rookie torque mistake... advice?

So yesterday i decide to be all pro-active and change the rear diff fluid in my truck, grease the zerks, normal maintenance stuff. First time doing this (really on any vehicle) but i was tired of paying people to do things I know i could do myself. even went and finally bought a torque wrench to do things right

So i get my rear diff fluid drained and filled, tighten down the bolts with my normal socket set, switch to the torque wrench, set it for 36lbs, and start to tighten the drain bolt, realize ive been tightening way to much for a 36lb bolt and stop. slightly confused i gently try the fill bolt, clicks almost immediately.

so Basically i overwrenched the drain bolt by a good 1/2 turn, i think i allready had it tightened just over 36lbs with my normal socket. Any one out there have any advice? I've come up with three different ideas.

1) Wait til i need to change out the diff fluid again, buy new washer and bolt from dealership.

2) there is to much stress on the bolt and it could crack the threads/bolt while bouncing around under my truck, buy new bolt and washer now and redo the diff fluid.

3) I damaged the threads on the diff housing and that needs to be replaced.

Everything looks fine, no leaks coming from the bolt, really hoping that number 1 is what you guys are going to recommend, cuz of course i spent the extra money and put synthetic in there.

 

wrench doesnt even have a name on it. looks just like every other one ive seen. twist to lock at the bottom, rotate the handle to set the torque, had to get one that went up to 150 so i could finally properly torque my aftermarket hitch down.

First time using a torque wrench, I wasnt exactly sure on what sound it was going to do when i got to the correct torque, and I was surprised at how gently it clicked when i got the fill bolt done properly. It's very possible i just missed the click on the drain bolt and kept tightening.

 

Is this and INCH-pound or ft-pound torque wrench? many of the 3/8" wrenches are in-lbs...

in any case, I don't think you did any damage, the old torque spec on that was two grunts and a fart with a 1/2" drive breaker bar...

 

just overtightened, no visible damage, no leaks, and its a 1/2" drive ft/lbs bar

 

I would leave in place and do it right the "next time"...

An axle housing is pretty hefty chunk of iron...

 

You should be fine. Go with option 1. I had the same problem when I did mine, I think I didn't hear the click. If nothing is leaking and looks damaged I think you will be ok..

 

As long as you didn't go nuts with your 3/8" drive, I'd say leave it and do it right the next time. If you think you really overdid it, then back it off and retorque it. I re-used the washer when I did my differential.

 

It being a plug, and torqued to just 35 ft/lbs, i didn't use a torque wrench. I think you're fine. If its bothering you, verify your wrench is set to 35 ft/lbs and hand tighten plug, then torque it.

 

Im pretty anal about torquing and I wouldn't worry about it.

 

Don't worry about it. If the washer is compressed just buy a new one next time around. If you have ever had your truck worked on, there is a pretty good chance plenty of your bolts are over-torqued.

 

I would loosen it, and re torque it. The threads can stretch over time from over torqueing(ever broke a wheel stud?)..It takes 10 seconds to do it right. This way you can prevent a headache down the road, also.

 

I wouldn't worry with a torque wrench unless you are doing heads, cams, and bearing holders, unless you are a chick.

 

Just loosen it about a half turn and re-torque. And you're right, at the lower measurements, the "click" can be very hard to notice.

 

you'd probably have to apply a hell of a lot more torque than you did to strip it... most people probably don't torque that bolt to spec anyway...

.. for peace of mind, just loosen it (don't use torque wrench to loosen bolts), and then torque to the spec

 

I've drained and filled my diffs a number of times. The only time I'm cautious is on the aluminum transmission and t-case.

I just do a butt torque with my 1/2 breaker bar on the diffs (basically until it's snug, and then a little more). I've never once changed the crush washers.

You'd really have to torque on these things to strip them. Aluminum being softer requires a little more care and it feels a bit different so a torque wrench is certainly advisable there.

Reverse the plug a bit and then re-torque.

 

It's fine. I use an impact gun on my 82 Toyota, have for years haha.

Since you're using a torque wrench for the first time I would advise you zero it out when not in use or it won't stay calibrated. Best read the instructions that came with it to find out what the manufacturer suggests for storage, some are above "0" to keep the parts aligned etc.

 

Just remember to check if its inch pounds or ft pounds

 

Most torque wrench set that low you wont hear the click. pull slow and steady and feel for it.