Wheel torque questions.
05-31-2003, 03:59 PM
#1
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Wheel torque questions.
I decided to set the correct torque for my Audi 1.8T Avant Quattro 1999.5 and using a "Husky 1/2" I found out that the STP shop using an impact tool torque them above 160 ft.lb.
I put the car on the jack and I loosened all the bolts and re-torque them correctly at 90 ft.lb. according to the manual.
It felt like I was putting very little pressure compared to what I had to do to loosened them. What is your experience? Am I at risk of loosing the wheels while driving?
I put the car on the jack and I loosened all the bolts and re-torque them correctly at 90 ft.lb. according to the manual.
It felt like I was putting very little pressure compared to what I had to do to loosened them. What is your experience? Am I at risk of loosing the wheels while driving?
05-31-2003, 04:18 PM
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I have another set of bolts
But I'm not sure they're any better. I guess I'll just go over all of them again in 50 to 100 miles and see if they're stable or not.
Thanks for the advice.
Thanks for the advice.
05-31-2003, 04:42 PM
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Don't you love the sound of wheel bolts being brutalized by an impact wrench?
The specified 89 ft-lbs is just arm-tight with a 2 foot extension. It sure seems "loose" compared to how tire shops usually tighten the wheel bolts. :-\
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05-31-2003, 04:49 PM
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Pretty easy to fatigue a bolt when you over tighten by 45-50% too.
The shop I use has guns set to 45lbft for installing. They then hand torque with quality wrenches to spec. I still bring in just wheels and tires and do all the mounting myself.
05-31-2003, 04:58 PM
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My tire shop claims "hand-torquing" on a big sign above the counter
It's a lie.
I got two sets of bolts. One for going to the tire shop, and one I change to afterwards. I wish I had a second set of wheels. It would make everything easier.
I got two sets of bolts. One for going to the tire shop, and one I change to afterwards. I wish I had a second set of wheels. It would make everything easier.
05-31-2003, 06:02 PM
#10
That's dangerous, bro!!!.......your bolts aren't snugging up well at 90 ft/lb........
because the threads were damaged by the 160 ft/lbs! The threads in the rotor are stretched out and therefore don't hold the threads on the lugs as snuggly.
Leaving them at 90 ft/lbs could be very dangerous!! They might back out on you while you're driving, you could lose a wheel.
I would suggest tightening them MORE than 90, until they feel good and snug. Keep track of how much torque you use on the first lug, so that the others end up the same.
It sounds like your rotors are damaged. Any way that you can prove that the shop tightened them to 160? That's absurdly high. They should buy you new ones.
Leaving them at 90 ft/lbs could be very dangerous!! They might back out on you while you're driving, you could lose a wheel.
I would suggest tightening them MORE than 90, until they feel good and snug. Keep track of how much torque you use on the first lug, so that the others end up the same.
It sounds like your rotors are damaged. Any way that you can prove that the shop tightened them to 160? That's absurdly high. They should buy you new ones.