IRLogoRED_2021_web.jpg
Products
Assembly Solutions
Drilling and Bolting Tools
Surface Preparation and Finishing Tools
IRLogoRED_2021_web.jpg

How Much Torque Do You Need?

When you think of torque, you probably think of POWER. Because the right amount of torque gives you the power to do your job faster and easier.

To be more precise, torque is a rotational power (or force). When we talk about torque in a vehicle, we’re talking about the rotational power available at the wheels.

So, when you’re using an impact tool, you need torque to get the rotational power to remove or tighten lug nuts, brake caliper bolts, etc.

So, the more torque you have, the better, right? Well… no. Not exactly.

You can easily reach a point where you have too much torque for the job at hand, which can cause a lot of problems that will make a relatively simple job much more complicated and time-consuming.

“Some mechanics apply too much torque, and they don’t even know it,” says Joshua Johnson, Ingersoll Rand Power Tools Engineering Director. “An application like lug nuts may only need 80 ft-lbs., but unknowingly you can apply 300-400 ft-lbs. on the lugs if you’re using the wrong tool or using the right tool incorrectly. This can be dangerous because it can cause the wheel studs to fail.”

In the article below, we’ll look at torque recommendations for various jobs and the torque capacities of some Ingersoll Rand impact tools - all to help answer the key question, “How much torque do you need?”

Look at the Bolt

The requirements for torque are based on the bolt you’re working with. As you might expect, a larger bolt can accept higher torque without stripping out. A smaller bolt requires more caution since too much torque could stretch the bolt, strip it out, or even cause it to completely break in half.

For a simple example, look at lug nuts. Generally speaking, the larger the vehicle the larger the wheels and the more heavy-duty the lug nuts. So, here’s a general guide to the torque requirements for different types of vehicles:

  • Passenger cars (and some light trucks): 80–100 ft-lb (108–135 Nm)
  • Light trucks/SUVs: 100–140 ft-lb (135–190 Nm)
  • Heavy-duty trucks: 450+ ft-lb (610+ Nm)
W7153 Impact Wrench
W7153 DXS® Cordless Impact Wrench

Ingersoll Rand has tools specifically designed for vehicle tire service. For example, our W7153 IQV20™ DXS® 1/2″ Cordless Impact Wrench delivers best-in-class torque in a go-anywhere 20V cordless design that eliminates air hoses – and potential trip hazards. It features the patented  DXS® Drive Xchange System™ with fast-swap, interchangeable drives, so you can perform multiple jobs with one tool.

Our W7252-TL IQV20™ Forward Torque Limited Cordless Impact Wrench delivers full breakaway power of 1,500 ft-lbs. (2040 Nm) of nut-busting torque and has an auto-stop tightening mode specifically designed for passenger tire installation.

Larger vehicles require more torque, so the QX Series™ 40V Cordless Torque Multiplier is optimized for commercial truck tires. It features programmable torque up to 700 ft-lbs.

If that’s still not enough torque, reach for the W9000 Series IQV20™ 1" High Torque Cordless Impact Wrenches. They feature lots of torque but also include a power regulator that limits the torque forward (to avoid over-torquing) while having plenty in reverse.

W7252 BL2022
W7252-TL Forward Torque Limited Cordless Impact Wrench

Think about the Job at Hand

Sticking with lug nuts, there’s a simple question. Are you tightening clean lug nuts or are you attempting to remove a super tight or frozen lug nut? Obviously, you might require more torque for the removal. But that doesn’t mean you need all that power for tightening.

“When you’re tightening a lug nut, the impact can easily apply too much torque,” said Johnson. “Snug it slightly with impact or use one of Ingersoll Rand’s forward torque limited impact wrenches. Finish with a hand torque wrench (or click wrench), because this allows you to measure and make sure you haven’t over-tightened the bolt.”

When in doubt, refer to manufacturers’ recommendations to tighten lug nuts properly and safely.

When it comes to other vehicle maintenance jobs, the torque required can vary depending on the job:

Engine Components

  • Spark plugs: 10–30 ft-lb (13–40 Nm)
  • Cylinder head bolts: 30–90 ft-lb (40–122 Nm) (varies by engine)

Suspension & Brakes

  • Brake caliper bolts: 20–80 ft-lb (27–108 Nm)
  • Control arm bolts: 80–150 ft-lb (108–203 Nm)
  • Tie rod nuts: 30–70 ft-lb (40–95 Nm)

Transmission & Drivetrain

  • Flywheel bolts: 60–100 ft-lb (81–135 Nm)
  • Driveshaft bolts: 50–100 ft-lb (67–135 Nm)
  • Axle nuts: 100–300 ft-lb (135–405 Nm)

Ingersoll Rand has a wide variety of impact wrenches that can help you save time while applying the correct amount of torque for any job. Explore our impact wrenches to check out all the tools for yourself.