Potential issues with over-torquing wheel bolts?

BimmerDom · 11-16-2009, 11:34 AM

Are there any potential issues with over-torquing wheel bolts?

I purchase my car used and I tried to install my winter tires this weekend, and the previous owner put the bolts on so tights that I could not remove them with any tool... I mean MR UNIVERSE MUSCLE TIGHT!

Now I have to pay a garage to remove them.

I usually set the wrench to 85lb of torque

cb1111 · 11-16-2009, 12:58 PM

Sure - the most common is warped rotors

Peter@VMRWheels · 11-16-2009, 02:25 PM

Add stripped / weakened bolt or hub threads to the list. But sometimes it might be due in part to the bolt rusting/siezing itself and that isn't caused by over tightening. In either case, have a close look at the bolts when you remove them.

duy@bavarianx · 11-19-2009, 03:58 PM

This is usually common when people take their car to a tire shop like big 'O, goodyear, etc... They'll use a pneumatic impact gun and just drive the bolts to where it's a pita to remove. These shops are "turn-style" places where they're just getting people in and out so they don't pay too much attention to torque specs. 85-87 ft.lbs of torque via a torque wrench is adequate.

Chowbow · 11-19-2009, 06:47 PM

Cheap insurance would be to just buy 20 new wheel bolts. They're wear and tear items anyway and should be replaced every so often.

Tee-Dub · 11-19-2009, 06:51 PM

BMW recommends 88ft/lbs. Do you have a breaker bar or large torque wrench? Shouldn't be too tough to get them off. Put some weight into it. A ratchet isn't going to work if that's what you're trying to use.

11-16-2009, 11:34 AM	#1
BimmerDom Second Lieutenant 32 Rep 275 Posts Drives: 2018 X3 xDrive 30i Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Ottawa, Ontario iTrader: (1) Garage List 2018 BMW X3 30i [0.00] 2016 BMW 340i X-Drive [0.00]	Potential issues with over-torquing wheel bolts? Are there any potential issues with over-torquing wheel bolts? I purchase my car used and I tried to install my winter tires this weekend, and the previous owner put the bolts on so tights that I could not remove them with any tool... I mean MR UNIVERSE MUSCLE TIGHT! Now I have to pay a garage to remove them. I usually set the wrench to 85lb of torque __________________ New Rides: BMW X3 30i & Telsa Model 3 PLR RWD Sold:2016 BMW 340i xDrive 2008 BMW 335i Sport/Premium 6MT/JB3
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11-16-2009, 12:58 PM	#2
cb1111 I ask the questions you're afraid to ask. 44 Rep 2,489 Posts Drives: 335xi Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: DC iTrader: (2)	Sure - the most common is warped rotors
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11-16-2009, 02:25 PM	#3
Peter@VMRWheels BimmerPost Supporting Vendor 93 Rep 685 Posts Drives: P85D Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Irvine, CA iTrader: (0)	Add stripped / weakened bolt or hub threads to the list. But sometimes it might be due in part to the bolt rusting/siezing itself and that isn't caused by over tightening. In either case, have a close look at the bolts when you remove them.
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11-19-2009, 03:58 PM	#4
duy@bavarianx Banned 22 Rep 188 Posts Drives: LCI Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Brea, CA iTrader: (2)	This is usually common when people take their car to a tire shop like big 'O, goodyear, etc... They'll use a pneumatic impact gun and just drive the bolts to where it's a pita to remove. These shops are "turn-style" places where they're just getting people in and out so they don't pay too much attention to torque specs. 85-87 ft.lbs of torque via a torque wrench is adequate.
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11-19-2009, 06:47 PM	#5
Chowbow pew pew 166 Rep 6,781 Posts Drives: 三三五i Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: CA iTrader: (6) Garage List 2015 BMW 328i wagon [0.00] 2007 BMW 335i sedan [10.00] 1997 BMW 328i track ... [10.00]	Cheap insurance would be to just buy 20 new wheel bolts. They're wear and tear items anyway and should be replaced every so often. __________________ CSL replicas are now CSL counterfeits. Jesus saves, like Valentine1.
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11-19-2009, 06:51 PM	#6
Tee-Dub Captain 35 Rep 753 Posts Drives: 2008 135i Join Date: May 2009 Location: Vancouver, WA iTrader: (9)	BMW recommends 88ft/lbs. Do you have a breaker bar or large torque wrench? Shouldn't be too tough to get them off. Put some weight into it. A ratchet isn't going to work if that's what you're trying to use.
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