posted on: June 19, 2018 04:45 am

Do You Need to Retorque Lug Nuts After Tire Rotations and Replacements?

Torque is the amount of force applied to a lug nut to tighten it. It is generally listed as a measurement known as pound-feet. If improperly tightened, lug nuts can cause serious problems, including stud distortion, brake damage and wheel detachment.

What Proper Lug Nut Torque is Essential

Lug nuts keep a wheel attached to the hub, so proper torque is a crucial component of vehicle maintenance. However, lug nuts can only perform their job correctly if a tire technician applies the proper torque after your tires are replaced or removed. Improperly torqued lug nuts can cause vehicle performance issues, resulting in vibrations during operation, uneven tire wear and decreased fuel efficiency.

Importance of Retorquing After Tire Rotations and Replacements

Your vehicle’s weight and the wheel rotation while driving can strain and move lug nuts, which is why it’s essential to have them retorqued regularly. Temperature, potholes, dirt and rust on the surface of threads can also affect lug nut torque.

If they’re too tight, lug nuts can strip the fastener thread and stretch wheel studs; if they’re too loose, there’s a risk of your wheel coming off during operation. That presents a safety hazard that could result in injury to yourself and others as well as vehicular damage.

Lug Nut Torquing and Retorquing Tips

  • Ensure lug nuts are torqued according to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations.
  • Have your lug nuts retorqued after driving 50 to 100 miles following a tire rotation or replacement.
  • Be mindful of how much pressure you’re applying as different vehicles require varying amounts of torque to properly tighten lug nuts without causing damage.
  • Use a torque wrench set to half of the required torque initially and begin securing the lug at that setting. Once all lug nuts are tightened, lower your vehicle and tighten each lug nut to its specified torque.
  • Check your owner’s manual for the proper torque amount.
  • Ensure the lug nuts are checked often to keep them at the correct measurement.
  • Torque lugs nuts in a specific order to ensure proper application. A wheel with five or ten lug nuts should be tightened in a star-shaped pattern or make an X shape when torquing four lug nuts.

Signs Your Tires Need Retorquing

Common signs of lug nut issues include:

  • You feel vibrations in the steering wheel or vehicle body, especially when driving at high speeds.
  • Your tires exhibit signs of uneven tread wear.
  • You can see looseness in the lug nuts or can move them by hand.
  • There’s clunking, rattling or clicking coming from the wheels during operation.

You may also need to have your lug nuts retorqued if:

  • You’ve had a recent wheel or tire service.
  • Your vehicle towed or hauled a heavy load.
  • You drove through extreme weather conditions or terrain that caused vibrations.

DIY vs. Professional Torquing: What’s the Difference?

DIY retorquing: You can complete lug nut retorquing at home but it’s important to learn the proper technique and follow manufacturer recommendations. Be careful when retorquing lug nuts as under- and over-tightening can be dangerous. You can use a torque wrench or tire iron to adjust lug nuts, but those tools don’t provide a way to get a precise pressure reading.

Professional retorquing services: Tire technicians and mechanics use calibrated torque wrenches and pneumatic and electrical tools to provide precise adjustments. They also have experience spotting damaged threads, warped wheels and other issues that may affect lug nut torque. Professionals typically offer post-service torque checks after each tire rotation or replacement to ensure safe vehicle handling.

Commercial Mechanical Services at Bauer Built

At Bauer Built Tire, we’re committed to enhancing your safety and the longevity of your tires. That’s why we believe in providing high-quality products and services. Visit a Bauer Built location near you to have your lug nuts retorqued and learn more about our automotive and commercial tire services.

Categories: Bauer Built Blog, Tire Care Tips