Lugnut torque

[MrWzrd]

OK, I've looked for it... and I am going to guess that there originally was not a tightening torque but just "tighten the lugnuts".

But... is there a torque that has become standard for tightening the lugnuts?

Second question: what is it?

Thanks

[Jim Johnston]

I use 65 lb/ft. I'm sure some will think that's too much.

[Kevin in NJ]

The correct torque is simple.

The force you apply lifting up with your legs on the crank that comes with the car.

The wrenches are designed to do the proper torque by the length and the average pull or push a person can do.

[txturbo]

Torque values are based on the size of the bolt/stud. They aren't application dependant. So just look up the torque value by the size of the stud and that would be close enough. But personally I have never torqued lug nuts and I doubt they were ever torqued again once they left the factory.

[H. L. Chauvin]

Mr. Wzrd,

Front part of Bratton's catalog indicates 50 -55 ft.-lbs. which one may want to use for a guide.

This amount could be less depending on:

1. One's age; and/or,

2. How much one hurts to turn a wrench; and/or,

3. Other exciting physical events that one experienced the night before with or without beer; and/or,

4. Any other thing one can imagine that could affect turning a wrench.

Like oil, this question may have an infinite number of responses.

[Tom Wesenberg]

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I grease the bevel and threads and use the wrench that came with the car, and have never had a problem. I'd guess I'm tightening them to about 45 to 50 pounds.

[Logan]

Snugg is torque value that I use. Don't want to over wrench them, either the 80+ year old stud threads could pull out, or the repo lug nut threads could give up. I just go around and re-snug them every so often. If I were guessing its about 45-50 pounds.

[Patrick L.]

I agree with the 50-55# range. The torque spec for that bolt/stud size will be far more than that and is way too much.

[Marco Tahtaras]

If you just tighten it with your lug wrench then you will be able change it out on the road if you get a flat. Getting fancy can get you in trouble.

[MrWzrd]

OK, I'm picking 50 ft lbs.

(Snug does not work for me.... when I tighten to snug it will usually be around 90 ft lbs.)

Changing it on the road is not yet a concern. I can still twist off the lugs put on by nut monkeys and their impact wrenches. (and bent a few wrenches in the process)

[Mitch//pa]

something not mentioned is to do a recheck periodically

[zzlegend]

Originally Posted by Mitch//pa

something not mentioned is to do a recheck periodically

See post 7.

[Mitch//pa]

Originally Posted by zzlegend

see post 7.

oh

[Tiny]

I torque mine to 65 Ft/lbs. This is what is recommended in Les Andrews "red" book. Just like MrWzrd, snug to me is always too tight!!

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

Originally Posted by H. L. Chauvin

Mr. Wzrd,

Front part of Bratton's catalog indicates 50 -55 ft.-lbs. which one may want to use for a guide.

This amount could be less depending on:

1. One's age; and/or,

2. How much one hurts to turn a wrench; and/or,

3. Other exciting physical events that one experienced the night before with or without beer; and/or,

4. Any other thing one can imagine that could affect turning a wrench.

Like oil, this question may have an infinite number of responses.

You're FUNNY, H.L,
Gregg tightened mine with the crank, I had doubts, re-checked them with the Vintage Sunnen torque wrench that "SON" Mitch//pa was gracious enough to send me, "RIGHT ON"---55 Ft Lbs! If I was that strong, I'd go around "accidentally" BREAKIN' STUFF!
On DRY threads, Chief taught me to tighten 'til I heard a SQUEEEEEEK! sound.
Speakin' of cranks, Dave's wife, Marla, held the crank, while Dave tightened the cam gear nut to 110 Ft Lbs !!!!!! Bill W.

[Bruce Lancaster]

Ford used the same lugnuts (minus the acorn) and studs at least into the 1970's on big cars and pickups...if you want a Ford approved spec. look into the manuals for those.
My personal method is to always use Ford wrench to tighten, keep an 18" breaker handy for removal!

[darrylkmc]

I have never used a torque wrench for Lug Nuts, only the Crank/Lug Nut Wrench, then again I also use the Head Nut/Spark Plug Wrench for the Head Nuts.

Sometimes, when assembling my engines, I will double check myself with a torque wrench on my Mains and Rods. But I have never had a problem being in the correct range.

On the other hand, my younger brother was constantly breaking of the valve cover bolts on his small block Chevys. Ouch

Not to tight, Not to Loose. Some get a feel for it and some just don't.

Darryl in Fairbanks

[johnsor]

I don't use a torque wrench on wheel lug nuts or the rear axel nut. These are old, half worn male threads that can strip easily. I tighten them to what "feels right" and check them from time to time.