Torque wrench needed to install seatbelts and third row seat?

[deisz001]

Hi All,

I have a 5-seat 2005 Mazda5 and recently bought a second-hand third row seat and seatbelts. I read the workshop manual to see how to install them and saw that for each bolt, Mazda specifies the torque value for tightening it.
Now I wonder whether it is important to tighten the bolts according to the specified values. (I would have to buy a torque wrench, which I will if it is wise to do so).
I can imagine that it is important for fitting wheels or engine parts. But a seat and seatbelts....

Cheers! Stefan.

 

[phunky.buddha]

Absolutely important. Seat belts are safety items... I would want then installed with the proper torque. Go get a torque wrench. If you're doing your own work on your car, it's a requirements for your toolbox.

I don't know how good it is, but one of the vendors here is selling one for $99. I know you're not in the US, so I don't know what that does for you.

http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?123807963-Digital-Torque-Wrench-Holiday-Special

 

[Silentnoise713]

I can imagine that it is important for fitting wheels or engine parts. But a seat and seatbelts....

Do you have a good feel/gauge on when you are over tighten things? A torque wrench is nice tool but only necessary for what you want to do. I don't feel it is necessary for bolting down seats/seatbelt but it depends on if you trust that you can gauge when it is overly tight. If you have no clue, then get one.

Depending on how involved you want to get with working on your car, a toque wrench may or may not be necessary. I try to use it when dealing with moving parts or parts that may be affect by movement/vibration (eg. engine, calipers, etc..). Also, keep in mind that some tight space don't have enough space to use a torque wrench unless you dismantle the car down to the bare part... Knowing the torque value alone is a good gauge.

If you want to get one, I would recommend looking at CDI torque wrenches. CDI is a subsidiary of Snap-on, without the hefty price tag. I would prefer one with a lower or wider torque range than the higher range ones like most clicker torque wrenches. Keep in mind the fancy ones require calibration, which will require servicing. I have a cheap mechanical one from Sears for general work and an el cheapo clicker wrench from Harbor Freight for lug nuts (both cheap but suite my needs, for now).

 

[Robotazky]

Just buy one of the old school wrenches with the bending rod. You can get a Craftsman for like $30 and use it on tiny bolts or big bolts.

 

[phunky.buddha]

Yeesh. Good luck reading those with any accuracy when you're trying to torque things down- those are good for getting a minimum amount, but when you're torquing things like wheels and suspension components, it's hard to hold a steady number at the higher torque values.

Amazon has quite a few breakover torque wrenches in the $30-40 range.

 

[Silentnoise713]

Sears one works pretty good. It is not pinpoint accurate but you don't need it for typical car care. A bit bulky but useable. Besides, torque values come in ranges so it does not need to be accurate. Obviously not recommended for an engine or transmission rebuild. Harbor freight frequently has their clicker torque wrench onsale for ~$10. I leave that in the car for lug nuts and Is heafty enought as a breaker bar.

 

[Heat]

I have a torque wrench for spark plug changes, but I didn't use it when I was putting my third row of seats back, and I wouldn't use it on the seat belt either.

Just get the bolt on tight, by hand. You'll be fine.