Is Lug Nut Torque A Specific Value or Is it a Range of Values

Updated 05/03/2017 | Published 05/02/2017

Question:

It says the torque is 90-125. Do I torque to 90 than 125?

asked by: Dave

Helpful Expert Reply:

Torque specs for trailer wheel lug nuts usually are expressed as a range of values, since there will be differences between wheels. Wheel material, lug diameter and other factors including wear determine the correct torque range. For example, a brand new steel wheel mounted for the first time may need less torque to be secured than a 10-year-old wheel that has been installed and removed several times.

The linked chart provides typical torque values for a number of different trailer wheels. If you torque a nut to 90-ft-lbs and you have no reason to think this is insufficient then you do not need to tighten it further until such time as you remove the wheel or re-torque as part of your normal safety prep before a trip.

expert reply by: Adam R