Lug Nuts - Proper Torqueing Procedure

90ford38
^ BRAKE SHUDDER - ROTOR DISTORTED - OVERTIGHTENED LUG NUTS

^ WHEEL - NUT INSTALLATION - SERVICE TIP

Article No. 90-19-9

FORD: 1986-91 CROWN VICTORIA, ESCORT, MUSTANG, TAURUS, TEMPO, THUNDERBIRD 1988-91 FESTIVA 1989-91 PROBE

LINCOLN-MERCURY: 1986 CAPRI
1986-87 LYNX 1986-91 CONTINENTAL, COUGAR, GRAND MARQUIS, MARK VII, SABLE, TOPAZ, TOPAZ, TOWN CAR 1987-89 TRACER 1991 CAPRI, TRACER

MERKUR: 1985-88 XR4TI 1988-89 SCORPIO

LIGHT TRUCK: 1986-90 BRONCO II 1986-91 AEROSTAR, BRONCO, ECONOLINE, F-150-350 SERIES, RANGER 1988-91 F SUPER DUTY 1991 EXPLORER

ISSUE: The use of a power impact wrench to install wheel nuts provides minimal torque control. Undertightening may allow the lug nuts to loosen, and can result in the wheel separating from the vehicle. Overtightening of wheel nuts may cause brake rotor distortion that could result in a brake shudder. Overtightening may cause distortion of the wheel. This can result in a change in the diameter of the center (axle) hole and make it difficult to remove from the axle it is mounted on or difficult or impossible to install on another axle with a smaller center hole diameter.

ACTION: Use a manual torque wrench to tighten wheel nuts. Refer to the approriate Shop Manual for specific torque values.


OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: None
WARRANTY STATUS: INFORMATION ONLY
OASIS CODES: 306000, 301000