Depending on the condition of your lug bolts you may need to prep them first. I usually wire brush the threads, apply anti-sieze paste then run the lug bolts all the way in and out without the tire mounted for each lug bolt. If done properly you should be able to finger tighten the lug bolts all the way in and out without using a wrench. After this you are ready to mount the tires. I have used anti-sieze compound on my lug bolts for years and only need to reapply every 1 1/2 years.

__________________
Ray
1998 Mercedes E320, 200K Miles
2001 Acura 3.2TL, 178K Miles
1992 Chevy Astro, 205K Miles

Ashman,

I don't know if there is an America's Tire Store near you, but I know they hand torque ALL lug nuts. They start off with an impact set low and a "flex bit" that will not allow tightening of the nuts, then they follow up with a torque wrench.

I saw their advertising about that while in the Temecula location when I was putting the eyeball on some of the tires they have for sale at TireRack.com. Watched them hand torque at least five different cars while I was window shopping.

__________________
Mike Tangas
'73 280SEL 4.5 (9/72)- RIP
Only 8,173 units built from 5/71 thru 11/72

'02 CLK320 Cabriolet - wifey's mid-life crisis

2012 VW Jetta Sportwagon TDI...at least its a diesel

Non illegitemae carborundum.

there are only a few tire stores I know about here in LA.

One is Firestone tire stores.
Another is Globe Tire
And another is Ozar Bros.

All of them are ok, but nothing like the tire shop that I used to go to, where I knew the manager . Unfortunately that chain went out of business.

Since my local Mercedes Dealer Recommends Globe Tire, I go to them for my stuff.

I just didn't get around to going there today to have them loosen up and hand torque the lugs down.

They are one of the few shops that I know that does hand torqueing.

I have found that most are rushing to get you in and out. But Globe doesn't care about doing it quickly, they do it right.

Personally I will start doing what some of you do, which is torque them myself.

I plan on keeping my torque wrench with me. My car came Sans Toolkit, so I don't have a factory lug wrench, but I prefer to use a bar that gives me more lift, and a longer bar is what I prefer to use for that extra lift.

Thanks for all the info guys, I'm going to make sure this does not happen again.

Alon

Alon

__________________
'92 300CE - Sold
2004 C240 - 744 - C7 Wheels - Android Radio
2002 C320 - 816 - Sport Wagon

Alon,

I carry a "Gorilla Power Wrench". It extends to 22" and has 4 sizes of deep well sockets. I found mine at Harbor Tools,$6.99, or you can order one through Performance Products@1-800-243-1220 for $14.95. This thing will break almost anything loose.

Good Luck

__________________
Mr. BILL

91 300E 120K
90 300SE 275K (sold)
92 BMW 525iM 120K
90 BMW 525iA 175K
85 300D 175K (sold)
84 300SD 245K (sold)

Got it off myself after 4 tire shops and 3 different pep boys would not do it.

I got an impact socket, nice and strong, and grabbed my new reversable torque wrench, set it to a good tight setting, and one simple pull and that puppy gave and came loose.

I was able to inspect my brakes, and its time for new pads.

While I was there, I figured I would try to see if I could install my springs, and after about an hour of trying, I decided it wasn't worth it, so I put everything back and hand torqued the wheels to factory specs.

I feel much better now.

Alon

__________________
'92 300CE - Sold
2004 C240 - 744 - C7 Wheels - Android Radio
2002 C320 - 816 - Sport Wagon

Alon, See you did it all by your little ole self.
A gold star for you.
You've been given enough lip on lug bolt service to last a life time, don't let it happen again or you'll get a pooh pooh award.
Happy Trails Beep Beep from Houston!!!
Donald, the original pooh pooh bear

Glad it turned out ok. You know it could have been worse, cross-threaded with an impact wrench. I've seen lots of servcice departments use the impact wrench "commando style" that is, stick the lug in the socket, aim, and use all the air pressure to drive the lug in with one shot...they dont have to worry about threads because it's going on with so much force it wont seem loose.

happened to me with another car...I bought a torque wrench, never went back there again.

__________________
Chris Doko
93 500SEL
-Clear Corners
-Apine CD changer

Ashman,

I'm very glad you got yourself out of the problem. You done good, when you're up against the problem, you just put determination into it and go for it. But, do your torque wrench a favor and go buy a breakover bar. Don't use your torque wrench for breaking bolts loose. If you had to put more than the maximum rated torque on the wrench, I would no longer trust its calibration.

Maybe you can use a friend's torque wrench to check yours against, although I would have to think about that to know how I would go about it.

There's not too many tools in your tool box that are handier than a 1/2" breakover bar.

Donald,

I would not typically use a six point either, but in his case with a siezed bolt, I would recommend a six point for that situation.

Good luck,

[Edited by LarryBible on 02-21-2001 at 07:14 AM]

Glad to hear you worked it out. But I thought that you understood that the torque wrench isn't for breaking things loose. Do NOT rely on it for anything critical (like lug nuts) without having it recalibrated. I suffered three short-lived head gaskets before I figured out that I had knocked my wrench out of calibration doing just what you did. For a nominal 75 ft-lb reading, it was actually 40. I sent mine to, I believe, the Angle Tool Company in West VA. It cost $40 8 yrs ago. I could have bought two new Craftsman breaker bars for that. We won't get into what the head gasket jobs cost me. Get yours checked before you stake your life on it!

Again, congratulations on your perseverance.

Taking theses criters loose always is a problem if the correct technique was observed intially.
WOW, I can't believe such profound words came from my fingers.

I've often considered purchasing the 12 volt impact wrench for removing any bolt/nut I encounter. Considerring the power generated by such a small tool not much damage could be experienced.
Happy Trails Beep Beep from lughead Houston!!!
Donald, El Cheapo