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Reply to "Lug Nut Torque Spec."

Rambling thoughts (probably even incoherent)

I was supposed to have been an Engineer in my previous Life.

I observed that bolting recommendations were dictated by the design of the stud, the contacting elements and their reuse life.   That is every “X” stud was tightening the same no matter in where it is used.

Notice “normal” torque tables only have the bolt grade and size to chose either a dry or lube torque value.  

In this case of a 12mm stud that is going to be used a few times in its life should be torque to a max of 80 ft-lbs.  In the case of a Campy wheel, the torque should be reduced to 50 ft-lbs as not to damage the wheel.

If the design of the car and wheel requires more holding force, then the size or the number of studs is increased

If the wheel can withstand increase holding force (without shorten its reuse life) increase from 50 to 80 would be ok.  If the wheel can withstand, one can increase the torque farther, but that then reduces the number of times the stud can be reused.   The maximum holding force is achieved when the bolt is torque to the point it begins to give, then it is used only once

 In the case I am wrong or disagree, that’s fine, just my thoughts this morning (I miss previous life)

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