Warped Rotors and Lug Nuts

After a routine service the lug nuts were unevenly torqued (some were near spec, some 1.5 times spec). Turns out that causes the rotors to warp over time as they heat and cool. A mechanic told me they are seeing more warped rotors because of uneven torquing and mine was one of them. And yes, some dealerships are just as bad as the corner lube shops.

If anyone touches your wheels, check each lug nut by backing it off and properly torquing it so you don't have warped rotors later (use the classic star pattern).

There are lots of threads about over torquing lug nuts and rotors warping for no good reason, but I have not see a thread tying the two together (please reply with the link if I missed it).

 

Just checked the '22 Taco and the lug nuts were unevenly torqued. Loosened each one and retorqued to spec (83 lbs). Fortunately, only 7k on the truck and no towing (yet) so hopefully the rotors are not damaged.

 

Once over torqued with an pneumatic impact driver, the “damage” is done.

I stopped using pneumatic impact drivers for removal and installation decades ago.

 

Thankfully I’m the only one that touches mine. No warped rotors in 7 years so far.

 

Using an impact to blast on lug nuts is VERY common practice in most mechanic shops. Dealer or not. It takes too long and too much brain power for most mechanics to pull out a torque wrench and torque wheels (and suspension) to specs.

As a full time mechanic, who does a lot of Toyotas, I take pride in using a torque wrench on things like lug nuts.

 

why does say grandma dave under your id tag ? Also dont forget to get your torque wrench serviced every 5,000 cycles or every 12 months. Dont want to warp a rotor

 

I buy a lot of old Lexus cars/SUV's. So I was given the nickname.

I actually bought a torque comparator to check my torque wrenches.

 

Torque sticks.

 

I'm no perfect expert. But every site I've checked online says don't use or trust a torque stick alone. It gets you close, but still need to use a torque wrench to set lug nut torque.

 

How did generations of drivers with a simple lug nut wrench get by?

 

The torque wrench was patented in 1938. People get by without it all the time.

 

Lazy mechanics and impact guns. I always hand torque mine, especially when truck has been at tire shop or dealer. It’s an issues with all makes with alloy wheels.

 

STEEL WHEELS

 

Earlier cars had drum brakes that weren't prone to warping or noticeable when out of round. Brake rotors get hotter. The warping usually occurs when hot rotors are rapidly cooled down usually by driving through water. It is more common to see warpage on the passenger side front where the vehicle may be driving through standing water curbside. The warpage problem was worsened when manufacturers started using slip over the hub rotors. This is why it is critical that wheels be torqued on disc brake vehicles whether it is steel wheels or aluminum.

 

sweet you are the real deal!

 

PSA...
Harbor Freight has the ICON 1/2" 50-250 ft/lb torque wrench discounted $30 with coupon; expires tomorrow.
I have a Klein I keep certified/calibrated for work...but considering the reviews(claim is 4%; tested at +/- 1%), I couldn't pass at $119.
It's accurate to my calibrated Klein and well-built.

 

that's how the taught us torque the lugnuts when i took auto tech in high school.

 

I think I had the same issue on our 2017. Had lots of vibration in the front under braking with only about 33k. Finally just had the dealer do the front brakes under a coupon the service rep gave me and I just went with it. Solved the issue, but I was frustrated it ever came to that.

100% double check torque yourself. Especially if you have locks. Can think of several occasions where the Discount place under torques the locks.

 

You are 100% correct. Torque sticks are actually used to get you close to the torque settings. You should use a torque stick that is rated under your proper torque specifications and then like you said, take a torque wrench to finish the job.

 

From what I have been told, newer cars have lighter rotors to improve gas milage, which makes them warp easier (especially if torqued wrong).

Question for TW: Does the V6 with the tow package have heavier rotors which are less likely to warp?