Is Torque Wrenching A Must?

DiegoM · 08-01-2012, 12:25 AM

I'm installing spacers and wanted to know if using a torque wrench measuring ft-lb is a MUST when reinstalling the wheel lugs. Is it always 90 ft-lb for the OEM ZCP M3?
Has anyone remounted the wheels using the regular lug wrench without having issues? Thanks.

1MOREMOD · 08-01-2012, 12:36 AM

you can mount finger tight if you want but the accurate spec is 88 and if you dont use a torque wrench you wont get it right and could get wobble at speed. you have an m3 so invest the 100 bucks on one.

isugoo · 08-01-2012, 12:49 AM

you can buy one for about 12- 20 dollars (depends on sale/coupon) from Harbor Freight.
http://www.harborfreight.com/1-2-hal...rench-239.html

It's pretty decent for wheel mount use.
So just buy one along with 17 mm socket and a extension. you'll not regret it for having it.

MMME30W · 08-01-2012, 05:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by isugoo

you can buy one for about 12- 20 dollars (depends on sale/coupon) from Harbor Freight.
http://www.harborfreight.com/1-2-hal...rench-239.html

It's pretty decent for wheel mount use.
So just buy one along with 17 mm socket and a extension. you'll not regret it for having it.

+1. HF tools are very utilitarian.

After a while you can get it close by hand, but to be accurate and repeatable a Torque Wrench is essential.

pbonsalb · 08-01-2012, 06:38 AM

The HF torque wrenches are on sale for $10 right now. I just received an advertisement. Buy the 1/2 inch. I do not think you need a $250 snapon torque wrench for your lugnuts, though if you have an unlimited budget, they are really good wrenches. I use the HF wrench.

ottoblotto · 08-01-2012, 07:44 AM

Every time I install my wheels, I torque them down. 20-50 miles later, I recheck the torque. Especially when running spacers. But I come from an aircraft aviation background and we torque, safety-wire, and anti-sabotage stripe everything...

ROB_S2K · 08-01-2012, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ottoblotto

Every time I install my wheels, I torque them down. 20-50 miles later, I recheck the torque. Especially when running spacers. But I come from an aircraft aviation background and we torque, safety-wire, and anti-sabotage stripe everything...

LOL you can never be too safe. I do the same.

**ben@tirerack** · 08-01-2012, 10:20 AM

A must? No. But you really should use a torque wrench. Especially on the M3, which is very sensitive to any vibration-causing irregularities.

It's not difficult, it's not expensive, it doesn't take much extra time, and you have the satisfaction of doing the job right.

isugoo · 08-01-2012, 11:33 AM

One more thing.
I have Harbor Freight torque wrench (I piad like 15 dollars for it) but being a snob, I wanted to have "better one" so I bought the Brownline digital torque wrench (the one our vendor is selling right now).

Guess what, I only use HF torque wrench. The reason is:
1. HF wrench is a lot smaller and BL wrench is really big.
2. HF wrench make clicking noise and stops for a sec when reach the torque limit vs. BL wrench beeps but if you don't stop right that second, it'll keep going. So you really have to stop it when you hear the beep.

I think Brownline is really designed more very precise work (engine etc.) but for wheels, I really think you can't beat the 10-20 dollars HF torque wrench.

DiegoM · 08-01-2012, 01:00 PM

Thanks so much guys! Checking out HF right this moment!

slicer · 08-01-2012, 01:13 PM

I have a Craftsman torque wrench and have been happy with it. I'm anal and would not install lugs without it! Be sure to get a breaker-bar for lug removal. Do NOT use your torque wrench to remove the lugs (or anything for that matter).

LiM3y · 08-01-2012, 01:18 PM

I think the market for tools now is such that one gets what one pays for in terms of reliability, accuracy and quality. I'd suggest paying a little bit extra for a higher quality brand such as Craftsman or Husky Pro that will have better longevity. The potential problem with torque wrenches is the tension spring and how long it maintains its elasticity and repeatable measurements. You wouldn't know if this was beginning to fail and giving you innaccurate torque values. I personally wouldn't put much trust in a $10 torque wrench for long term use.

Why is this important? Well firstly, it helps stop your wheels falling off at the most inoppotune moments, and secondly, inconsistent torque values around your hub can lead to warped discs and wheel vibration.

paradocs98 · 08-02-2012, 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DiegoM

I'm installing spacers and wanted to know if using a torque wrench measuring ft-lb is a MUST when reinstalling the wheel lugs.

