Trailer lug torquing
...when you check the torque of your trailer lugs, do you loosen them first, or just test the torque tightness?
Forum Discussion
If one were inclined to go by FAA requirements for aircraft maintenance they state "all torque values for fasteners are stated as dry unless otherwise noted".
In my pocket ref manual ( Thomas Glover ) the max dry torque value for a 1/2" grade 8 fastener ( which is what the lug stud/nut is on two of my trailers ) is 119 ft/lbs, which happens to match what the dexter axle manual that came with my newest trailer states for the lug nuts.
Works for me, because I figure the folks who wrote those manuals know more about bolt science than I do.
EDIT: as a side note, another example on vehicles is the Ford manual for our F350 ( which has hub-centered wheels ) specifically warns to NOT put lube on the stud threads. In this case, these lug nuts have swiveling cone, and the cone is to get "one drop" of oil but again, the warning to ensure no oil on the threads.
In my pocket ref manual ( Thomas Glover ) the max dry torque value for a 1/2" grade 8 fastener ( which is what the lug stud/nut is on two of my trailers ) is 119 ft/lbs, which happens to match what the dexter axle manual that came with my newest trailer states for the lug nuts.
Works for me, because I figure the folks who wrote those manuals know more about bolt science than I do.
EDIT: as a side note, another example on vehicles is the Ford manual for our F350 ( which has hub-centered wheels ) specifically warns to NOT put lube on the stud threads. In this case, these lug nuts have swiveling cone, and the cone is to get "one drop" of oil but again, the warning to ensure no oil on the threads.
