Safety Tech Tips - Wheel Torque

[Jimbeau]

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[size=3]Just a few tips borrowed from Bill Neal of 10/10ths Motorsports March news letter.

Wheel Torque

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[suP][suB][size=4]"Proper installation requires that the wheel lug torque be set to the recommended specification for your vehicle. These torque specifications can be found in your vehicle's owner's manual, shop repair manual or obtained from your vehicle dealer.  (also conveniently located on the door jamb of most cars )[/suB][/suP]

[suP][suB]Unless specifically stated otherwise, wheel lug torque specifications are for clean and dry threads (no lubricant) that are free of dirt, grit, etc. [/suB][/suP][/size][/size][suP][suB]Applying oil, grease or anti-seize lubricants to the threads will result in inaccurate torque values that over tighten the wheels.  (I've seen this around the paddock so suspend your disbelief already)[/suB][/suP]

[suP][suB]A thread chaser or tap should be used to remove any burrs or obstructions of the threads allowing the lug hardware to be turned by hand until it meets the wheel's lug seat. Once lugs are snugged down, finish tightening them with an accurate torque wrench.  (Wally says my $9 Harbor Freight wrench is junk, but I checked it and it is accurate)[/suB][/suP]

[suP][suB]Use the a crisscross sequence for the number of wheel lugs on your vehicle until all have reached their proper torque value. Be careful because if you over-torque a wheel, you can strip a lug nut or hub, stretch or break a stud or bolt, and cause the wheel, brake rotor and/or brake drum to distort. (if you happen to have a 4-lug wheel the sequence is top, bottom, left, right) [/suB][/suP]

[suP][suB]Use the dry wheel lug torque values specified in the vehicle's owner's manual, shop manual or obtained from the vehicle dealer/service provider.[/suB][/suP]

[suP][suB]Don’t forget to give your wheels a very good inspection before and after each event. There have been reported cases of total wheel failures at other events. A good inspection can minimize this. "[/suB][/suP]

[suB][suP]This seems like such a simple thing, yet we've all probably witnessed if not experienced at least one example of what can happen if this simple task is taken too lightly. (no names please) :dude:  For me, I learned first hand when the improperly torqued wheel (by me of course) on my dad's '71 Ford LTD  began to wobble at highway speed eventually destroying the wheel.  Of course my dad made me buy a brand new one even though I could have gotten one at the junk yard for less than half.   Education is always expensive but imagine if this had been at the track.....[/suP][/suB]

[suB][suP]I seem to be spending a lot of time imagining things at the track these days.....[/suP][/suB]