Re: Lug and Axle Nut Torque

Posted by Tim Cole On 2014/3/30 15:46:17

Hey Steve:

If you don't have a torque wrench then 100 ft lbs translates as follows:

Run the wheel lugs using a socket until they are seated hand tight on the wheel. After they are hand tight use a lug wrench or ratchet and tighten 1/4 quarter turn.

Over tightening wheel bolts galls the threads and distorts the drums.

There are lots of different methods for wheel bearings if you don't have a torque wrench. The most important item is to have no contact with the brake shoes and no tire on the drum. The old General Motors method was to tighten the nut while rotating the wheel opposite direction until the bearing begins to pre-load (drag) (around 22-25 ft lbs) then back of and tighten finger tight. Ford had a similar method but specified backing off and tightening something like 15 inch pounds.

After you do this you can finish using the Packard method.