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Is a Torque wrench absolutely necessary?

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by MxRacer190, Apr 29, 2010.

  1. Apr 29, 2010 at 8:07 PM
    #41
    travelingman

    travelingman What would Scooby do?

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    Obviously you need some sort of gauge. If it wasn't needed you wouldn't need a speedometer,or a tach,would you? This bullshit of "I just feel what's right" is just that,bullshit.How many people would put up with no speedometer or tach? Hell,why even do you need a fuel gauge,you should just "get a feel for it",right? Come on now!
     
  2. Apr 29, 2010 at 9:01 PM
    #42
    WilsonTheDog

    WilsonTheDog Kylie's dad

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    ^Those examples are just a BIT over the top, no? Some of us simply do have "a feel for it". It comes with years and years of experience.

    However, I still recommend using a torque wrench.
     
  3. Apr 29, 2010 at 9:07 PM
    #43
    desertdude59

    desertdude59 CRAZY 4WHEELER

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  4. Apr 29, 2010 at 9:43 PM
    #44
    Asgard

    Asgard Well-Known Member

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    So I guess you change your flat tire with a torque wrench. Who needs a tach driving an auto ?
     
  5. Apr 29, 2010 at 10:23 PM
    #45
    Viet2100

    Viet2100 Well-Known Member

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    Yes. Because this idiot kid over-tightened my friend's X5's oil pan and cracked it.
     
  6. Apr 29, 2010 at 10:24 PM
    #46
    Viet2100

    Viet2100 Well-Known Member

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    For when you manually shift the gears or are trying to save gas to stay under a certain RPM.
     
  7. Apr 29, 2010 at 10:25 PM
    #47
    steve o 77

    steve o 77 braaap

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    Oil plugs are one thing I don't use a torque wrench on. They do not need to be very tight so I just make them snug.
     
    michael roberts likes this.
  8. Apr 29, 2010 at 11:03 PM
    #48
    Kyouto42

    Kyouto42 Iron Beard

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    A good example is my buddy destroyed a brand new crankshaft dampener on his 280z due to having it under torqued. Est without a torque wrench he maybe did 40-50lb, spec was around 90ish. It was able to get a bit loose and tear itself apart.

    So necessary no... but it can save you a lot in the long run, plus lost time going back in to fix things that weren't torqued properly to start with.

    Also over torquing is one of the worst offenses home mechanics do...
     
  9. Apr 30, 2010 at 4:22 AM
    #49
    Janster

    Janster Old & Forgetful

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    In some situations, its very important. In other situations....not so much.

    For instance..... Installing a water pump on a tacoma. The recommended torque (If I remember correctly) on the bolts to the block, is like 15ft lbs. If you torque it too much, the alluminum housing on the water pump can crack, and/or the seal to the block won't be effective, there might actually be clearance issues, and god knows what else.

    When Installing leaf springs and tightening U-bolts....I've personally never used a torque wrench. I'll get them 'F*n' tight.
    I've seen far too many problems (on the trails) with suspensions coming loose and breaking all kinds of stuff.

    You have to use your own judgement in knowing when its OK to not use a torque wrench.

    In terms of wheels & tires...... Over-torqueing your lug nuts can cause your rotors to warp. I believe the torque is 85ft lbs. I actually use 100ft lbs on all our vehicles.
     
  10. Apr 30, 2010 at 10:05 AM
    #50
    ianc

    ianc Well-Known Member

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    Agreed. If you don't want to buy tw try torque sticks for impacts. work fairly well. Torque values are tricky when using old harware thats rusted. Try prevaling torque (lock nuts, They don't come loose unless you reuse them.

    Agree with above. Suspension. The German way Goodentight.
     
  11. Apr 30, 2010 at 12:18 PM
    #51
    LVTacoma

    LVTacoma Well-Known Member

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    Always use factory spec torque on your truck. Atleast just for the peace of mind knowing its on there to spec. and not having a problem later on from under or overtightening. Spark plugs are a great example of NEVER tightening something too much or too little.
     
  12. Apr 30, 2010 at 2:40 PM
    #52
    Janster

    Janster Old & Forgetful

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    X2 on the torque sticks. I have a 100lb stick that I use on the wheels/tires. Makes life easier to Zing the lug nuts on and get the torque pretty close.

    Our torque stick is older than dirt (10 yrs) and has been used pretty hard. So - it's not as good as it used to be. I always use regular torque wrench after, as a quick check.
     
  13. Apr 30, 2010 at 8:43 PM
    #53
    travelingman

    travelingman What would Scooby do?

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    I KNOW THAT'S A BIT OVER THE TOP! Just making a point.
     
  14. Apr 30, 2010 at 8:50 PM
    #54
    travelingman

    travelingman What would Scooby do?

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    So you just leave your spare on for how long? And you get flats how often? I can count on one hand the times I"ve had a flat in 27yrs. of driving.I've used a soda can to smoke weed too.
     
  15. Apr 30, 2010 at 8:59 PM
    #55
    Asgard

    Asgard Well-Known Member

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    ^^You are a lucky man but a more serious note, if it has anything to do with the engine or transmission I will always torque bolts to specs but otherwise with lugs, u-bolts, shocks, d-rings, etc. I just use my judgment. I roll mine with Rizla BTW.
     
  16. Apr 30, 2010 at 9:01 PM
    #56
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

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    I use a torque wrench on most everything.
     
  17. Apr 30, 2010 at 10:10 PM
    #57
    JayJay

    JayJay Well-Known Member

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    here is the main issue and why you should use a torque wrench , its not how tight its how evenly all the bolts are ..... lug nuts can come loose if uneven torque is aplied , not always come loose but why take a chance ..... if they ask 80lbs of torque then 80 it is ..... if you have 6 lugs and some are 75 and some are a 100 and some are 60 , then it could cause problems (could).... but like I said even torque is important , whether its on wheels or engine or name it, #'s are there for a reason ..... Enjoy the ride my friend ........ PS. #'s are IMPORTANT ...... 6 QRTS OF OIL ,OR I JUST GET A FEEL FOR THE AMOUNT ??????????? LMFAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    BUT THATS JUST MY 2 CENTS

    ENJOY THE RIDE !!!!!!!
     
  18. Apr 30, 2010 at 11:00 PM
    #58
    Duck760

    Duck760 The Duck

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    IDK but ima buy one haha
     
  19. May 1, 2010 at 2:47 AM
    #59
    toku58

    toku58 Well-Known Member

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    You can alway find the torque using "google" as long as you know the size and grade of the bolt.
     
  20. May 1, 2010 at 4:09 AM
    #60
    ianc

    ianc Well-Known Member

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    Lets face the facts? Everbody , I mean every body should be using torque values, inch/lbs or ft/pounds, to tighten everything from bolts to screw to nuts. Which brings me to a point that i am sure some people don't know. In most instances you torque the nut. Except in blind holed appllications like head bolts so on. So saying that, I don't do what I preach except when I think its needed, Like head bolts manifold bolts wheel lugs, so on.
     

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