Lost wheel

[RobW-NC]

I carry a torque wrench

Here are my thoughts. First I wonder how many rv owners actually own a torque wrench. I think one reason a lot of folks don’t own them is the cost. In my case I decided to try a Harbor Feight torque wrench. My reasoning was that it was cheap, I wouldn’t use it often, it has a lifetime warranty & I could find a mechanic with a “professional torque wrench” that I could use to test the accuracy of my Harbor Freight product. My cheap wrench was as accurate as the professional model at Morryde.

As for my technique, if the tires are removed for rotation or any other reason, I watch the tech torque the lug nuts. I point out the sticker on my pin box that has the specification of 120 lbs. after I leave the dealer, I retorque every lug nut at 50 miles & then every 100 miles until none of the lug nuts can be tightened. That can sometimes take 4 or 5 stops.

I would love to hear fellow members thoughts

I keep a torque wrench under my backseat. When on a trip When we stop I will check the torque and shoot the wheel temps even though I have TPMS. Doesn't take that long to do.

 

[Big Blue]

It would seem the lug nuts are loosening due to heat from the road, brakes maybe? I wonder what the final torque is when they cool off.....

 

[Butcher]

A properly torqued lug bolt/nut does not come loose. If it does, it was never torqued properly. Clean/lubricated threads are important.

Last week, I had a client come in, wheel properly torqued, wheel was loose. That is because the bolts were rusted. The torque wrench did its job but the bolt never firmly secured the wheel to the hub. I fixed two bolts and told him to go back to Firestone so they can take care of their 'comeback'.

Last week, a prominent BMW dealer in the area had a client come in with only three wheels. The week before it had 4 tires replaced. The original tech no longer works there. Nobody got hurt. On a different subject, they burned up 3 diesel engines in the last month too.

That was last weeks news.

 

[Hoopy Frood]

A properly torqued lug bolt/nut does not come loose. If it does, it was never torqued properly. Clean/lubricated threads are important.
...

I agree that nuts rarely loosen themselves. OTOH continually retightening bolts can lead to stud stretch and possible failure at some point. IMO, torque the nuts, recheck once after 100 miles or so if you wish, and then let them be. And if you lubricate the threads be sure to lessen the torque values by about 15%.

 

[USA in a Chevrolet]

A properly torqued lug bolt/nut does not come loose. If it does, it was never torqued properly. Clean/lubricated threads are important.

Last week, I had a client come in, wheel properly torqued, wheel was loose. That is because the bolts were rusted. The torque wrench did its job but the bolt never firmly secured the wheel to the hub. I fixed two bolts and told him to go back to Firestone so they can take care of their 'comeback'.

Last week, a prominent BMW dealer in the area had a client come in with only three wheels. The week before it had 4 tires replaced. The original tech no longer works there. Nobody got hurt. On a different subject, they burned up 3 diesel engines in the last month too.

That was last weeks news.

My take on this is that a properly torqued lug nut may not be properly torqued after 100 miles of traveling. Lug nuts tighten the tire rim to the wheel. If you examine the tire rim you will see concave holes. As you tighten the lug nuts the rim centers the studs in the holes. As you travel the rim eventually is centered on each of the studs. I’m sure that the kugnuts need to be checked a few times after the tires have been removed & then remounted. However each of us is free to follow what we believe. No hard feelings to those who disagree.

 

[huntindog]

My take on this is that a properly torqued lug nut may not be properly torqued after 100 miles of traveling. Lug nuts tighten the tire rim to the wheel. If you examine the tire rim you will see concave holes. As you tighten the lug nuts the rim centers the studs in the holes. As you travel the rim eventually is centered on each of the studs. I’m sure that the kugnuts need to be checked a few times after the tires have been removed & then remounted. However each of us is free to follow what we believe. No hard feelings to those who disagree.

What I have noticed over the years is that new rims tend to loosen up. I think that his is due to the paint or other coatings applied during manufacture. As they wear away these coatings they tend to loosen less. A well used rim usually doesn't need to be retorqued.... Of course depending on YOUR usage.....YMMV

 

[USA in a Chevrolet]

What I have noticed over the years is that new rims tend to loosen up. I think that his is due to the paint or other coatings applied during manufacture. As they wear away these coatings they tend to loosen less. A well used rim usually doesn't need to be retorqued.... Of course depending on YOUR usage.....YMMV

That makes sense! Take care.

 

[Ickisrulz]

We just completed a 1,300 round trip from central OK to Colorado Springs. We didn't lose any wheels or hubs during our trip.

 

[Ickisrulz]

We just completed a 1,300 round trip from central OK to Colorado Springs. We didn't lose any wheels or hubs during our trip.

 

[savagkd]

I realize this is an older thread, but would like to add another reason to retorque after having a "Pro" shop mount your tires. Years ago I purchased new tires for my truck from a national chain. Drove the 20 miles home and retorqued. Imagine my surprise when one of the lug nuts snapped off at first pressure. The lug stud had been sheared off, presumably with an impact wrench, then superglued back on to hide the screw-up. Back to the shop, the manager fired the tech on the spot, had all of my studs replaced, re-balanced all wheels and refunded the cost of mount and balance. They made it right and I still use the same chain.

Point is, even the most reputable shops can have questionable employees.

Trust, but verify.

 

[Likes to tow]

I realize this is an older thread, but would like to add another reason to retorque after having a "Pro" shop mount your tires. Years ago I purchased new tires for my truck from a national chain. Drove the 20 miles home and retorqued. Imagine my surprise when one of the lug nuts snapped off at first pressure. The lug stud had been sheared off, presumably with an impact wrench, then superglued back on to hide the screw-up. Back to the shop, the manager fired the tech on the spot, had all of my studs replaced, re-balanced all wheels and refunded the cost of mount and balance. They made it right and I still use the same chain.

Point is, even the most reputable shops can have questionable employees.

Trust, but verify.

I have trouble trusting anyone to do anything for me! There are some good mechanics, plumbers, electricans and so forth but also there are too many hired to do a job that have a bad attitude or could care less about their work. At this point in life I could actually afford to have my boat or camper serviced but do not trust the people hired to do it. Thus I do everything myself. I've learned a lot about things now and try to share my experience and knowledge with others.

 

[kb0zke]

Anyone can make a mistake. The question really is how is it handled afterward?

I've always done some of my own work, and had those who know what they are doing do some of it. I know what I'm capable of doing and when I should rely on others. I did very little engine or suspension work on the Foretravel, but I'm going to grease the suspension on the Reflection. Why the difference? I'm able to get underneath this trailer and I couldn't get under the Foretravel.

They day will come when I won't be able to do that. At that point I'll either decide that it is time to get off of the road or find a reputable shop to handle the maintenance.