Torque wrench needed to do proper spring/strut install? What about brakes?
#1
Mod her. Ate her.
Thread Starter
iTrader: (19)
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Martinsburg, WV
Posts: 9,827
Torque wrench needed to do proper spring/strut install? What about brakes?
Is a torque wrench needed to do a proper spring and strut install? What about to replace brakes?
This spring re-vamp is getting more and more expensive!
This spring re-vamp is getting more and more expensive!
#3
Guest
Posts: n/a
The torque wrench is only required when you are re-installing the upper strut bolts, the bolts on top of the strut. If you do not have a torque wrench, just use a ratchet and snug the bolts tight, but do not over tighten.
As for the brakes, I have never used a torque wrench to do a brake job, and I have done hundreds in the past 2-3 years.....
As for the brakes, I have never used a torque wrench to do a brake job, and I have done hundreds in the past 2-3 years.....
#4
Thanks for reminding me that I should pick up a torque wrench amidst the suspension work plans. I mean, I don't think it's 100% NECESSARY, but to do as you would say, a 'proper' job, yeah, I think it'd be a good idea.
I'd like to search and see what would be the optimal drive size wrench for suspension work specifically, but...
Too bad harborfreight.com doesn't have any steals on torque wrenches right now, although a real basic 1/2" drive for $19.99. I think the basic analog clicky craftsman ones at sears were ~$30.00 last I checked. Let me know if you end up getting one and find a deal somewhere.
I'd like to search and see what would be the optimal drive size wrench for suspension work specifically, but...
Too bad harborfreight.com doesn't have any steals on torque wrenches right now, although a real basic 1/2" drive for $19.99. I think the basic analog clicky craftsman ones at sears were ~$30.00 last I checked. Let me know if you end up getting one and find a deal somewhere.
#6
Mod her. Ate her.
Thread Starter
iTrader: (19)
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Martinsburg, WV
Posts: 9,827
Originally posted by mtrai760
Just remember, these are the components controlling the steering and braking on your car, subject to huge amounts of force, do you really want to do a half a$$ job?
Just remember, these are the components controlling the steering and braking on your car, subject to huge amounts of force, do you really want to do a half a$$ job?
#7
All of them, including your lug nuts.
Originally posted by phenryiv1
Which parts will benefit from the use of a torque wrench? Sorry for my ignorance- this will be my FIRST install...
Which parts will benefit from the use of a torque wrench? Sorry for my ignorance- this will be my FIRST install...
#8
Off the top of my head, I thought the torque values for the brake bolts on the calipers range between 25 ft-lbs to 34 ft-lbs (need to check against my Haynes manual). Without a torque wrench, it's probably too easy to overtorque.
#9
Mod her. Ate her.
Thread Starter
iTrader: (19)
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Martinsburg, WV
Posts: 9,827
I am going to be picking up a hayne's manual before I start all of this- that will have all of the torque settings, right?
Another question- How long should I set aside to do a full suspension swap and to replace the front brake rotors and pads? There will be 2 people and I have a jack and jackstands. Both of us are mechanically inclined, though I have never done suspension before.
Lastly- When I was into Jeeps, I did my front shocks, but the rear shocks were rusted and seized up. Is this a common problem with maximas? Will I need any heat to remove the bolts? Where should I spray liquid wrench in the next few days to start losening things up?
Another question- How long should I set aside to do a full suspension swap and to replace the front brake rotors and pads? There will be 2 people and I have a jack and jackstands. Both of us are mechanically inclined, though I have never done suspension before.
Lastly- When I was into Jeeps, I did my front shocks, but the rear shocks were rusted and seized up. Is this a common problem with maximas? Will I need any heat to remove the bolts? Where should I spray liquid wrench in the next few days to start losening things up?
#10
I rarly use a torque wrench anymore. I found that after a while you develop a feel for how much effort is needed for you to get to Xft-lbs. Plus, the one I have is rather large, and a pain for anything that's not out in the open.
I use a torque wrench on my lugs, but that's about it.
I use a torque wrench on my lugs, but that's about it.
#11
Originally posted by phenryiv1
Which parts will benefit from the use of a torque wrench? Sorry for my ignorance- this will be my FIRST install...
Which parts will benefit from the use of a torque wrench? Sorry for my ignorance- this will be my FIRST install...
Follow the torque specs on both components, esp the strut assembly.
