

| Subject: | Re: removing frozen lug nuts / bolts ? |
| From: | Robert Fisher |
| Date: | Sat, 17 Dec 2005 03:03:22 -0800 |
You don't tug on Superman's cape, you don't spit into the wind... : ) Cya, R ----- Original Message ----- From: "Marc Sayer" <marcsayer@COMCAST.NET> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM> Sent: Friday, December 16, 2005 9:22 PM Subject: Re: removing frozen lug nuts / bolts ? > Sorry, he's dead right. Torque values are generally given c&d (clean and > dry) unless otherwise stated. That's an engineering standard. Any time > you alter the coefficient of friction between components in a fastener > system that relies on torque to set clamping load, you are changing the > clamping load and fastener stretch levels. Anything that will increase > the friction between the fastener components, such as rust for example, > will lead to a decrease in clamping load and fastener stretch for a > given torque value. Conversely, any lubricant that reduces friction in > the system will lead to excessive clamping loads and fastener stretch > for a given torque value. All fasteners rely on their elasticity to > clamp the load reliably. If you stretch a fastener beyond its elastic > limits, the fastener is ruined. Using a torque value works because the > amount of stretch for that fastener is known for those conditions (i.e. > friction levels) at that torque value. The only way to know just how > much to alter the torque value when the friction value is changed (such > as when a lugnut/bolt assembly is coated with anti-seize) is to use a > stretch gauge on a handful of test subjects. Once you determine what > torque value gives the proper stretch value, you are all set, as long as > you use the exact same spec fasteners for the final assembly. > > For a torque value to do what it is designed to do (in terms of > fasteners), it must be achieved under the correct circumstances. Clean > and dry (unless otherwise specified), undamaged or distorted threads, > with the original finish and material specs, and arrived at dynamically > (with the torque wrench in motion). This is the only way to ensure the > relationship between the torque value and the stretch value will remain > unaltered. And achieving the proper stretch value is the only way to > achieve the proper clamping load. > > Now lots of folks have "gotten away" with all sorts of things in regards > to fasteners, but that doesn't mean it's right or safe. Folks have been > reusing rod bolts and head bolts for years when many were designed to be > single use. Most folks reuse "locknuts" even though most are designed to > be single use and many also require the use of new bolts each time as > well. And they seem to get away with it, sort of. Ever wonder why most > folks can not get the same mileage out of their rebuild that the factory > got from the original motor? This is often one of the reasons. Though it > is seldom clear as to why a fastener "gave out" or that a fastener was > responsible for a specific failure. For example, If a headbolt is > stretched beyond its elastic limit, you may not see the connection > between the "bad head gasket" and the fastener, but it's there. The bolt > may look fine, it may even torque properly, but under load, at operating > temps, it is not clamping the way the other headbolts are, and it is > causing the head and block to warp. Here's another one, brakes failing > sooner than expected? It could be the hub is being distorted because the > lugnuts are being over tightened by being torqued "wet" (lubricated) > when the spec is for dry. > > > Mark Tuovinen wrote: > >>I respect your knowledge, particulary as it applies to vanagons. Your >>input when list members put forth their questions always makes sense and >>reflects an understanding that can only come from years of experience. >>However I do disagree with your opinion on the use of Anti-Seize on lug >>nuts or bolts. I know plenty of technicians locally that have used it >>without a problem for decades, I have on occasion applied it myself. Do >>you have any data to back up your assertion that the torque needs to be >>reduced when using it? >> >>Here most people remove their rims twice a year for the removal and >>installation of snow tires and I have NEVER seen anyone replace their >>lugnuts as a consumable item. I do sell more lug nuts and wheel studs in >>the Spring and Fall, but not a huge amount, just enough to cover the ones >>stripped, broken, cross threaded, or lost by the underpaid and over worked >>technicians employed at the local tire vendors. At the rate that you >>mention most people in my area would be purchasing new nuts every two >>years and I should be selling a lot more of them then I currently do. >> >>Again, I am not trying to offend or start a flame war, just relaying my >>experiences on this topic, and seeking to learn more from anothers >>perspective. >> >>Mark in AK >>Assistant Parts Manager >>Continental Honda >>Continental Acura >> >>P S I love the trailer hitch, just wish that summer wasn't another 5 1/2 >>months away so I could use it >> >> >> ----- Original Message ----- >>From: Dennis Haynes <dhaynes@OPTONLINE.NET> >>Date: Friday, December 16, 2005 3:54 pm >>Subject: Re: removing frozen lug nuts / bolts ? >>To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM >> >> >> >>>Anti- Seize on lug nuts or bolts? Now there's a recipe for disaster. >>>When using lubricants of this type, the torque needs to be reduced by >>>some 40 to 50% to keep the stud or bolt from being over stretched. Lug >>>nuts are consumables and should be replaced after 3-5 times of >>>use. The >>>German stuff seems very forgiving. The Japanese and American stuff is >>>not. >>> >>>Dennis >>> >>> > > -- > Marc Sayer > Journalist, Photographer, Dog Trainer (APDT member #062956) > Board member - Western States Great Dane Rescue Association > Director of Operations & Training - Deaf Dane Rescue Inc. > Springfield, OR USA > > My Homepage - http://gracieland.org > > Deaf Dane Rescue Homepage - http://gracieland.org/DaneRescue/ > > > > -- > No virus found in this outgoing message. > Checked by AVG Free Edition. > Version: 7.1.371 / Virus Database: 267.14.1/204 - Release Date: 12/15/05
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