Wheels over torqued?

What he said.

On hub pilot rims I've only ever torqued wheels to 500 ft-lbs and never had an issue. Torque them when you put them on and within 100 to 300 km and that should be plenty. If the torque wrench is set to 500 the wheel nuts should never be overtorqued unless someone gives them "a little extra" each time. I haven't seen stud pilot wheels in a long time and can't remember what to torque those to.

 

If the wheels are not seated properly when mounted they do need re-torquing. When you sign off on tire work it always has legalese "lug nuts must be re-torqued within 50-100 miles". But only that one time then they are good to go.

 

Check with the guys who are actually installing the wheels. Anyone who uses a 1" impact gun to install wheels needs a kick in the rear! We see it all the time. Guy uses 1" gun to install wheels, then uses torque wrench set to 475 pounds, but it clicks right away with no nut movement - over torqued every time. 1" guns are good for 800 foot pounds or more!

 

I had a tire changed at the TA in Brooklyn, IA. He zapped it with the gun and when it slowed, he stopped. He torqued to 475, and all lug nuts rotated about 1/4 turn before the wrench clicked. Retorqued at Iowa 80 at 500, and they moved a hair. No reason to check torque again.

 

If he's really that OCD about lug nuts, get those plastic pointers so he can visually check that they have not moved.

 

You really shouldn't be using your torque wrench as a ratchet to put lug nuts on. It's not a ratchet, breaker bar, etc. It's a precision tool that should be handled with care. Tighten lugs with impact then finish the final half turn or so with your torque wrench

 

I know one guy who had a hub come apart due to overtorquing. He changed all 6.