Wheel lug nut torque check

If you haven't checked the torque on your wheel lug nuts, I recommend that you do so. At 650 miles I finally got around to performing the recommended 500 mile check on my 2010 Shelby. I found nuts under-torqued at each position; the rear wheels were the worst. The job requires a torque wrench capable of more than 100 foot-pounds, a 13/16 deep socket or a standard socket with an extension (six point recommended over the 12 point socket), and the wheel key for any wheel locks you may have. I got a 1/2'' drive wrench at Auto Zone for around $40 and the deep socket for $6.
 
  • Sponsors (?)


One of many references:

Mustang Torque Specifications Specs

There is also a thread in the 2005-2009 section here on Stangnet that says the same thing. 85-105 ftlbs. However, since I dont have a long, deep socket, I have to use a 4" extension in order to torque down my wheels. I account for the inaccuracy of my torque wrench using this extension by torquing down to 105-110.
 
Wheel lug torque check

since I dont have a long, deep socket, I have to use a 4" extension in order to torque down my wheels. I account for the inaccuracy of my torque wrench using this extension by torquing down to 105-110.

Using an extension and a standard socket has no effect on the torque applied--it will be as you have set it on the wrench. Only when you lengthen the torque wrench--such as when using a crowsfoot--is it necessary to compute the correct toque. Reference: Crowsfoot with torque wrench. What is the math?