Torque wrench and changing tires

8 years ago

I was going to switch out my winter tires and called my husband to ask how he labelled the tires from when he removed them so I can rotate them. He told me I shouldn't do it because I need a torque wrench. I have changed tires in the past and never used one. Is it totally necessary? I mean a lot has changed when I did more work on a car but the wheels (other than the lug nut that needs a key?) but who knows, I guess. I am not so strong that I would tighten so much to over tighten. I don't know how to use a torque wrench so figured manual is fine. Thanks.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (7)

geoffrey_b
8 years ago
You can get the torque specifications from the manufacturer or maybe the owners manual.

I would say 100 lbs is pretty much standard. Check them after a week of driving.
kootenaycapable
8 years ago
Whenever I get mine changed, the tire shop tells me to torque them to 150 lbs after 150 kms. Something about the aluminum wheels.
Related Professionals
Birmingham Accessory Dwelling Units · Hempstead Accessory Dwelling Units · Kenosha Accessory Dwelling Units · Bozeman Accessory Dwelling Units · Chatham Accessory Dwelling Units · Johnson City Home Additions · Dubuque Home Additions · Utica Home Additions · Sheboygan Home Additions · San Jose Home Additions · Effingham Carpenters · Newark Carpenters · Olean Carpenters · Farmington Carpenters · Montréal Carpenters
Cookie8
Original Author
8 years ago
Well, I guess I can change and tighten and then he can do whatever he likes with his wrench. I'm not in the mood to look up on torque wrenches. Plus finding it would set me back 1/2 a day! Thanks.
chas045
8 years ago
I guess this won't help Cookie8, but if one has a large socket wrench with a long handle or similar, they can use their weight and distance from the center of the socket to determine foot-pounds. Standing on the bar one foot away for a 100 lb person is 100 ft-pounds (200# person would stand at 6" away).
Steve J
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
It's highly recommended to use a torque wrench when tightening lug nuts. They ensure not only that your lug nuts are snug enough to not back off, but not too tight to damage the nuts, studs, or even potentially the wheels, rotors, and hubs behind them. A torque wrench also ensures proper EVEN tightness on all lug nuts to ensure alignment.

You can certainly change your wheels without a torque wrench, but your first drive should be to a place that can properly torque them for you, or where they can loan or rent you a torque wrench.

You can buy one like this for $35. That's a VERY CHEAP investment to protect your vehicle. I'd suggest a better one if you can afford it, but for basic usage, it will work fine.

How to use it: Use a normal socket wrench to get the nuts snug on the studs. Then crack the black handle until it registers your required tighness. Then use just like a socket wrench, torquing until it "clicks." Then move to the next lug. If your lugs require a lot of torque, (my Tahoe needs 140 ft lbs), it's recommended to do them in stages like 100-120-140 so you're not applying a lot of torque to one side all at once.
mike_kaiser_gw
8 years ago
Most, if not all, of the national auto parts stores "loan" tools for free and I'm sure they would have torque wrench. Basically you give them a deposit equal to the selling price of the tool. When you return it, you get your money back. I think they give you something like 30 days. After that, they keep your money and you keep the tool.
summersrhythm_z6a
8 years ago
Or just go to Walmart they charge $15 per tire I heard.