Guys, i just recently put on strut bars (f/r) on my car and i used a torque wrench to tighten the bolts. After a few weeks, i checked and the torque wrench clicked (set at 36ft/lbs) but when i turned it some more, it still turned about 1/2 or 3/4 of the way. The wrench is still new, used it a few times and bought a few weeks before too. It's a powerbuilt brand if it matters. What do you guys think about this?

TIA!

 

Have you ever used your torque wrench to loosen bolts?

 

Nope i haven't

 

to properly retorque a bolt you should loosen it and retighten. the reason is there is more force needed to get the bolt/nut to START turning than is needed once it is turning already.
just like when you push a heavy object it will require so much force to start its motion, that when it finally moves it goes with a jolt and runs away from you for an instant.
love thy physics....

 

soyboy is correct- to properly torque a bolt/nut you must loosen it first.

 

Not only that, but a torque wrench doesn't stop you from overtightening the nut/bolt.

When it clicks, stop, take the wrench off and you're done.

 

Thanks guys.

Is there anyway that the shocks moved because the nuts (where you put the strut bar) is not tight enough? Also would your recommend loctite for those nuts?

 

good rule of thumb that i use is 100miles after any mod...check the torque on your bolts. road vibration can rattle them loose if thier freshly torqued.

 

Hey jon, how much did your torque wrench cost?

I've been shopping for one and I've found two:
One for $8.99 and another for $129.99.

So now I must balance quality and price (lesson of life, I suppose).

 

Chris, mine was about 45-55, i forgot hehe. It's a powerbuilt brand which is a subsidiary of craftsman. The range for that is 5-80 ft/lbs.

 

Aha...thanks jon.

 

Well guys, my torque wrench is officially broken. I was torqing my wheels last night when i put on my rims and boom, it just kept on turning without turning the lug nuts. So now i have another Q. Can i use a torque wrench with 5ft/lbs - 80 ft/lbs to torque my wheels to 80 ft/lbs? Kinds sounds stupid but am serious about the Q.

Ow well, i guess it's time to use the lifetime warranty.