When you guys put on your wheels, how much do you torque the lug nuts? Something really bad almost happened today.

So... I was driving on the freeway, and the car started to shake, but i shrugged it off, thinking it was the uneven pavement. Then i started thinking it could be my wheel coming loose. I pulled off the freeway, and checkd my wheel, and confirmed my worst nightmare. When i looked at the wheel, there was only 1 lug nut holding on my wheel I am so thankful i pulled over in time and that last one didnt come off, i dont even want to think about what would have happened if my wheel came off. Well, i got new hub bolts since the other ones were stripped, and i got new lugs since 4 of them are somewhere on the freweay.
One other time after coming back from a track event at buttonwillow, i checked my lugs and i could loosen them with my fingers. Ever since then i retorque them after every run; they tell us to do this while we'rer there, but i was stupid. Well, you live and you learn.
Yeah so, i just wanted to know if i didnt torque my lug nuts enough (90 ft-lbs), of if switching back and forth between rims so often has caused the lugs to come off easier (i switch from my volks to my 18s when i go to the track). Any opinions or feedback? I dont want this to happen again. Im very paranoid right now, so im probably going to check my lug nuts every morning or something.

 

whoops, i just read the thread up there, and someone said 90 is good. Then can someone explain why my wheel came loose?

 

Possibly not on true. Secondly not torqued enough. Lastly...

Gremlins

 

The same thing happened to me but I think I just forgot to tighten the wheel after putting it on. Sorry I am not sure what happen in your case. I was lucky as well because I found the passenger rear wheel held only by 2 lug nuts. I think 90 ft-lbs is more than enough. To be safe, I ususally check the torque again after I tighten the lug nuts and drive the car for a while. Dunno if you do the same.

 

The torque specifications are in the maintenance manual. Do you have a maintenance manual?

 

Scary

 

More than 90lb is a bit much. Put unecessary strain on the studs.

Check them often, check them again...

 

An overtightened lug will also loosen. Be sure that your torque wrench is calibrated as well as torquing in a star pattern. Sneak up on the click, don't go past it.

Chris

 

It could also mean someone was trying to steal your wheels or sabotage your car. : shrugs :

 

I always Tighten to 100lbs.