Rotating Tires: Torque Important?

[Flipper]

Bought myself some ramps, jackstands, etc. to do simple stuff like oil changes and tire rotations. Do those who rotate their own tires use a torque wrench to 65-87 ft-lbs (shop manual) or just a snug up tight with an X-wrench. I know its important to use a crossing pattern when tightening.

All I could find in the archives were horror stories about cracking the keyed nut if an impact wrench was used. Someone also warned about warping rotors by over-torquing. I think this happened on my previous car and i don't want to screw up the P5 rotors with the first rotation.

Thanks.

 

[AlbinoMuntjac]

I spin mine on just tight enough with the impact, then I finish them all off with the torque wrench. Just saves a little time. I never go all the way tight with an impact, esp. with an alloy wheel. Also, a little Anti-Seize will work wonders for actually being able to remove the wheels and lugs.

 

[Naveed74]

I use a torque wrench. Use the manual for the proper pattern too.

 

[FLSilverP5]

i dont use a torque wrench. But apparently neither did the guy i bought the car from, cuz wen i went to do a rotation, i have to jump on the wrench to open the lug nuts, and even then it was multiple jumps with lots of effort.

 

[h4tor1]

I use the torque wrench with 85 ft-lbs, using star pattern to tight it up

 

[mp5zoomer]

i always use 100 ft lbs torque that's what a.s.e. recommends for all passenger cars

 

[Fluffy Bunny]

i dont use a torque wrench. But apparently neither did the guy i bought the car from, cuz wen i went to do a rotation, i have to jump on the wrench to open the lug nuts, and even then it was multiple jumps with lots of effort.

I think some auto repair places should ban impact wrenches period. Had an alignment done once and they assured be their wrenches are set at 90 lbs. When I went to rotate the tires a few weeks later there was no way I could get the lugs off. Took it to a local independant and he couldn't get them off with his impact wrench. Ended up using a three foot breaker bar on all but two lugs.

Even without a torque wrench you can judge how much to put on them. You not going to hurt anything doing it by hand unless you want to see if you can bend your lug wrench.

Good luck.

 

[maple_leaf]

I've always done it with my regular lug wrench. No problems whatsoever. Make sure you always monitor though, even when done by the dealership.

 

[elfhearse]

Always use a torque wrench to factory spec TQ. Over-torquing (air impact) could warp the rotors. I'm not sure how susceptible the P5 rotors are but I know it happened to a friend with an older Eclipse.

 

[Flipper]

Thanks for the comments. I think I'll just be safe and get the torque wrench. Doing the rotations myself will pay for it in no time.

 

[GNO]

I torque mine down with a torque wrench. I found that the next to lowest setting on my impact is still loose enough to require a little torquing, but I use the lowest setting to start the nuts.

 

[zmepro]

Thanks for the comments. I think I'll just be safe and get the torque wrench. Doing the rotations myself will pay for it in no time.

you don't even need it for wheels, but get one, it is prolbly one of the most importent tools for working on your car

 

[MrFoggy]

Quick threadjack. What kind of prices did you guys pay for your torque wrenchs? Just curious.

 

[doclaw64]

Mazda must have what they recommend for this. I would not think it is over 100 ft lbs though.

 

[Onatrum]

does this change with different rims? I have 17"'s on my P5.

 

[elfhearse]

Mazda must have what they recommend for this. I would not think it is over 100 ft lbs though.

66 - 86 ft/lbs per Mazda P5 shop manual

does this change with different rims? I have 17"'s on my P5.

No, same TQ required to secure to hub.

 

[MrFoggy]

Quick threadjack. What kind of prices did you guys pay for your torque wrenchs? Just curious.

 

[MinnowGT]

hey tony

you can check these guys out -> www.harborfreight.com

also this coming week is craftman days. So 10% off if you have a craftsman's card.

btw. I got the powerbuilt from kragen - http://www.partsamerica.com/PartDetails.asp?SourceArea=&SourcePage=SEARCHRESULTS&MfrCode=PBI&MfrPartNumber=644045&CategoryCode=3418

 

[Swerny]

I torque mine to 80 lb/ft using the star pattern as well.

 

[capnsavem]

I torque mine to 80 lb/ft using the star pattern as well.

70-80 IS COOL