When doing brakes, the torque on the caliper bolts is fairly low and can be accomplished via guesstimation after doing a few brake jobs The caliper bracker bolts are the ones I would make sure are torqued properly and all the specs are in the Haynes Manual.
Torqueing the brakes can be challenge if not using a torque wrench which clicks when you hit the proper ft/lbs. I was using a Sears one with a dial on the front but unless on a lift, I cannot see the dial.
D
#12
Originally posted by phenryiv1
Which parts will benefit from the use of a torque wrench? Sorry for my ignorance- this will be my FIRST install...
Which parts will benefit from the use of a torque wrench? Sorry for my ignorance- this will be my FIRST install...
Follow the torque specs on both components, esp the strut assembly.
When doing brakes, the torque on the caliper bolts is fairly low and can be accomplished via guesstimation after doing a few brake jobs The caliper bracker bolts are the ones I would make sure are torqued properly and all the specs are in the Haynes Manual.
Torqueing the brakes can be challenge if not using a torque wrench which clicks when you hit the proper ft/lbs. I was using a Sears one with a dial on the front but unless on a lift, I cannot see the dial.
D
#13
Originally posted by dlicari
Torqueing the brakes can be challenge if not using a torque wrench which clicks when you hit the proper ft/lbs. I was using a Sears one with a dial on the front but unless on a lift, I cannot see the dial.
D
Torqueing the brakes can be challenge if not using a torque wrench which clicks when you hit the proper ft/lbs. I was using a Sears one with a dial on the front but unless on a lift, I cannot see the dial.
D
#14
Originally posted by StygianMax
I picked up a wrench that's got a double-headed adapter on opposing sides. I just put the socket on the side that allows me to see the torque reading.
I picked up a wrench that's got a double-headed adapter on opposing sides. I just put the socket on the side that allows me to see the torque reading.
D
#15
Originally posted by dlicari
Where did you pick it up at?
D
Where did you pick it up at?
D
p.s. Before I found that thing, I once had a buddy hold up a mirror so I could see the tq. reading on my other "conventional" torque wrench. Definitely NOT user-friendly.
#16
northern tools
http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/w...=torque+wrench
i just got the torque wrench with the 1/2" drive. It works fine, and you can't beat the price. I also, picked up a heat gun for like $15, too. And even with their regular shipping prices, i got the tools in like 3 days.
Anyone know where i can get a good breaker bar?
i just got the torque wrench with the 1/2" drive. It works fine, and you can't beat the price. I also, picked up a heat gun for like $15, too. And even with their regular shipping prices, i got the tools in like 3 days.
Anyone know where i can get a good breaker bar?
#17
Re: northern tools
Originally posted by fearthegecko
http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/w...=torque+wrench
i just got the torque wrench with the 1/2" drive. It works fine, and you can't beat the price. I also, picked up a heat gun for like $15, too. And even with their regular shipping prices, i got the tools in like 3 days.
Anyone know where i can get a good breaker bar?
http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/w...=torque+wrench
i just got the torque wrench with the 1/2" drive. It works fine, and you can't beat the price. I also, picked up a heat gun for like $15, too. And even with their regular shipping prices, i got the tools in like 3 days.
Anyone know where i can get a good breaker bar?
Harbor Freight Link $10.99 breaker bar
#19
Mod her. Ate her.
Thread Starter
iTrader: (19)
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Martinsburg, WV
Posts: 9,827
Originally posted by phenryiv1
I am going to be picking up a hayne's manual before I start all of this- that will have all of the torque settings, right?
Another question- How long should I set aside to do a full suspension swap and to replace the front brake rotors and pads? There will be 2 people and I have a jack and jackstands. Both of us are mechanically inclined, though I have never done suspension before.
Lastly- When I was into Jeeps, I did my front shocks, but the rear shocks were rusted and seized up. Is this a common problem with maximas? Will I need any heat to remove the bolts? Where should I spray liquid wrench in the next few days to start losening things up?
I am going to be picking up a hayne's manual before I start all of this- that will have all of the torque settings, right?
Another question- How long should I set aside to do a full suspension swap and to replace the front brake rotors and pads? There will be 2 people and I have a jack and jackstands. Both of us are mechanically inclined, though I have never done suspension before.
Lastly- When I was into Jeeps, I did my front shocks, but the rear shocks were rusted and seized up. Is this a common problem with maximas? Will I need any heat to remove the bolts? Where should I spray liquid wrench in the next few days to start losening things up?
#20
Originally posted by phenryiv1
?
?
