Warning on lug nut torque - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Rich300TDMBZ · #16 08-25-2006, 10:09 PM

Most people trust the tire stores too much. It is not uncommon for them to use the air impact wrench to remove the lug bolts, and also put them back on

Even for those places that use the torque wrenches and torque them to specs, how many of us check them after driving the car home? How many know that we are suppose to do that?

Sygma6 · #17 08-26-2006, 05:26 AM

This is some good information to know.

I am guessing that the torque specs vary slightly from car to car. The manual for my 76 240D says 72 ft/lbs.

Wes Bender · #18 08-26-2006, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gary F.

Yesterday I bought 4 new tires at Discount Tire. When I gave the salesman my order, I asked if I could inspect my brakes while the wheels were off, (pretense to watch the installers). I also told the salesman the torque required on the lug nuts, 80lbs. When the installers were putting on the new tires, on of them went to a bulletin posted in the area and was looking for the torque setting, I saw what he was doing and I said 80lbs., he said, right that what it says on the bulletin, and I watched as he torqued the lug nuts. I also asked that the front tires pressure to be 32lbs fronts and the backs 34.(Don't know why MB wants more in
back than front). When I picked the car up he said 32 in front 34 in back. ok?
Well I just checked the inflation and they put 38 front and 36 back. Go figure, maybe their guage is different than mine.
You get what you pay for? Do you mean the more you spend the better product you will get. Many times it is not so, follow this "rule" and you are going to get taken advantage of. Consumer Reports has proven this over and over again. The most expensive product is not always the best.
Firestone tires are not a good value, in fact they have the most recalls of any of the major tire manufactures. They spent 10's of millions of dollars in settling lawsuits over tire failures that caused the death of many people.

MB recommends slightly higher pressure in the rear to provide a more neutral handling, considering the weight balance, front to rear.

I too use Discount Tire and they have the pressures and wheel bolt torque correct about 90% of the time. They know me well enough to know that I'll be checking both when I get home.

They use an impact wrench set below the recommended torque setting and then a TW to do final torque.

Of course, individual shops vary from location to location. Find one you trust and stick with them.

Wes