I just re-packed the wheel bearings on my 3 horse steel GN but I'm not sure what to torque the lug nuts to. These are 8 lug steel wheels. Any suggestions? Thanks.
Posted 2009-05-27 3:52 PM (#105556 - in reply to #105553) Subject: RE: Lug nut torque
Veteran
Posts: 197 Location: MT
Do you have a raquet that you can set to certain torque or you just going to guess. When I did mine I treated them just like they were a pickup tire. Go until you can't turn them with your raquet by hand.
Posted 2009-05-27 3:56 PM (#105558 - in reply to #105553) Subject: RE: Lug nut torque
Expert
Posts: 3802 Location: Rocky Mount N.C.
Depends on if they are 1/2" or 9/16"....
Hardware Bolt or Stud Size - Typical Torque Range in Ft/Lbs - Minimum Number of Turns of Hardware Engagement 12 x 1.5 mm 70 - 80 6.5 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 1/2 in. 75 - 85 8 9/16 in. 135 - 145 8
Posted 2009-05-27 4:34 PM (#105566 - in reply to #105563) Subject: RE: Lug nut torque
Expert
Posts: 2953 Location: North Carolina
Originally written by Donkeymansteve on 2009-05-27 1:16 PM
Thanks for all the replies. I have them at 100 ft/lbs now so maybe I'll add 10 or 20 more to be safe.
You didn't say what diameter the bolts are... It'll be safer to keep them at 100 ftlbs and drive for a few miles. Then recheck them. It's darned hard to change a tire when the lug nuts are too tight and have been that way for years.
Posted 2009-05-28 9:14 AM (#105613 - in reply to #105553) Subject: RE: Lug nut torque
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
If you are actually using a torque wrench for the proper application, you might want to consider the usage of oil or grease on the threads before the nuts are tightened. A "wet" torque will give you a more accurate reading. Another advantage is when you have to remove the nuts, they won't be rusted to the studs.
Lug nut torque
