arob

for tightening lugs on wheels (mainly). How heavy do I need to go?

TIA

ssmokn

Torque wrenches are least accurate at either end of the scale.

Since most auto wheels are somewhere in the range of 80 to 105 lb. ft. of torque you should probably get something in the 150 to 200 range. If you think you might buy an SUV or truck on the future even a 250 lb. ft. wrench would be great.

arob

Last week when I replaced the rear brakes, I tightened to ~85nm. Is that safe, or should I go tighter/looser?

ssmokn

FSM (factory service manual) says to torque in two stages.

First torque to 50Nm in a crosswise fashion
Second torque to 120Nm in a crosswise fashion

I would also retorque to 120Nm in about a week.

120Nm is 88.5 lb. ft.

Just fyi... I buy a lot of tools from http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net (not affiliated in anyway -- just a customer)

Great prices and good tools. I buy mostly SK/Facom. I don't care for Craftsmen and I can't justify the cost of Snap-on (although I do have a few) for my purposes.

Who is the babe in your picture -- sweet!

arob

someone posted those pics earlier this week

RMcQ

local auto stores or Sears. It was really expensive, but it is holding up well.

TheLex

the preset on their air driven impact wrenches?

mk4=audi?

Recent Audi TSB REQUIRES torque wrench... impact "torque sticks" are no longer acceptable.

RMcQ

As much as I enjoy dealer bashing I know that the techs are pressured to get the cars in and out in a hurry and that the standard hours allocated for certain jobs is not enough to do it right.

I'd love to see them torque the wheels properly, but many probably won't.