How tight should lug nuts be torqued?

The general rule for steel wheel lug nut torque is usually around 80ft/lb, and for aluminum wheels it is around 100ft/lb, this being said you still need to check on the manufacturer’s specifications. Drive safe and secure, get your wheels checked.

How do you know what torque lug nuts to use?

Attach each lug nut by hand, and then use a manual torque wrench to tighten until you hear the ‘click’ sound that indicates you’ve reached the right amount of torque. The number—usually in the 75-100 lb-ft range—should be easy to locate in your vehicle’s owner’s manual.

Should you use an impact wrench to tighten lug nuts?

Did you know that impact wrenches shouldn’t be used to tighten lug nuts? This may damage or break the nuts, and – in best case scenario – you’ll have trouble unscrewing them with a hand wrench.

Can you over torque lug nuts by hand?

Can you over-tighten your lug nuts by hand? Sure you can. If it’s not just your car that’s jacked up. If you have the necessary muscle, you could tighten the nuts more than the specifications call for.

Should I torque the nut or bolt?

In many situations you can apply torque to either the nut or the bolt head. Both will result in a tight connection and neither will avoid breakage more often (that occurrence can be avoided through other means). In certain circumstances, however, you will need to torque one and not the other.

Why is it important to torque lug nuts in a star pattern?

Here’s the secret: The simple reason behind the star pattern of torquing your lug nuts is to reduce wheel flexing and shifting. You see when you tighten a single nut, it keeps getting tighter and tighter till the point the wheel mounting face (what you’re tightening against) gets stuck to the hub.

Do you need to use a torque wrench when changing tires?

A torque wrench is not explicitly necessary; the spare jack and tire iron that come in the trunk of every car are sufficient to change a tire in normal cases. If this was the case, car manufacturers would have to start including torque wrenches with the car in the event of a flat tire.

What happens if bolts are over torqued?

Typically, an under torqued bolt will deform and be unable to provide as much clamping force as needed. An over torqued bolt will break.