Hmm, I don't think I'd go back to that garage.

Where I work (Penske Auto Center), we use air guns to put the lugs on, but
we have "Torque Sticks."  These are color-coded attachments for the air
wrenches that limit the torque applied to a certain value.  There is a
booklet that comes with the Torque Sticks that tells you what color to use
for each model car.  

For instance, the "gray" stick torques to 100 ft-lbs for cars with 19mm lug
nuts.  The "brown" stick also torques to 100 ft-lbs but is used for cars
with 13/16" lug nuts.  

They're pretty handy.  However, some of the small cars give us trouble in
that the lug nuts are so small, we don't have a torque stick to fit.  For
those, we use a torque wrench.

Sean

----------
> From: kenneth d lewis <kdlewis@juno.com>
> To: Multiple recipients of list <vanagon@lenti.med.umn.edu>
> Subject: Re: Tech tip #2
> Date: Monday, July 07, 1997 1:43 PM
> 
> I have the lug nut  torque values written on the drums. It gives the
> stoned grease monkeys a good laugh at Tired America as they wail on them
> with the air wrench.The morale of the story is to double check them.It is
> so bad I have had the Van roll out of their garage with the WRONG
> TIRES!!!
> Drive Safely & Good Luck
> Ken Lewis
> 86 VW Transporter Three Door Pickup
> 60 Porsche T-5 Coupe
> 
> On Mon, 7 Jul 1997 11:51:15 -0500 Joe Wagner <vw4x4@fyi.net> writes:
> >       Here's technical tip #2:
> >
> >       At the weekend VW show in E. Ohio we did a brake inspection
> >       on Vanagon rear brakes. It took us about 3 hours to get both
> >       rear drums off. The first problem was the lugs were on
> >       with about 1000 ft./lb's. (we bent my best 4 way wrench)
> >       Next problem was the brake drum center hole was good and 
> >       rusted to the axle.
> >
> >       The fix: grease!
> >
> >       I found the the VW lugs are very precision fit. Over
> >       tightening along with rust is the problem. Grease on the 
> >       threads and using a torch wrench, will prevent further
> >       problems here.
> >
> >       As for the centering hole: sand this area and the axle
> >       with sandpaper to remove rust. Then coat the entire matting
> >       areas with grease. WARNING: WIPE IT OFF, Yes use a rag and
> >       wipe the grease off. This area requires rust protection 
> >       but any considerably amount of grease in this area will be 
> >       thrown out to the brake. So you must WIPE IT OFF, leaving
> >       only a very thin film of grease to prevent rust.
> >
> >       /////////////////////////////////////////////////////
> >
> >       Now... Do you think the next time the corner mechinic
> >       has to check your brakes, he is going to take the time
> >       to do these things??? I bet he even has his air
> >       gun (wrench) turned up full when he puts on the lugs!
> >  
> >
> >                                Joe Wagner
> >
> >