lug nut torque

[sodbuster]

Does anybody know what the lug nut torque should be on a Dexter 7000lb axle with aluminum rims and half inch studs? I have looked online and can't get a straight answer.

[Bassdogs]

Originally Posted by sodbuster

Does anybody know what the lug nut torque should be on a Dexter 7000lb axle with aluminum rims and half inch studs? I have looked online and can't get a straight answer.

Am interested in answer myself. Over the years [lots of years] I have changed tires on everything from a small station wagon to a dual axle TT with about a hundred other trailers [utility, car hauler, runabout boat, pop up]. With the OP's ?? in mind, I have never used a torque wrench nor have I seen a professional at a tire store or RV service center use one either. At 69 years old I doubt I can over torque a lug but am confident I can adequately tighten it down. I always recheck the lugs after the first few miles after changing a wheel and give each of the lugs a tug.

I know there are torque standards but good and tight seems to be the "standard".

[MrNiceGuy]

This should help.
http://www.etrailer.com/static/image...u83730_800.jpg

[norty1]

The Dexter manual is in the Misc. section of the Manuals on JOF.

http://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/do...p?do=file&id=2

[sodbuster]

Thank you so much! That is exactly what I was looking for.

[sodbuster]

I have never seen a tire store use a torque wrench either. When I was still farming I tightened wheel lugs with a impact wrench and I always figured they were over-tightened but they didn't loosen either.

[norty1]

Our local Firestone store tire tech uses a torque wrench on my truck and was very knowledgeable of the requirements.

I bought an inexpensive torque wrench at Harbor Freight that I use on the camper.

[Philbert]

In our area most tire stores use what is called a torque stick.

We have used this at my place of work and have checked them often with a torque wrench and they are right on.

Sunex 1/2in.-Drive Torque Limiting Extension Set — 5-Pc., Model# 2450 | Impact Adapters, Extensions Joints| Northern Tool + Equipment

[oldmanAZ]

Originally Posted by sodbuster

I have never seen a tire store use a torque wrench either. When I was still farming I tightened wheel lugs with a impact wrench and I always figured they were over-tightened but they didn't loosen either.

My local Discount Tire uses a torque wrench and uses it correctly - 2 steps (partial torque then full) and alternates lug nuts across the wheel.

They also re-balance the tires when I take it in for my 5k rotation.

Love that place!

[North of 49°]

I picked up a nail somewhere on the road while camping. It was a fast enough leak that I had to top up the tire pretty much every day, but since I had a 12 volt air compressor, it was only mildly inconvenient. When we got back, I took the truck in to a local tire place to get fixed. When it was done, they left a little card on my dash saying the nuts were torqued to spec and need to be checked after 100 km, and bring it back to them with the card and they'll do it for free. There was also coupons for other services they do, like $5 off an oil change, that kind of stuff.

I have a pretty decent torque wrench, so I always check it myself. Trust, but verify.

[thomhack]

Two years back I bought a torque wrench from Harbor Freight (while on the road and needed one) and after following their break in instructions found it to be inaccurate.Tested it against my other older torque wrenches (when I got home) it was way off. Use the Harbor Freight torque wrench as a breaker bar these days. Buyer be aware when it comes to Harbor Freight. Additionally in the last 10 years or so, every time I have bought tires the Tech used a torque wrench.

[Marcm157]

Originally Posted by oldmanAZ

My local Discount Tire uses a torque wrench and uses it correctly - 2 steps (partial torque then full) and alternates lug nuts across the wheel.

They also re-balance the tires when I take it in for my 5k rotation.

Love that place!

In my second career work for a coach bus company in their maintenance shop. I also do all my own auto repairs at home as well as for family. I always use a torque stick LOWER than the torque I'm trying to achieve and then final torque with an appropriate torque wrench.

It's a pet peeve of mine when a mechanic uses an impact gun on lug nuts without FIRST hand tightening them and zips them tight from a few spins. The extra time it takes to torque in steps is minimal compared to damaging a wheel stud by over torquing...