend a beam type torque wrench. They are very difficult to damage and can be fixed easily should the reading ever be off. Sears does have a relatively inexpensive beam type torque wrench for around $30 (Craftsman), though you may have to wait for a sale. A 75-200 range would be good for these higher applications.


A second wrench you may need, should you decide to do more repairs yourself, can be either a digital or clicking torque wrench in the 5-80 range. These are for smaller nuts and the like. Though not necessary, it is a good tool to have as it is important to follow engineering specifications.

[essej]

I always use a torque wrench and always tighten them in the star pattern.