Yes.

mdosu · 08-02-2012, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by isugoo

you can buy one for about 12- 20 dollars (depends on sale/coupon) from Harbor Freight.
http://www.harborfreight.com/1-2-hal...rench-239.html

It's pretty decent for wheel mount use.
So just buy one along with 17 mm socket and a extension. you'll not regret it for having it.

where do you find the coupons? magazines or online?

MMME30W · 08-02-2012, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mdosu

where do you find the coupons? magazines or online?

I have seen them in the HF store, if it helps.

MMME30W · 08-02-2012, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LiM3y

I think the market for tools now is such that one gets what one pays for in terms of reliability, accuracy and quality. I'd suggest paying a little bit extra for a higher quality brand such as Craftsman or Husky Pro that will have better longevity. The potential problem with torque wrenches is the tension spring and how long it maintains its elasticity and repeatable measurements. You wouldn't know if this was beginning to fail and giving you innaccurate torque values. ...

Good call. I always unwound the spring on my HF wrenches after use for just this reason.

Porschefile · 08-02-2012, 08:52 PM

uh.. yeah... Torque wrench on lugs is an absolute must. On other components, it depends.

bigjae1976 · 08-03-2012, 08:34 AM

At the track...if there's a car that has had a wheel come off...its usually a BMW. Yes, I would say you MUST torque the lug bolts. Oddly, one of the few inherent weaknesses at the track if you ask me. If you DON'T torque them...especially on the track...the lug bolts WILL come off.

Not sure if this is better or worse...they'll strip out the hubs. Then you're stuck with a pretty significant bill.

Most other cars that use a more sensible stud and lug nut...I just fire up the impact gun, make it nice and tight and you're good. If they lug nuts do strip, then you just bang out the stud and replace...much cheaper.

08-01-2012, 12:25 AM	#1
DiegoM Private Drives: Alpine White Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: NY Posts: 68 iTrader: (0)	Is Torque Wrenching A Must? I'm installing spacers and wanted to know if using a torque wrench measuring ft-lb is a MUST when reinstalling the wheel lugs. Is it always 90 ft-lb for the OEM ZCP M3? Has anyone remounted the wheels using the regular lug wrench without having issues? Thanks.
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08-01-2012, 12:36 AM	#2
1MOREMOD Major General Drives: at a moderate pace Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: garage Posts: 6,530 iTrader: (3)	you can mount finger tight if you want but the accurate spec is 88 and if you dont use a torque wrench you wont get it right and could get wobble at speed. you have an m3 so invest the 100 bucks on one. __________________ 02 Tiag e46 M3\|6MT\|GC plates\|MCS c.o.\|GC race control arms\|GC bushings & bearings\|BW eng. & tran. mounts\|subframe kit\|BW race shifter\|BW Jaffster knob\|Euro header\|Eisenmann sport\|K&N c.a.i.\|Seibon CF hood\|CSL bumper\|CSL brakes\|RS19s\|SS lines\|half cage\|Recaro profi\|Profi 2 harness\|race pulleys\|BMWpedals\|Apex studs\|1995 Ford Probe gt chump car\|

08-01-2012, 12:49 AM	#3
isugoo Brigadier General Drives: 11 X5M Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Irvine, CA Posts: 4,983 iTrader: (51)	you can buy one for about 12- 20 dollars (depends on sale/coupon) from Harbor Freight. http://www.harborfreight.com/1-2-hal...rench-239.html It's pretty decent for wheel mount use. So just buy one along with 17 mm socket and a extension. you'll not regret it for having it. __________________ X5M PAST: 08 E90 M3 \| 08 E92 335i \| 03.5 E46 M3 \| 99 E36 M3

08-01-2012, 07:44 AM	#6
ottoblotto Suddenly, Drives: A Wild M3 Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Appears! Posts: 981 iTrader: (2) Garage List 2010 BMW X5 [0.00] 2011.75 BMW M3 E90 [5.00]	Every time I install my wheels, I torque them down. 20-50 miles later, I recheck the torque. Especially when running spacers. But I come from an aircraft aviation background and we torque, safety-wire, and anti-sabotage stripe everything... __________________ "With great power comes great responsibility." -El-Superbeasto

