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Whats the correct torque for the wheels on my Mini


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#16 dklawson

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Posted 11 January 2006 - 01:32 PM

Jammy and Gogobroom...

I have all but NEVER used a torque wrench on wheel studs on ANY car I've owned. Yes... I know there are torque specs for these things. Like Guessworks said, I'm aware that over-torquing the lugs can warp things.

However, after you've tightened lug nuts for a while you do get a feel for what's "right". I've never had wheels come off or loosen and I've never warped a rotor from excessive torque. I know this is shallow evidence to make my case... but your car's spare tire didn't come with a torque wrench... it came with a simple tire iron with hex socket in one end.

FWIW, I've seen more warping of rotors caused by the overzealous use (and reliance on the accuracy of) air impact wrenches to tighten lug nuts. Just use your common sense and hand tools (torque wrench or not) and you should be fine.

#17 Papa Lazaroo

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Posted 11 January 2006 - 04:01 PM

I've heard of a funny phenonemon that effects wheel nuts depending on which way the wheel turns. The nuts on the right hand side of the car will very rarely come undone because the wheels are turning clockwise and any vibrations will actually tighten the nut up. Whereas on the other side the wheels rotation actually serves to loosen the nuts (if they are loose already). I don't fully understand the exact science or mechanics but I have experienced it first hand.

My experience was quite scary as I hadn't tightened any of the wheels up to the correct torque (I had misread my torque wrench). Several laps of a track later and I had some almighty vibrations and it turned out that both my left hand wheels were hanging on by two nuts each (the others had gone)!!!!

I was very lucky but I now always tighten up the left hand side a tiny bit more than the right - probably not needed but once bitten!! :fear:




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