Wheel Stud Torques

[VIP2006]

Having read lately of vans losing their wheels, I was wondering how many members own a torque wrench and how often do they check the wheel nuts/bolts?

 

[Royston]

Hi Shiraz

I carry a torque wrench in my bag of tools, I have my brand new wheel trims under the Front Seats, Baileys supply their vans with the yellow pointers fitted over the wheel nuts as used by buses and lorries, which enables me to make sure the nuts have not moved when ever I stop for a break when towing the van.

Royston

 

[Val & Frank]

Hi Shiraz

When we picked up our van last week the dealer had placed a big notice in the window.

IMPORTANT

It is strongly recommended that you re-check the torque of the caravans wheel fixings in accordance with the manufacturers instructions. Normally after 30 miles or 30 minutes of use, following the collection of a New, Annual Service or any other occasion when the wheels are removed from the caravan.

Caravan wheel bolts must always be tightened to the correct torque settings (refer to manufacturers instructions ) in the following sequence. NORTH SOUTH EAST WEST. NEVER Clock or Anti Clock wise.

Always use a calibrated wrench it is Just as Dangerous to Overtighten wheel bolts as it is to not tighten them sufficiently. DO NOT USE A CORNER STEADY BRACE,POWER OR ELECTRIC WRENCH.

NOTE FOR ALLOY WHEELS CONSULT YOUR RETAILER AS THE TIGHTENING TORQUE AND WHEEL BOLTS WILL BE DIFFERENT TO CARAVAN STEEL WHEELS.

PLEASE ENSURE YOU FULFILL YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO KEEP YOUR CARAVAN SAFE AND ROADWORTHY AT ALL TIMES.

Hope that helps a little.

Val & Frank

 

[Geordie]

I also carry mine and give the wheels a quick check before a journey.Modern torque wrenches are no bigger than a wheel key and easily stored.

 

[VIP2006]

Thanks folks for the quick replies. I too have a torque wrench which I bought a Halfords for

 

[rob_jax]

Hi,

Caravan wheels are no more likely to come off than a car wheel, except for the possibility of extra vibration from an unbalanced wheel.

Usually people simply forget to torque and re-torque the wheel bolts.

Robert

 

[RayS]

On this general topic, the torque setting for steel wheels and alloys are not the same and on many vans neither are the wheel studs. If you have a van with alloys plus a steel spare, you should get a second set of studs for use with the spare. The shape of the underside of the stud is different and thouse for the alloy are usually longer.

Until recently I had a Coachman which did not come with such a second set; curent Burstner does.

 

[Val & Frank]

Just done a google and Halfords have a torque wrench for circa

 

[Val & Frank]

Halfords have torque wrench for

 

[John_5126532]

Hi Folks

Screwfix do a fairly beefy torque wrench for under

 

[rob_jax]

Hi,

There are two common types of hobby torque wrench, the "click and break" type that stops working when you reach your pre-set torque value, and the "dial" type where you stop grunting when you see the necessary torque value.

The "dial" type are more difficult to use or rather the "click and break" type are (almost) idiot proof.

www.Toolstation.com offer a basic 20 - 200 NM "click and break" torque wrench for