As far as tight/rusted bolts, I had mine done after 90k miles didn't have much trouble with rusted bolts, in fact I don't think any of the bolts were rusted, it does require a bit of muscle though ( thanks njmaxseltd!) The breaker bar is a HUGE benefit to have when trying to loosen these bolt, it will give you a lot of leverage I strongly suggest you get one for this job. Also don't forget to rent spring compressors.
I would tell you that you're looking at an entire saturday afternoon time wise, as long as you don't hit any snags on the way.
#21
i just got the torque wrench with the 1/2" drive.
Also, is 150 ft-lbs a high enough max? I'll forget to check in my haynes when I get home.
#22
Originally posted by blizz20oma
Also, is 150 ft-lbs a high enough max? I'll forget to check in my haynes when I get home.
Also, is 150 ft-lbs a high enough max? I'll forget to check in my haynes when I get home.
#24
Originally posted by phenryiv1
I plan to devote a whole saturday or sunday to the tasks of suspension and front brakes (rear rotors as well).
There is an auto parts store a block from my house if I forget anything minor.
I plan to devote a whole saturday or sunday to the tasks of suspension and front brakes (rear rotors as well).
There is an auto parts store a block from my house if I forget anything minor.
Kev
#26
Originally posted by blizz20oma
Is it generally agreed that the 1/2" drive suits the more common socket ranges for the specific suspension fasteners that a torque wrench is a good idea for? Just for suspension work mind you - or do you still use adaptors for the drive size?
Also, is 150 ft-lbs a high enough max? I'll forget to check in my haynes when I get home.
Is it generally agreed that the 1/2" drive suits the more common socket ranges for the specific suspension fasteners that a torque wrench is a good idea for? Just for suspension work mind you - or do you still use adaptors for the drive size?
Also, is 150 ft-lbs a high enough max? I'll forget to check in my haynes when I get home.
#27
[QUOTE]Originally posted by phenryiv1
[B]I am going to be picking up a hayne's manual before I start all of this- that will have all of the torque settings, right?
Patrick,
Give me a call. I have a 1/2" Craftsman digatorque and the Haynes manual.
Jason
[B]I am going to be picking up a hayne's manual before I start all of this- that will have all of the torque settings, right?
Patrick,
Give me a call. I have a 1/2" Craftsman digatorque and the Haynes manual.
Jason
#28
Mod her. Ate her.
Thread Starter
iTrader: (19)
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Martinsburg, WV
Posts: 9,827
[QUOTE]Originally posted by JustMaxin96
[B]
I plan to buy the haynes, just to have it.
BUT I definately would like to borrow the torque wrench, if that is okay. You don't weant to help on the install one weekend, do you? I have a guy from work who is helping, but noone who has actually taken apart a maxima suspension. Drop me a PM w/ your # and we can discuss it further. THANKS!
[B]
Originally posted by phenryiv1
I am going to be picking up a hayne's manual before I start all of this- that will have all of the torque settings, right?
Patrick,
Give me a call. I have a 1/2" Craftsman digatorque and the Haynes manual.
Jason
I am going to be picking up a hayne's manual before I start all of this- that will have all of the torque settings, right?
Patrick,
Give me a call. I have a 1/2" Craftsman digatorque and the Haynes manual.
Jason
BUT I definately would like to borrow the torque wrench, if that is okay. You don't weant to help on the install one weekend, do you? I have a guy from work who is helping, but noone who has actually taken apart a maxima suspension. Drop me a PM w/ your # and we can discuss it further. THANKS!
#29
Originally posted by phenryiv1
I plan to buy the haynes, just to have it.
BUT I definately would like to borrow the torque wrench, if that is okay. You don't weant to help on the install one weekend, do you? I have a guy from work who is helping, but noone who has actually taken apart a maxima suspension. Drop me a PM w/ your # and we can discuss it further. THANKS!
I plan to buy the haynes, just to have it.
BUT I definately would like to borrow the torque wrench, if that is okay. You don't weant to help on the install one weekend, do you? I have a guy from work who is helping, but noone who has actually taken apart a maxima suspension. Drop me a PM w/ your # and we can discuss it further. THANKS!
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
TonyJr
3rd Generation Maxima (1989-1994)
4
08-20-2015 12:14 AM
MaximaDrvr
7th Generation Maxima (2009-2015)
16
08-19-2015 08:20 PM
Team STILLEN
Autocrossing and Road Course Racing
0
08-10-2015 04:29 PM