8 hr oil change...check!

[Huntyngrl]

Did my 8 hour oil change last night...had a little help getting the oil filter off, even with the wrench. Don't think it'll be so bad next time. Took 2 quarts and a tad from a 3rd quart and it's at the full mark.

What I don't get it in the manual when it says to tighten the wheel bolts, screws, etc. to a certain torque they give a measurement....How do you determine the torque if all you use is a regular ratcheting wrench? Not everyone has air/pneumatic wrenches.... What do the rest of you do?

[Dane]

I have a torque wrench. Surprisingly the proper torque is usually less than what you'd think when just going by feel.

[RoyJackson]

Buying a "click" type torque wrench is well worth the money. A Craftsman (from Sears) won't cost that much.
Correct torquing is as much to prevent over-torque as it is to ensure the correct tightness.

BTW, if you do buy a "click" type (correct name is "micrometer setting") torque wrench, back it down to zero torque after use and for storage.

[DIXIEDOG]

The other thing with a micrometer style torque wrench is you need to move slowly...don't "snap" your wrench because you'll go beyond the torque and overtighten every time. I use a digital torque amplifier to calibrate torque wrenches at work and it's amazing the difference a nice slow even movement makes on accuracy.....most people will end up hitting 10+ lbs over torque set at the 80 ft lb and up range because they over travel with the wrench:Ysnd: