Torque and Chrome

is it really necessary to torque wrench the wheel nuts?

Hi, im gonna have a go at changing my tyres this weekend on my bike. Any ideas if you really need to torque wrench the nuts on the wheels? I have seen plenty of people not do it, but I assume you would want the nuts balanced on both sides. Any thoughts, what do you other bikers out there do?

Public Comments

1. On a car, I don't worry about lug nut torque. On my bike, I leave nothing to chance. Pavement is hard.
2. Always give year, make, engine size and model # when asking questions. We need all of that info to give an informed answer. Japanese bikes - There's no need to tighten the rear axle nut with a torque wrench. Tighten the nut as you would any fastener of that size. The nut will either have a slot for a cotter pin (split pin), or it will be a "lock nut" - each type will prevent the nut from loosening. There's no chance of over tightening it, because there is a crush tube between the bearings to prevent damage. The front axle cannot be over tightened for the same reason. The front axle is usually held in place by the fork tube clamping it. If you're not experienced in tightening hardened steel bolts into aluminum, then I would recommend you use a torque wrench.
3. Does your bike have a cotter pin holding the axle nut on? If so, good n tight (the german method) may be good enough, as the cotter pin will prevent the nut from working loose and falling off. I am not sure what you mean by "nuts balanced on both sides". One side is the head of the axle bolt and the other is where the spacer, washer and nut go. Some have cotter pins, some don''t. On the ones without cotter pins, a little locktite goes a long way. Trust me, I never use to use it, until my own front axle nut worked its way loose and while the axle was locked in by the pinch bolts, when I went to corner, the front end was buckling enough that I noticed. Ever since then I torque unprotected nuts and use locktite to boot.
4. No, not necessary. the torque ratings are a reference, anywhere in the area will do.Generally tight will do.
5. I have never used a torque wrench anywhere on any of my bikes, I prefer to do things by feel. For wheel nuts, just tighten them up hard enough so they won't come undone, there is no need to balance the torque on the nuts or use a torque wrench.