wheel lug nut torque

[Peter Burrowes]

Took off a tire and rim today to adjust shift linkage. This A a 1986 NA 944 with telephone dAl rims and light aluminum lug nuts. Looked in the manual to see what to tighten them too and it states that you \MUST use a specAl socket wrench which I do not have. Is this actually true , or should i purchase different lug nuts or a socket? Any thoughts would be apprecAted

[flash75]

I ordered a soft socket and the instructions said don't use it for torquing or breaking
nuts loose. I don't know how long it would last if used to torque a lot of nuts. I have
been using a good six point socket, no problems. I suppose it damages the enamel
finish on the nuts a little each time it's used. What you don't want is for someone
in tire shop to use an impact wrench.

Clifton

[racer]

Right or wrong I've used the same socket for 20 years. Just make sure you torque them properly. Aluminum is pretty soft material compared to steel.

[Dantilla]

Regular deep 6-point socket is fine. 19mm = 3/4". Torque to 96 ft-lbs.

If the black finish gets damaged at all, a black Sharpie pen will fix it in a hurry.

[Gawernator]

I have had no problems using a soft socket for torquing but not for impact use. Pelican here actually has a soft socket strengthened for impact use. Worth the money

[rick13]

90

[9FF]

Invest in a Sir Tools 19mm soft faced socket, attach to torque wrench with short extension and tighten to 93 lbft. Never use an impact on soft lug nuts or you could cause internal stresses or fractures, at least that is what I was told.

[Stephen03]

Do it enough times and you wont need a torque wrench. Oh wait I havnt ever used a torque wrench. Good luck with your torque wrench on the side of the road with a flat tire.

[mueller944s2]

Originally Posted by Stephen03

Do it enough times and you wont need a torque wrench. Oh wait I havnt ever used a torque wrench. Good luck with your torque wrench on the side of the road with a flat tire.

How would a torque wrench negatively affect you on the side of the road?

90lbs, don't wanna strip the aluminium.

[9FF]

Quote de Stephen03

Do it enough times and you wont need a torque wrench. Oh wait I havnt ever used a torque wrench. Good luck with your torque wrench on the side of the road with a flat tire.

How would a torque wrench negatively affect you on the side of the road?



90lbs, don't wanna strip the aluminium.

I think he's saying that he doesn't carry a torque wrench in the car and that he has done this without a torque wrench because his arms are calibrated to 90 lbft.

[Stephen03]

You got that right. Sorry had a few beers last night... wasn't trying to be a prick.

On a side note... my wheel came flying off on the highway today. Just kidding.

[mytrplseven]

As the song says, "You picked a fine time to leave me, Loose Wheel".

[Dantilla]

I must concour with Stephen03. I've swapped wheels and tires enough at the race track with the torque wrench that I can get almost exactly 96 ft-lbs with my breaker bar.

I've tested myself- Tighten with the breaker bar, then use the torque wrench to test. After all twenty lug nuts, about half clicked without movement, the other half moved 1/8 turn or less until clicking.

[9FF]

...After all twenty lug nuts, about half clicked without movement, the other half moved 1/8 turn or less until clicking.

If they clicked without moving they could have been overtightened. Just saying.

[Dantilla]

Originally Posted by 9FF

If they clicked without moving they could have been overtightened. Just saying.

Possible, but I'm pretty sure all twenty were within a few pounds of each other.

While I always use the torque wrench for track duty, having the lugs + or - a couple foot-pounds will cause no problems.

Just for kicks, maybe I'll do it again, but setting the torque wrench to 100 lbs to insure all the lug nuts turn a bit before the click.