Re: Wheels' Lug nuts loosened unexpectedly

Built_Well wrote:
> johngdole.@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
 wrote:
> > Given your comment below, I wonder if there was too much load on the
> > front wheels.
> >
> > Typically the lugs need to be pattern torqued > 60 lb/ft before loads
> > can be placed. But IMO it's more desirable not to lower them. So I
> > don't even lower them, just tighten them to spec like you do with the
> > rears. Inspect again while raised. No problems.
> >
> > Now instead of lowering the front try a block of 4x4 (you can get $1
> > scraps at home depot) or $4.99 Amazon tire chocks.
> >
> > http://www.amazon.com/Safety-Rubber-Wheel-Chock-Set/dp/B0019QUYRI/ref=
=3Dsr_1_5/002-6067429-7079267?ie=3DUTF8&s=3Dautomotive&qid=3D1216427943&sr=
=3D1-5
> > =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D
> >
> > On Jul 17, 9:16=BDpm, Built_Well <Built_Well_Toy...@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
wrote:
> > > Since the front wheels moved
> > > freely, I torqued them after lowering the vehicle unitl the wheels
> > > barely touched the ground enough to prevent the front wheels from
> > > moving.
> =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D
>
> JohnGdole, that's an excellent idea.  Instead of lowering the
> front wheels until they just barely touch the ground enough
> to prevent their moving (like Tegger and I do), you're
> suggesting to lower the front wheels until they're still an
> inch or so above the ground and then slip a 4x4 piece of wood
> or a tire chock in the one-inch gap between wheel and ground.
>
> I'll try that next time.  If I'm picturing things right, you're
> saying the tire chock or wood jammed into the one-inch gap will
> prevent the front wheels from moving while you're torquing them?
>
> Sounds like a great idea.  Did you read this somewhere, and if
> so, where?  I'd like to read it myself, or at least know what
> the source is, if you can remember.
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D

By the way, the author of the book "Auto Upkeep" also torques
his wheels while they're just barely touching the ground--touching
just enough to prevent wheel movement.

However, the author neglected to mention not to torque your wheels
while they're hot.  Luckily, I read at TireRack.com the
following:

"When rechecking torque value, wait for the wheels to cool
to ambient temperature (never torque a hot wheel)."  [Sounds
like a good idea.  But does anyone know why?]

Here's a longer passage from TireRack.com :

"When installing new wheels you should re-torque the wheel lugs
after driving the first 50 to 100 miles in case the clamping
loads have changed following the initial installation. This is
necessary due to the possibility of metal compression/elongation
or thermal stresses affecting the wheels as they are breaking in,
as well as to verify the accuracy of the original installation.
When rechecking torque value, wait for the wheels to cool to
ambient temperature (never torque a hot wheel).  Loosen and
retighten to value, in sequence. Simply repeat the same torque
procedure listed above."