In a message dated 11/2/00 2:25:42 PM, LISTSERV@GERRY.VANAGON.COM writes:

<< Or should I instruct the guys at the tire shop to tighten the lugs to a
specific torque?
YES!!!
This is one of my giant peeves!!!! It only takes a few extra minutes to get
the torque wrench out, or if your tire tech is lazy, tell him to get an
extension that goes on his air wrench that stalls at the proper torque.
Remind the service writer to have whoever is doing the work to torque the
wheels, nicely, and tell them what you want them torqued to! This happened
when I took wolfy, my wifes 89 fox in for the heater recall.  I had them
rotate and balance the tires while it was there; when I picked the car up, I
took out the four-way and tried one wheel. (I am a strong man.  Much stronger
than my wife who would have to change the tire if it went flat.) Well, the
first one I tried....no go.  I went back in and calmly told the service
writer that the only thing I really specified was to have the wheels torqued
to 80 ft-lbs.  He got my drift (did I mention that I'm a big guy,
too?)quickly and the car was taken back in the shop and the wheels were all
torqued correctly.  SO TELL THEM YOU WANT THE WHEELS TORQUED!!!! and insist
on it.  It will lessen the chance that the rotors will warp from uneven or
over tightening and you will thank yourself the next time you have a flat. at
night. in the rain. on the busiest highway
Patrick F