What is the PROPER way to tighten lug nuts?

[Mangudai]

Its not rocket science, I know but I ask this because I thought it was as simple as jacking the wheel up then screwing them on but people on here say that's not the proper way. I cant find the thread but they didn't list the proper way either. Do I need a torque wrench?

[TravisSW]

I prefer good ol hand strength.

I'm always afraid of a torque gun breaking or stripping bolts.

After I replace a tire. I tighten them all up. Lower the car, recheck them, maybe a quick drive around the block and check them again. So far they've never came lose after I tightened them after the car touches the ground. :)

[brndck]

star pattern + torque wrench.

[projectRDM]

^ Exactly, star pattern, seat all tight while the wheel is in the air, lower just enough for the tire to grip the pavement but not load up, then tighten fully at preset torque. Once on the ground, double check the torque again.

[Om1kron]

star pattern + torque wrench.

around 40-45lbs on the tq wrench, tighten them while jacked up in the air, lower the car go for a drive and re-tighten.

lug nuts do come loose after driving.

[s13boy89]

what are you talking about its 95 for nissans

[brndck]

/\/\/\/\ ya i always use 90 ft/lbs. 45 seems way low. no wonder you're having problems with them backing off.

[Sonic Motor]

yeah 45 is too low.

I was reading some Tire manual when I was working at a tire shop. It said 70-80 ft/lbs for most japanese cars.

[smelly240]

80-90... torque stick or feel it out with a impact...

is good... yes.

[g6civcx]

The proper way is to tighten all nuts at 50% of the rated torque. Then you tighten them again at 100% to specs.

I personally go around the start pattern at least twice, and then I do it once more before the car drives out of the shop.

Pre-tightening them allows the wheel to sit flushed against the brake disc. If not, you risk uneven loading of the disc.

I didn't make this up. It came from some of the TSBs of major auto manufacturers to prevent brake disc warpage.


Oh, and I always prefer hand-tightening opposed to torque sticks.

[SexPanda]

i hate torque sticks. I only use the 50lb/ft one and then check them with the torque wrench. I'd rather hand tighten them, then kiss the tire to the ground, and go at it with a torque wrench. X pattern for 4 lug, star pattern for 5 lug, double triangle for 6 lug and so on.

Some of the best tools you could ever buy if you work on your own cars: Ft/lb and In/Lb torque wrenches.

[MadScientist]

ODD... everyone is using diferent tech.

Cross (star) pattern is best!!
50/50 tight is best... finger tight to seat... then torque to 80-90 ft/lbs.

IF you are using aftermarket aluminum or light weight Lugs... or if you have replaced the Studs... you should re-torque after driving.

-Drew

[Om1kron]

/\/\/\/\ ya i always use 90 ft/lbs. 45 seems way low. no wonder you're having problems with them backing off.


i dont see where i said mine came loose, i just said generally... they do come loose. i've never had that problem on my cars.

[Marcus]

i dont see where i said mine came loose, i just said generally... they do come loose. i've never had that problem on my cars.

for your safety and others.

go tighten your lug nuts.

[95KA-Turbo]

FSM for my S14 says 90-94 ft/lbs.

I usually spin them on by and most of the way then hit them with my electric impact just enough to tighten them down a little, then use a torque wrench/my hand to 90 ft/lbs.

[Bigsyke]

Torque to 60-70lbs if your using anti-seize or wax, but torque them every 50 miles for the 1st 200 miles.

[Om1kron]

for your safety and others.

go tighten your lug nuts.

my wheels are not even on my car, why would i want to tighten them.

:Ownedd:

[Mangudai]

I thought you weren't suppose to use anti seize on lugs?

[JRas]

I torque them to 84lb-ft in a star pattern, using a torque wrench.

[brndck]

Torque to 60-70lbs if your using anti-seize or wax, but torque them every 50 miles for the 1st 200 miles.

I thought you weren't suppose to use anti seize on lugs?

personally i never use anything on a stud. if it is difficult/binding, replace that ish. i've had engineers tell me that some substances can affect your final torque value (not that it would make a major difference on lugnuts, but in other applications it can) studs are freaking cheap and very easy to replace on nissans. (i will however put antisieze on the splines when installing new studs)

[g6civcx]

I thought you weren't suppose to use anti seize on lugs?

Some manufacturers (Mazda) put antiseize compound on the lug nut studs from the factory.

[hai1206vn]

Where the hell did you guys get those torque numbers????? Below is my screenshot of the FSM (s14). Says clearly 72-87 ft.lb

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q291/hai1206vn/misc/lugnuts.jpg

[jakerps13]

You guys are ridiculous!

90ft/lbs with torque wrench or torque stick in star pattern.

Most problem with torque sticks are people just brap it on and say it's good. You need to dwell there for a second or two.

I hit it up to 100. Most aftermarket studs are better than oem and can be torqued higher. Antiseize is just that, use it! Aluminum wheels will loosen up over time and heat cycles (racing environment).

[usdm180sx]

around 40-45lbs on the tq wrench, tighten them while jacked up in the air, lower the car go for a drive and re-tighten.

lug nuts do come loose after driving.

LOL you're on drugs man. It's a tad tighter than that!

[Jeff Jones]

I used to but mine at 80ft but after a few laps they would back off to 75ft. Now I put them to 90 and they haven't come loos yet. I also use anti seize and the star pattern.

[ZX88]

lol at 45lbs i always did star pattern till tight. lower the car so the tire would grip them torque them down to 85lbs with a torque wrench.

[CityTireOnline.com]

Anti-Seize Lube on each lug before hand threading.

Star Pattern - Starting at the uppermost Lug

Torque wrench 80-90 lbs while on jack.

Double Check torque while on ground.

If they are aluminum lugs, recheck torque every month. Or after every pit when racing.

[seanc]

i have been in the tire business for a long time and working on cars, race cars, and semi's and heavy equipment for even longer. NEVER USE ANY LUBE ON LUG NUTS OR STUDS. Nissans (all car models) are 72-87 ft-lbs. i hand tighten and make sure the wheel is seated on the hub all the way around, then lower the car down and torque in a star pattern to 87 ft lbs with an ACCURATE torque wrench. you would not believe how little of a drop it takes to make a torque wrench WAY off.

[Bigsyke]

i have been in the tire business for a long time and working on cars, race cars, and semi's and heavy equipment for even longer. NEVER USE ANY LUBE ON LUG NUTS OR STUDS. Nissans (all car models) are 72-87 ft-lbs. i hand tighten and make sure the wheel is seated on the hub all the way around, then lower the car down and torque in a star pattern to 87 ft lbs with an ACCURATE torque wrench. you would not believe how little of a drop it takes to make a torque wrench WAY off.

How much does it throw it off? Say a lubed up stud torqued to 70lbs equals what? 100lbs?

My theory is, a lubed up stud torqued at 60lbs should be around 80-90lbs. Just retorque them every 100 miles for a while and you should be good.

My studs are quite lubed up, never have they gone under 60lbs durring DD

The FSM states 73.0 - 86.3lbs for both front and rear (s14)