Is a Torque Wrench Required to Install a Trailer Hitch on a 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan

Updated 06/30/2020 | Published 01/14/2012

Question:

I know it is recommended to use a torque wrench to install the hitch. Is this absolutely necessary? I do not have a torque wrench but do have a standard ratchet and socket set. I am installing in a 2010 VW Tiguan S. If I do need to use a torque wrench, what size?

asked by: Eric

Expert Reply:

When installing a trailer hitch like # e98906 it is necessary to use a torque wrench to get the bolts to the right tightness. If not, and you just try to tighten them as hard as you can, you can damage the vehicle frame. Too loose and the hitch could fail when you tried to use it.

Many auto parts stores lend out tools so you will not have to buy one in most cases. If a bolt is supposed to be torqued to 38 foot pounds, for example, you can use a torque wrench that has a rating that encompasses that 38 pounds; a 10 to 100 foot pound range for example.

expert reply by: Michael H

Mike

3/7/2013

way to not answer the question, what size of torque wrench is needed, not what a torque wrench is used for.

Patrick B.

4/9/2013

To answer the questions, proper torquing of the bolts is required to complete installation. You can use either a 3/8 or 1/2 inch drive torque wrench so long as they have the capacity to reach the torque ratings listed in the instructions for your hitch. With this particular hitch, a torque wrench that will at least reach 50 Lb.-Ft. should be fine.