Word to the wise - Lug nut torque

Not really a Tacoma issue, but I just pulled the wheels on my wifes CR-V to check the brakes. Went to remove the lug nuts and almost busted mine. Had gone to Americas Tire 2 weeks ago to have the tires rotated. Just to satisfy my curiosity I used my torque wrench to loosen the lugs and had to jack up the setting to 140 ft/lb to remove the lugs w/o the wrench clicking. Called the shop and talked to the manager, very apologetic. Figure the tech probably forgot to reset the wrench after working on something much bigger.

If you've had someone else remove your wheels recently, double check torque before you get caught out in the middle of nowhere trying to remove the lugs with the short factory wrench.

 

FYI you should not use a torque wrench to loosen.

 

Wasn't aware of that fact. Figured that since they were reversible there wouldn't be an issue. Thanks for the heads-up.

 

Yeah it's not good for it. And you really shouldn't use an impact to put them on either. Maybe initially, but stop immediately after it grabs. I bought a $20 2' breaker bar and a 22mm socket for it to take the lugs off if necessary.

Screw using that little 1' bastard. The 2' breaker makes it so easy to remove.

 

90 ft lbs works great. Your story doesn't surprise me one bit. I just took my wife and her truck to my shop for her and I to do a practice tire change with the tools and jack the truck has because she was taking a road trip without me. What did we find? Her tiny bottle jack doesn't cut it without a block of wood carried in the truck somewhere. Great to know before a real world situation. So was searching for the jack for 10 minutes. (Chevy Avalanche)

It's important to know you have them torqued in the correct range, and by having them at the correct torque, can get them off on the side of the road with the tools the truck comes with.

 

Pretty sure the stock lugnuts are21mm

 

+1

 

More like the tech was lazy and just used an impact....

They go in reverse so they can be used to torque left-hand threaded items.

 

If you have a torque stick - you can.

 

How much are those though? I want one.

I think you're right. For some reason I have 22mm stuck in my head. I do find the right socket in the end, but I'm pretty sure I always grab the 22 thinking it's right and going, nope that's too loose.

 

Like any tool, you can spend a fortune on them or a little bit. I've seen sets online for $45 (4 piece set). Or, you could buy one single one (in the torque you want) for $$$. I can't remember the kind we have.... our neighbor was a tech at a BMW dealer and he got me one through his dealership. I still check the torque (with regular torque wrench) after all 4 wheels are back on the ground. Makes for faster tire rotations that's for sure.

 

The lug nuts used on the wheels can affect how well the wheel is held on. When I put after market wheels on a SR5 I found out that the wheel studs are not very long. I had 4 threads engagement with the lug nuts Discount Tires sold with the wheels. Had to buy special lugs to get 8 threads of engagement.

The OP had a problem getting the wheels off and my problem was they could easily fall off.

 

Just a note...

Over-torqueing/tightning lug nuts can warp rotors.

And yeah, if you're a girl (like me) or a little on the wimpy side - I usually have a big long piece of pipe with me to give me more leverage. I've 'been there done that' and couldn't get even a regularly torqued lugs off with the shorty pipes.

 

Taking off my brothers wheels on his jeep about half or more of the lug broke because the shop that put them on over torqued them (from previous owner).

 

torque sticks are garbage

 

After I told her to.

 

FYI: if you torque your lugs to 90lbs and go to remove them 2 weeks later, they will require more than 90lbs to get them off.

Ever notice how it's always easier to tighten bolts, than to loosen them?

 

X's a million!

Also, using anti seize lube helps keep your threads healthy!!
You get a nice true torque - without stressing the threads on and off as when they're bone dry and squeaking of pain! And you'll never worry of breaking them free on the shoulder of the hwy.

Yea, anything more than 80-90lbs is just acting like a gorilla.....the wheel aint going nowhere!
People so often tend to over torque things without even applying logic to only what the part needs in torque. More is better, right?

 

Do NOT put Anti-Seize on the lug studs. Anti-Seize is a friction modifier. You want to modify the friction that holds your wheels on? Also why you don't want to spray WD40, PB Blaster, things like that on the studs either.

Ummm...not really.



If anyone is in the market, I could always be a source to get a Torque Stick through. Snap On guy comes around every week and I can order one off him and ship it out if someone really wants a torque stick.