Tightening lug studs/nuts on the road?

[Jim Brookshire]

Thornton,

2 X 4 with holes looks like a great idea. I have used a jack stand before but the 2x4 seems like a better idea. Thanks

[maxsmart]

Originally Posted by Jim Brookshire

Thornton,

2 X 4 with holes looks like a great idea. I have used a jack stand before but the 2x4 seems like a better idea. Thanks

I agree!

I was thinking if you made a slot in the 2x4, then found a simple method to "clamp" the extension at needed lug nut height, that may be an improvement of this very good, inexpensive idea - e.g., wood clamp (but suspect there is a better clamping tool....)...

[StarChief]

Originally Posted by Jim Brookshire

Thornton,

2 X 4 with holes looks like a great idea. I have used a jack stand before but the 2x4 seems like a better idea. Thanks

And for more adjustability with the 2x4, drill the other end with the holes offset accordingly to fit in between the originals.

[1984Lodge]

If mine has been to the tire shop I loosen them all and torque them myself, I do not trust them.

I use a jack stand as Jim was saying to support the extension. They do make a tool for it, but that 2x4 method looks like a good idea too.

Here is the Ken Tool one I found like a jack stand:
https://www.google.com/search?q=ken+...obile&ie=UTF-8


Here is one from eBay, another good idea:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/15600955634...mis&media=COPY

Photo of the eBay stand:

[Debugjaws]

Like Jeff - I don't trust the tire shops. I have had a number of bad experiences with them from over-torqued and destroyed studs and threads, a cracked wheel (see pic below), or completely loose thimble studs. All of these have led me to doing as Jeff does. Whenever it comes back from the tire shop, I loosen and then torque all to 500 ft pounds. To loosen, I use either a 1" Chicago Pneumatic tire shop gun, or a 3/4" drive Hercules max torque 1/2" electric impact. For tightening, I use a 1" Proto J6024 torque wrench (this thing man-handles me, but at least I know they are tightened correctly). I leave this in the bus. I also use an adjustable jack stand as I go around the wheel to tighten.

Long story short; Last month I had a couple of defective tires (collapsing tread - another story in itself). To remedy, I decided to have 2 new steer tires put on and have the rest rotated. Once completed I got it home and immediately began the process to loosen and retighten. As per normal, wheels were torqued in the over 600 to 700 foot pound range. However, on the driver side drive axle, I found 4 of the 10 thimble studs completely finger loose, with 2 others a little tighter, but loose nonetheless. While these at times can come loose as the outer wheel lugs are removed, I highly doubt that 6 out of 10 would be "finger loose"! I'm convinced they just missed them altogether.

Final analysis - always loosen and retighten after a tire shop visit!

[wandermore]

Thornton, I didn't realize you were having such a pain with the jack stand and Kris' wrench. I would have been happy to show you Don's tool/method he described in his post with a multiplier and smaller torque wrench. It is tedious in its own way, but it works well. I also like it because I keep a smaller torque wrench and the multiplier in the bus at all times.

That 2x4 with holes is a great idea. It would be easy to whip one up and carry around on the road. Will have to give it a try.

[Randy Dupree]

don't trust the tire shops to inflate properly either,none of those guys wear glasses and they all need them.
those little marks are hard to see.

[CrashTestDummy]

Originally Posted by 1984Lodge

<SNIP>


Here is one from eBay, another good idea:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/15600955634...mis&media=COPY

Photo of the eBay stand:
Attachment 94498

I found that metal one to my liking, but since there were no dimensions mentioned, I asked the seller how tall it was. He replied pretty quickly, noting that the top slot is 22" off the ground. I'm thinking that's just a bit short for a bus tire that's all aired up, without some spacer, like a 2x4 or 4x4.

Just an FYI for those looking.

[Debugjaws]

Originally Posted by Randy Dupree

don't trust the tire shops to inflate properly either,none of those guys wear glasses and they all need them.
those little marks are hard to see.

Yup! Mine were all over the map. My expectation of the tire shops is tire acquisition , initial install and air-up ... enough to get me home!

[1984Lodge]

Originally Posted by CrashTestDummy

I found that metal one to my. liking, but since there were no dimensions mentioned, I asked the seller how tall it was. He replied pretty quickly, noting that the top slot is 22" off the ground. I'm thinking that's just a bit short for a bus tire that's all aired up, without some spacer, like a 2x4 or 4x4.

Just an FYI for those looking.

Good call Gene, yea I was thinking about making one for myself. I am going to keep my eyes out for some scrap steel or maybe even some aluminum. I would have to figure out a way to weld the aluminum.