| Hardware Bolt or Stud Size | Typical Torque Range in Ft/Lbs | Minimum Number of Turns of Hardware Engagement |
|---|---|---|
| 12 x 1.25 mm | 70 - 80 | 8 |
| 14 x 1.5 mm | 85 - 90 | 7.5 |
| 14 x 1.25 mm | 85 - 90 | 9 |
| 7/16 in. | 70 - 80 | 9 |
What do I need to know about torque when installing wheels?
Proper wheel installation requires the wheel-attaching hardware (lug nuts or bolts) be tightened to the recommended torque specification for the vehicle make, model and year. Torque specifications are usually found in the vehicle's owner's manual.* Proper torque requires using the correct tools, procedures and patterns.
What size torque wrench do I need to torque lug nuts?
To accomplish this, we suggest using a 1/2” drive torque wrench. Torque the lug nuts in two steps, starting at 40 ft/lbs of torque for your first step to get the wheel seated properly. Then for the final torque refer to our chart below for torque recommendations based on your lug nut thread size.
Why is proper lug nut torque so important?
Proper lug nut torque is vital to ensure that the wheel is properly mounted to the car. Whenever you remove or reinstall a wheel on your car, the hardware must be torqued. You must use a torque wrench with the proper calibrations. Here are the five factors you need to consider so that you can find the right lug nut for your wheels.
Why does the torque value need to be rechecked?
This is necessary due to the possibility of metal compression/elongation or thermal stresses affecting the wheels as they are breaking in, as well as to verify the accuracy of the original installation. When rechecking torque value, wait for the wheels to cool to ambient temperature (never torque a hot wheel).
When installing new wheels, should you re-torque the wheel lugs?
What is wheel lug torque?
What happens if you torque lug nuts?
What happens if you over torque a bolt?
What happens if a bolt is over torqued?
Can you remove a bolt and re-tighten it?
Do lug nuts stretch?
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How to determine lug nut thread size?
Do this by measuring the outside diameter of the wheel stud threads on your vehicle.
How to determine pitch of lug nuts?
To determine the thread pitch on SAE threads you need to count the number of threads within a one inch long section of the stud. Use a tape measure to mark off a one inch section and count the number of threads.
What is a spline drive lug nut?
Spline drive lug nuts can be used to change the look or to match a wheel style. One spline drive lug nut per wheel can also be used for anti-theft purposes and are commonly called wheel locks. These lug nuts will require a very specific socket to install and remove them.
What is a 60 degree lug nut?
Determining the lug nut seat type that your wheels require is the first step in selecting the proper lug nuts for your needs. A 60 degree included angle tapered se at lug nut is a very common automotive lug nut design . The tapered seat will help center the wheel as the lug nuts are tightened and will typically yield a truer ...
How to find pitch of metric threads?
To determine the thread pitch on Metric threads you need to find the number of threads within a one millimeter long section of the stud . Since this is extremely tough to estimate we suggest marking off a 10 millimeter long section, then after counting the threads divide your number by 10. Example: If you have 15 threads in a 10 mm section then that means there would be 1.5 threads per mm and the math looks like this: 15 ÷ 10 = 1.5
Can you use 45 degree lug nuts on OEM wheels?
Never use 45 degree lug nuts on OEM wheels which have a 60 degree tapered seat. If your rules require 1” hex size circle track lug nuts and OEM wheels then you will need to machine the taper on your wheels to 45 degrees for a proper fit. Lug nuts come in a variety of seat types.
Do lug nuts need a hex key?
These lug nuts require a hex key to install or remove them. A benefit of this lug nut is you will not have any damage to the finish of the outer surface of the lug nuts when installing or removing them. The hex key is internal so any scuffs or scratches from the tools will be on the inside surface.
What Are Torque Specs?
Torque is the measure of force that causes an object to rotate around an axis.
When Should Lug Nuts Be Re-Torqued?
Most manufacturers recommend re-torquing lug nuts after 50 to 100 miles of driving regularly. This is in case the lugs have loosened due to vibrations or settling between the rim and the hub.
When installing new wheels, should you re-torque the wheel lugs?
When installing new wheels you should re-torque the wheel lugs after driving the first 50 to 100 miles in case the clamping loads have changed following the initial installation.
What is wheel lug torque?
Wheel lug torque specifications are for clean threads that are free of dirt, grit, etc. If applying an anti-seize lubricant, it is important to note it can be applied only on the threads of nuts or bolts. The lubricant must not be used on either seat of the hardware of the wheel.
What happens if you torque lug nuts?
Improperly torqued lug nuts or bolts can also result in: 1 Warped brake rotors — brakes grabbing, pulsating or overheated. 2 Damage to the lug nut seating surface of alloy wheels. 3 Wheel hub damage — threaded wholes stripped out.
What happens if you over torque a bolt?
A bolt that has been over-torqued will be prone to cracking, shearing, loosening, or breaking off which can result in damage to the wheel and other related components. Improperly torqued lug nuts or bolts can also result in: Warped brake rotors — brakes grabbing, pulsating or overheated.
What happens if a bolt is over torqued?
The bolt now has a much lower tensile/yield strength and allows the bolt to flex, generate heat and fatigue. A bolt that has been over-torqued will be prone to cracking, shearing, loosening, or breaking off which can result in damage to the wheel and other related components.
Can you remove a bolt and re-tighten it?
It’s akin to mechanically securing the nut to the bolt – except that you can remove and re-tighten it repeatedly, as needed., yet, most bolt grades used for this purpose will retain its original size and properties (un-stretched) when properly torqued to specifications.
Do lug nuts stretch?
Lug studs and nuts as well as lug bolts are designed with a specific grade of hardware with a certain amount of “stretch.” Stretch? You might ask – Yes. Proper torque, which stretches the bolt, causes the threads of the stud/ bolt to tightly mate and secure to the matching nut or threaded hole (within the axle or wheel hub) without working themselves loose.