Checking Lug Nut Torque

I was 15 when I started working the odd weekend at a small truck shop. One of my first jobs was a brake job on a tridem trailer. Did 60 wheel nuts to 500ft-lbs no problem.

 

It’s also human nature to presume things that are not so, and talk about things one knows very little about.

 

First thing you should do before you get out here is to stop making Assumptions about what someone does with the piece of equipment that feeds their family and that their life depends on.
A couple of these guys tried to tell you straight how to tell if a lug nut is loose. Look for a streak of rust or stain. Know why? Because the stud is unpainted untreated steel and if it gets any exposure to the elements it will rust and if that nut is loose that rusty moisture will be squeezed out on the wheel. Science or magic, you decide. Whether you call it a post trip or mid trip anyone who doesn't take a walk around just about any time you stop is asking for trouble.

Human nature is to survive...

 

Ummm.. no a couple of guys didnt. Lol. Look dude I started off by saying I don’t know and then said I’d bet that’s the case, never said it was the case. If you are thorough with all your checks then that’s great. I have read in these forums people are seen leaving without checking. I believe it was a flip flop wearing Volvo drivers.

Have a chilled sandwich and relax. ####

 

That makes my shoulder hurt just thinking about it. 20 is enough for me at this age.

 

where were you when i had to pick up and deliver 5,000 + pound rolls of paper.. about 30 years ago.???

 

This annoys me. I’ve been to several ‘tire shops’ that don’t have a torque wrench on hand, or - there’s one ‘somewhere ‘, but they don’t use it.

So, out comes the rattle gun to stretch and weaken the lugs. Thanks guys.

And when I insist on balancing drives and trailer tires, the dumb looks persist.

Them - “Nobody does that”.

Me - “Well, I do.”

Them -“Well, you’re paying for it”.

Me - “Yes, I am - now go find your torque wrench “

Last time I checked, all the wheels and tires on the bus go round and round . . .

 

it is also pure laziness to not do a job properly.

yes, i do know tools cost money. but any mechanic worth his weight in gold, has a full compliment of tools.

i know, i wrenched for many years in my youth as well. sad day i practically gave it all away for dirt cheap.

 

I had a Ford F-550 rollback that a national tire chain put tires on, the kid was scared the tires would come off; he must have really tightened them so it was "Safe." Went on my way, and next day hit a bump and the drives on driver side passed me; one went up a bank on opposite side of a 4 lane road, the other took lazy bounces directly into radiator of oncoming Durango. 4 grand in damages.
The "Insurance regulations prohibit customers from entering shop areas" - really bit them in ###.
I know better; I would have stopped him. His good intentions backfired with the stretched studs.
There is a reason there is a regulated torque applied. Studs will stretch. Tight's tight; Too tight is broke.

 

Which is why I always shake my head in wonder at our shop. One of the guys will hit the lugs with the air gun until it stops, but then keeps the air going for several seconds tighting the lug. Sure he'll pull the torque wrench out, but when every lug clicks immediately they are likely too tight.
I'm suprised they don't have to replace the studs all the time.