Torque wrenches

sovietspybob said:
for brakes i'd get a 1/2" drive torque wrench which will have around a 20-200nm ish range, that'll be plenty for what you'll be doing and will cover most things you'll be DIY'ing on a car.
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Agree. I've rarely used one above 200Nm, but I have been there. Last year I had to do up a Ford Focus rear drum brake spindle nut to 235Nm. You're hanging off the wrench waiting for the click or a snap or something to go wrong and then the Mrs comes round the corner and asks you something just at that point...
 
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jaybee said:
3: Unwind it after each use without fail.
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Ideally to the minimum setting but not full slack, although that said I’ve worked with plenty of techs who never wind it back all the time (myself included) due to being in constant use, and with the yearly calibration checks that main dealers get someone in to do, mine (several) have never gone out of spec.
 
Both of mine say to unwind to 30nm if not using for awhile (can't remember the exact wording) pretty sure manual says not to fully slack.

In theory unless you abuse it, hit it against something with force or drop from height it shouldn't go out of calibration by any meaningful amount in a few years.
 
Don't forget a pair of axle stands. Don't rely on the jack to hold the car up as it can easily be knocked off the jack when you are straining to undo seized/rusty/dirty bolts and can end up seriously hurting you. Put a dab of copper grease on the bolts threads so it's easier to undo the next time but don't go overboard with the stuff.
 
I have a hydraulic trolley jack, axle stands, several socket sets, wire brush, copper grease, Plusgas, WD40 and I have changed pads and discs many, many times but never had a torque wrench. Now is the time to get one and do the job properly. Just don’t know what I need.
 
I've been pleased with the Wera torque wrenches. I have the A5 1/4" 2.5 - 25Nm. The C3 1/2" 40-200Nm and the C4 1/2" 60-300Nm. I had to grab the larger C4 as the torque on the wheel bolts for one of the past cars was over 200Nm.
 
IC3 said:
Always remember to unwind it completely after using it.
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Oops. /runs off to garage to unwind them. It's only been 4 years... I'm sure they're fine :p

-edit: small one was unwound. Big one is fine though - I tightened the bolts on my M2 a few thousand miles ago and the wheels haven't fallen off. Must be fine :p
 
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probably an aspect of learning from your father on car maintenance/confidence "press the pedal now ... stop" definitely didn't have a torque wrench,
maybe car bolt were over-specced then though (british made with british steel - successive cortinas)

I'd bought a low torque 1/4" tw for bicycle, but nothing bigger - those wera ones above look nice but £200 each, had got an expensive flare wrench since ruining a bleed nut seemed high risk;
service doc suggest I should change calliper bolts after removing them on audi I now have.
 
jpaul said:
probably an aspect of learning from your father on car maintenance/confidence "press the pedal now ... stop" definitely didn't have a torque wrench,
maybe car bolt were over-specced then though (british made with british steel - successive cortinas)

I'd bought a low torque 1/4" tw for bicycle, but nothing bigger - those wera ones above look nice but £200 each, had got an expensive flare wrench since ruining a bleed nut seemed high risk;
service doc suggest I should change calliper bolts after removing them on audi I now have.
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The amount of TTY bolts on new cars is ridiculous.. Or parts that cannot be serviced e.g. BMW Alarm siren, from E9x series onwards you can no longer change the 12v battery inside, you need a whole new unit from BMW. Is this how we avoid waste, be more eco etc? lol

Edit: I don't agree with the "aspect of learning form your father bit", my dad can only change a wheel and check a spark plug on an old 2T Engine, most of my mates who are much better at wrenching had no or barely any contact with their dads. I only have one mate whose dad taught him and is still till this day buying and working on old cars as a hobby. You either have an interest and drive to wrench, or you don't... I didn't have money for a mechanic when I use to ride motorcycles and did drifting, so I had to learn. I hate it, but when I see the aftermath when the car comes back from the mechanic, I prefer to DIY.
 
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IC3 said:
The amount of TTY bolts on new cars is ridiculous.. Or parts that cannot be serviced e.g. BMW Alarm siren, from E9x series onwards you can no longer change the 12v battery, you need a whole new unit from BMW. Is this how we avoid waste, be more eco etc? lol
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Eco? no lol. profit is where it's at.
 
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