Shock torque question

if you were a mechanic, i'd stay away from your shop.

 

Here's the FSM page for rear shock specs. In 99.9% of the times you should always use the torque specs.

However - there are situations where you physically can't use a torque wrench without taking tons of other things off and/or having the proper tools & torque wrenches to do so. If the item you are working on is NOT critical (like shocks), it's not nearly as important.

For instance, my husband and I installed shocks on my Mom's Grand Cherokee. It's IMPOSSIBLE to get any tools in there let alone a torque wrench. Having the abilitiy to hold the shock shaft AND get a torque wrench on it is nearly impossible in that situation. We used impact to 'snug' up againest the bushing. Count the threads and repeat on the opposite side.

Flame all you want.... but I'll be happy to admit that I don't necessarily use a torque wrench for every little thing. It depends on the item and its critical nature to the overall opperation of the vehicle.

 

+1 bajillion

1) The Toyota FSM is electronic so you don't have to hunt thru it...Click the right link and the info is right there. And there are 2 or 3 pages of torque settings if I remember correctly- Prolly a couple of pages worth having handy all the time.

2) If you are getting paid to do a job (especially at a dealership) you are getting paid to do it right. My spare time is is one thing. I'll waste it looking at the FSM all day. When it's your job and you aren't doing it right- You are DANGEROUS to others AND lazy.

And again- We are a site looking to teach people the right way to do things and help them with their trucks....So no I'm not going to ignore you and let you say stuff like "Just tighten it till it's tight" without someone speaking up for doing it right.

 

I can respect not doing it if you have to take the body off or whatever...and when it's your ride- Do what you want. hearing someone who is apparently a professional mech say that he doesn't feel like using the torque specs for something is ridiculous. If there is a torque spec-I'll use it cause someone smarter than I figured it out and as long as it doesn't break anything...Its good enuf for me.

 

Totally agree.....
If I was shopping around for a mechanic and they told me they don't use a torque wrench, I'd definately go somewhere else.

Although - what's worse?

A Professional Mechanic admitting he doesn't use a torque wrench (or whatever else)

Or

A Professional Mechanic who admits to going 'by the book' but doesn't do the work by the book.

 

True- Altho some how I have a feeling this guy doesn't tell his customers (if he is/was a mech) that he doesn't feel like using a torque wrench for somethings....Internet is one thing...Real life is totally different.

I don't like professional mechanics much at all honestly...but like so many other professions...They are necessary cause I don't have the tools or time to effect many repairs. The fact that I have had to check/re-do things that the professionals took care of for me is enuf reason for me to be wary.

 

That's not any different than any other profession. Every profession has its ranges of experience, attitude, & caring about the results.

I have two guys I work with who....umm....lack in professionalism & attitude. I have a thread on here about that.

 

Yeah...I've seen your thread.

Every profession has it's winners and losers. Some folks can get away with it...My high school job- Coulda done shitty work and the only thing that woulda happened was someone would have had to come along in a few years and re-do it. No harm, no foul cause it was just computer wires.

Do a poor job working on a car or as a doctor or cop...You can end/change someone's life...and I understand that a rear shock could fall off the truck and it won't cause an accident...but what else isn't important enuf to do right??

 

True- I more meant a a direct result. If the fitting on the calipers are not properly seated- You can seep brake fluid and lose effectiveness and crash. If the shock goes- it'll make the truck drive differently- but you can still drive.

 

why are you guys picking on us mechanics
jk but nothing can get me more upset then a
mechanic that just does shit work

 

wow that had to go up at the same time
iam jk anyway

 

Yeah man...Don't get me wrong...When I need the help of a mechanic I know I need it and I'm glad you have the training that you do...but the ones who do crappy work or cut corners make it hard. Gotta find the good ones and make friend with them...Send them christmas cards and stuff...

 

i like to get free stuff

 

Can I RE-REMIND you all that this thread is about rear shock bolts. Not about a SS bolt into Aluminum or a stretch head bolt.

 

Oh jeez. Your making me sad.

 

Sure...And Then i'll point you at the thread that Chris posted regarding the potential for an accident should you lose a shock due to improper installation.

There are spec and standards for a reason.


PS- Don't be sad- This is just the internets. I'm sure no one knows who you are or where you work-so you shouldn't lose any business or anything...