I just changed out my engine, diff and tranny fluids. I know the torque specs but the torque wrench was so expensive that i just tighted stuff until it was pretty stiff (used an extension on the socket wrench, so everythign was pretty tight). only the diff fill bolt had a previous marking which i matched back up.

does it really matter how tight it is? as long as stuff doesn't leak i'm ok right?

or am i'm doing somthign terribly wrong?

 

if you have a pretty good feel for various torque settings - you can do it by hand - but the biggest issue IMO is overtightening - not undertightening - most people gorilla the thing and either can't get it off later - or strip the threads. And you NEED a torque wrench for wheels. Overtightening lug nuts/bolts on a wheel can lead to warped rotors...

IMO - if you can afford a 30K car - you can afford a 50 dollar wrench...

 

if you dont have torque wrench make sure you change the crush washers everytime

 

You can get torque wrenches pretty cheap at AutoZone. They may not be very accurate, but they will be fine for these types of uses.

 

My craftsman torque wrenches were on sale at Sears for $25.

 

If you overtighten bolts, you can stretch the threads and on aluminum, this is very easy to do. You may never be able to use the stock torque settings again if this has happened. I'd say that if you put an extension on your rachet, you are likely to have overtightened them.

 

 

so i guess the worst thing that can happen is that i go get new bolts!

 

No, the worst that could happen is you strip out the threads in the case.

I would highly recommend the torque wrench. Even a cheap one is better than nothing.

Just think of the amount of money you save by doing your own work, and always having it done right. The amount of money you spend on tools is a fine investment.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Destiny2002
[B]No, the worst that could happen is you strip out the threads in the case.

I would highly recommend the torque wrench.