Different torque on lug nuts hot vs cold - LotusTalk

Illumiloti · 11-07-2009, 05:33 PM

Someone told me I should torque the lug nuts to different torques when the wheels are hot. IE: after a session. Is this true?

Chococar · 11-07-2009, 07:41 PM

I think you're better off torquing the wheel bolts just before you go out rather than just after coming in. They will be cooler that way.

Illumiloti · 11-07-2009, 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chococar

I think you're better off torquing the wheel bolts just before you go out rather than just after coming in. They will be cooler that way.

What is the correct torque? (cold)

Chococar · 11-07-2009, 08:02 PM

77 ft-lbs

goldengatehornet · 11-07-2009, 08:32 PM

The slight temp change would have nothing to do with it. The rationale may be that the torque has changed because of vibration and loading. It's more important that threads are lubricated, so the torque readings are valid. Temp will have a big effect on tire pressures, mostly because of the water vapor in the air. I use N2 in my tires, a hold-over from karting days.

Illumiloti · 11-07-2009, 08:45 PM

Got it. thanks!

glb · 11-08-2009, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by goldengatehornet

The slight temp change would have nothing to do with it. The rationale may be that the torque has changed because of vibration and loading. It's more important that threads are lubricated, so the torque readings are valid. Temp will have a big effect on tire pressures, mostly because of the water vapor in the air. I use N2 in my tires, a hold-over from karting days.

are you sure about lubricating the threads? In most instances, tq values are for dry threads.

thx

Vulcan Grey · 11-08-2009, 10:09 AM

Torque values are more consistent for a lubricated thread. Though the torque specified for a lubricated thread is usually lower than that specified for a dry thread.

I believe the torque specs for wheel lug bolts are for dry.

TimMullen · 11-09-2009, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vulcan Grey

Torque values are more consistent for a lubricated thread. Though the torque specified for a lubricated thread is usually lower than that specified for a dry thread.

I believe the torque specs for wheel lug bolts are for dry.

The torque values for lubricated and non-lubricated threads are greatly different. For lug nuts/bolts, torque values are pretty much always specified for non-lubricated threads. As long as you keep the threads clean and in good repair (i.e.. no rust, etc.), the dry torque values should be used (with non-lubricated threads of course) - there is no real advantage to using lubrication on the threads (and lots of disadvantages). The only real advantage of lubricating the threads is that they will be less likely to corrode in place - which isn't a real problem anyway...

fishguy · 11-09-2009, 01:22 PM

Randy,
i never torque my lugs when things are hot after coming off the track. i wait for them to cool and do it right before i go out for my session.
the reason i was told to do this is because when things are hot, they expand, if you torque them down when there is possible expansion, there may be more torque than you wanted on those items (lugs in this case) now that they have contracted after being cooled down.
maybe i am misinformed, but thats how I do it, and why.

11-07-2009, 05:33 PM	#1 (permalink)
Illumiloti (Formerly PESTODUDE) Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 692	Different torque on lug nuts hot vs cold Someone told me I should torque the lug nuts to different torques when the wheels are hot. IE: after a session. Is this true? __________________ Randy '07 Phntm Blk Exige S. Proalloy chargecooler, RLS IC tubes, Sector RTD brace, Manly's motor mounts, cup air box, CF Sector front splitter, wing, and side scoops/ mesh removed, SS brake lines, Sector and "Stan's" shifter mod, "Stan's" clutch pedal mod, Voltphreaks 4.5lb battery, Gotham tune.

11-07-2009, 08:32 PM	#5 (permalink)
goldengatehornet British Car Restoration Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 154	Vibrations !! The slight temp change would have nothing to do with it. The rationale may be that the torque has changed because of vibration and loading. It's more important that threads are lubricated, so the torque readings are valid. Temp will have a big effect on tire pressures, mostly because of the water vapor in the air. I use N2 in my tires, a hold-over from karting days.

11-07-2009, 08:45 PM	#6 (permalink)
Illumiloti (Formerly PESTODUDE) Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 692	Got it. thanks! __________________ Randy '07 Phntm Blk Exige S. Proalloy chargecooler, RLS IC tubes, Sector RTD brace, Manly's motor mounts, cup air box, CF Sector front splitter, wing, and side scoops/ mesh removed, SS brake lines, Sector and "Stan's" shifter mod, "Stan's" clutch pedal mod, Voltphreaks 4.5lb battery, Gotham tune.

11-08-2009, 10:09 AM	#8 (permalink)
Vulcan Grey Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Colorado USA Posts: 295	Torque values are more consistent for a lubricated thread. Though the torque specified for a lubricated thread is usually lower than that specified for a dry thread. I believe the torque specs for wheel lug bolts are for dry. __________________ Travis Vulcan Grey Esprit SE http://vulcangrey.lotuscolorado.com/gallery

11-09-2009, 01:22 PM	#10 (permalink)
fishguy registered nipple Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 4,779 Images: 1	Randy, i never torque my lugs when things are hot after coming off the track. i wait for them to cool and do it right before i go out for my session. the reason i was told to do this is because when things are hot, they expand, if you torque them down when there is possible expansion, there may be more torque than you wanted on those items (lugs in this case) now that they have contracted after being cooled down. maybe i am misinformed, but thats how I do it, and why. __________________ 2008-2009 SCCA AZ Regional "Driver of the Year" 1986 Swift DB-1 Sold 2008 HSR-West FF 3rd generation Champion 2008 "The Series" FF 3rd generation Champion 1987 Porsche Spec 944 2008-2009 season SCCA AZ regional Champion

11-07-2009, 07:41 PM	#2 (permalink)
Chococar #334 Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Santa Barbara, CA Posts: 1,546	I think you're better off torquing the wheel bolts just before you go out rather than just after coming in. They will be cooler that way.

11-07-2009, 08:02 PM	#4 (permalink)
Chococar #334 Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Santa Barbara, CA Posts: 1,546	77 ft-lbs

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