BalljointFrank

2003 Acura TL 280k
Been using torque wrench to tighten lugnuts to 80 ft/lbs for years
Just changed front brakes and did the usual torque settings
Car is being inspected by my mechanic and he calls and tells me front lugnuts are too 'loose' plus he ALWAYS torques in the 90's or higher
I've been going to this guy for years and never heard this before
Is there ANY reason to torque higher than 80???
Is it time to change mechanics?

gnuts

iTrader: (1)

I always do mine to 100. Most shops I see seem to always use the 100ft/lb attachment.

Iggy

80 ft/lbs is correct. Is your torque wrench calibrated properly? When you store your wrench always back it off to zero before putting it away as the spring in there can develop a memory if left under
compression for long periods.

Quick way to double check your wrench is to grab one of these: https://www.harborfreight.com/12-in-...ter-68283.html

BalljointFrank

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Thanks for the useful info - never backed the wrench to zero - it might be calibrated incorrectly

SuperGreg

I never back mine off, my brother always does. We got one of the digital calibration meters and found mine was spot on, and his was WAAAYYY off. Which explains why I stripped the threads out of my caliper brackets using his.

No matter how you treat your torque wrench, calibrate it using something! And torque your lug nuts to 80 ft-lbs like Acura says to do. There is no reason to do otherwise.

BalljointFrank

Doing things by the Acura manual is a common theme on these threads.

Torque Specs = as stated
Engine Oil = 5w20
Fuel = 91 Octane
Tire Pressure = 32psi
etc, etc, etc

I see people claiming otherwise time and time again, only to be reminded by forum members there must be a logical reason that Acura, the company that makes the cars, prints a users manual.

Thanks - I bought a calibration tool from Harbor Freight

If my mechanic torques the lugs to 110, I'll bring them back down to 80
​​​​​​​THE WHEELS HAVEN'T FALLEN OFF IN 14 YEARS

Skirmich

Well owners manual is good for casual DIYers but if you know what your doing its better..
I personally do:
-5W-30 (5W-20 is a scam anyway)
-91 octane (Because anything lower makes the car run like crap specially in the top end and you get lower MPGs)
-35PSI all tires (COLD), Constant hwy MPGs goes up. Max pressure stabilize to 40psi in So-Cali summers, max for my tires is 44psi so yes its safe when riding with 1 passenger only and no load.
-Most nuts and bolts go by hand tight unless its a critical component (Got used to tighten by feeling brake hardware and suspension)
-Lug nuts get tighten until I hear the first metal screech on the nut when tightening never had an issue with wheels falling out or warped rotors in +10years of doing so.