08-01-2012, 10:20 AM	#8
ben@tirerack M3Post Supporting Vendor Drives: 740i Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: South Bend, IN Posts: 726 iTrader: (0)	A must? No. But you really should use a torque wrench. Especially on the M3, which is very sensitive to any vibration-causing irregularities. It's not difficult, it's not expensive, it doesn't take much extra time, and you have the satisfaction of doing the job right. __________________ _______________________________________________ To credit the forum, click through one of the banners in my signature and the top of the page, or call me direct at 877.522.8473 ext 660. Email:ben@tirerack.com

08-01-2012, 06:38 AM	#5
pbonsalb Major Drives: 08 E90 M3, 99 E36 M3 Turbo Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Concord, NH Posts: 1,177 iTrader: (3)	The HF torque wrenches are on sale for $10 right now. I just received an advertisement. Buy the 1/2 inch. I do not think you need a $250 snapon torque wrench for your lugnuts, though if you have an unlimited budget, they are really good wrenches. I use the HF wrench.

08-01-2012, 11:33 AM	#9
isugoo Brigadier General Drives: 11 X5M Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Irvine, CA Posts: 4,983 iTrader: (51)	One more thing. I have Harbor Freight torque wrench (I piad like 15 dollars for it) but being a snob, I wanted to have "better one" so I bought the Brownline digital torque wrench (the one our vendor is selling right now). Guess what, I only use HF torque wrench. The reason is: 1. HF wrench is a lot smaller and BL wrench is really big. 2. HF wrench make clicking noise and stops for a sec when reach the torque limit vs. BL wrench beeps but if you don't stop right that second, it'll keep going. So you really have to stop it when you hear the beep. I think Brownline is really designed more very precise work (engine etc.) but for wheels, I really think you can't beat the 10-20 dollars HF torque wrench. __________________ X5M PAST: 08 E90 M3 \| 08 E92 335i \| 03.5 E46 M3 \| 99 E36 M3

08-01-2012, 01:00 PM	#10
DiegoM Private Drives: Alpine White Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: NY Posts: 68 iTrader: (0)	Thanks so much guys! Checking out HF right this moment!

08-01-2012, 01:13 PM	#11
slicer Lieutenant Colonel Drives: '13 E92 M3 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 1,610 iTrader: (3)	I have a Craftsman torque wrench and have been happy with it. I'm anal and would not install lugs without it! Be sure to get a breaker-bar for lug removal. Do NOT use your torque wrench to remove the lugs (or anything for that matter). __________________ '13 SSII M3 Coupe - KW Clubsport 3-way, Akrapovic Evolution, ESS Tune, HRE R43, StopTech Trophy, IND Euro Front Bumper, TMS Studs/Lugs, BMW Performance Spoiler, BMWPedals Extended DCT Paddles, BMW Edition Grills/Gills

08-01-2012, 01:18 PM	#12
LiM3y Major Drives: 2008 E90 M3 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: CT Posts: 1,022 iTrader: (2)	I think the market for tools now is such that one gets what one pays for in terms of reliability, accuracy and quality. I'd suggest paying a little bit extra for a higher quality brand such as Craftsman or Husky Pro that will have better longevity. The potential problem with torque wrenches is the tension spring and how long it maintains its elasticity and repeatable measurements. You wouldn't know if this was beginning to fail and giving you innaccurate torque values. I personally wouldn't put much trust in a $10 torque wrench for long term use. Why is this important? Well firstly, it helps stop your wheels falling off at the most inoppotune moments, and secondly, inconsistent torque values around your hub can lead to warped discs and wheel vibration. __________________

08-02-2012, 08:52 PM	#17
Porschefile Major Drives: E92 M3 DCT, E46, Formula Mazda Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Tennessee Posts: 1,050 iTrader: (5)	uh.. yeah... Torque wrench on lugs is an absolute must. On other components, it depends. __________________ #18 Formula Mazda, Southeast Division SCCA

08-03-2012, 08:34 AM	#18
bigjae1976 Brigadier General Drives: 04 330Ci, 11 E90 M3 Individual Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Milwaukee, WI Posts: 4,054 iTrader: (8)	At the track...if there's a car that has had a wheel come off...its usually a BMW. Yes, I would say you MUST torque the lug bolts. Oddly, one of the few inherent weaknesses at the track if you ask me. If you DON'T torque them...especially on the track...the lug bolts WILL come off. Not sure if this is better or worse...they'll strip out the hubs. Then you're stuck with a pretty significant bill. Most other cars that use a more sensible stud and lug nut...I just fire up the impact gun, make it nice and tight and you're good. If they lug nuts do strip, then you just bang out the stud and replace...much cheaper. __________________

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