The Ford Barn

Nick in Fayetteville · 07-15-2021, 08:55 AM

What is the correct torque for lug nuts? I have heard from 45 to 55. Can't find any info in Ford Barn records. I know that Ford didn't have torque specs published during the Model A era. Thanks....

alexiskai · 07-15-2021, 09:14 AM

Convention is to torque to 50-60 or to do it by feel, both seem to work equally well. The main thing to watch out for is that, if this is being done on freshly powder-coated wheels, the powder will compress slowly under the nut. So, much like head nuts, one should re-torque and check several times until they stabilize.

nkaminar · 07-15-2021, 10:40 AM

64 ft-lbs according to Les Andrews "Model A Ford Mechanics Handbook, Volume 1" page A-2.

Why are they called lug nuts? Answer: Originally the wheels on cars were not removed to fix a flat. The tires were fixed on the car. Then removable rims were introduced. The rims were held on my lugs which were held on by lug nuts. Now we have removable wheels but the nuts are still called lug nuts.

700rpm · 07-15-2021, 03:03 PM

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Alternate the tightening sequence, every other one. Increase pressue eachbtime around. Tighten till they’re tight, and afterwards check often. In 60 years of driving my A’s i’ve never used a torque wrench on my wheels.

07-15-2021, 08:55 AM	#1
Nick in Fayetteville Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Fayetteville, NC Posts: 341	Lug nuts What is the correct torque for lug nuts? I have heard from 45 to 55. Can't find any info in Ford Barn records. I know that Ford didn't have torque specs published during the Model A era. Thanks....

07-15-2021, 09:14 AM	#2
alexiskai Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: Mebane NC Posts: 2,353	Re: Lug nuts Convention is to torque to 50-60 or to do it by feel, both seem to work equally well. The main thing to watch out for is that, if this is being done on freshly powder-coated wheels, the powder will compress slowly under the nut. So, much like head nuts, one should re-torque and check several times until they stabilize.

07-15-2021, 10:40 AM	#3
nkaminar Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Western North Carolina Posts: 3,897	Re: Lug nuts 64 ft-lbs according to Les Andrews "Model A Ford Mechanics Handbook, Volume 1" page A-2. Why are they called lug nuts? Answer: Originally the wheels on cars were not removed to fix a flat. The tires were fixed on the car. Then removable rims were introduced. The rims were held on my lugs which were held on by lug nuts. Now we have removable wheels but the nuts are still called lug nuts. __________________ A is for apple, green as the sky. Step on the gas, for tomorrow I die. Forget the brakes, they really don't work. The clutch always sticks, and starts with a jerk. My car grows red hair, and flies through the air. Driving's a blast, a blast from the past. Last edited by nkaminar; 07-15-2021 at 10:52 AM.

07-15-2021, 03:03 PM	#4
700rpm Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 5,903	Re: Lug nuts Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Alternate the tightening sequence, every other one. Increase pressue eachbtime around. Tighten till they’re tight, and afterwards check often. In 60 years of driving my A’s i’ve never used a torque wrench on my wheels. __________________ Ray Horton, Portland, OR As you go through life, keep your eye on the donut, not the hole.