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Marsden
Classic MB
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Capital City USA
Vehicle(s): Mercedes-Benz
| Air/Impact Wrenches
So, the Installation Instructions that came with my OEM alloy wheels say:
DO NOT USE AIR OR IMPACT WRENCHES TO TIGHTEN LUG NUTS. They can cause thread stripping and over- or under-tightening. These problems will cause wheel failure that can result in severe injury or death to vehicle occupants. Additionally, using them can mar the finish of the wheels. A CALIBRATED TORQUE WRENCH MUST BE USED TO INSURE PROPER AND SAFE INSTALLATION.
The guide then goes on to specify appropriate torque settings, tightening patterns, etc.
My question is this: In the real world, how on earth am I to get the tire jockey to actually do this? All I see are impact wrenches at every tire shop I visit. Should I bribe the service manager or something? Arrgh.
Edited by Marsden 9/24/2007 10:13 PM
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stargaze
Date registered: Dec 1899
Location:
Vehicle(s):
| RE: Air/Impact Wrenches
I have wondered the same thing. I usually used a MB dealer when I needed tire work but that isn't always convenient. I also wonder, can anyone change tires on a wheel without scratching or marking up the wheel? Is the tire industry so lagging technology that this can't be done? I would like to hear from someone who works in the industry to enlighten us on what we should or shouldn't expect from these questions posted. I honestly don't know what to expect. I know when I take my Toyota 4-Runner to Big-O Tires I always say to tighten as to the mfg. specs. I've never actually had a chance to watch. |
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Marsden
Classic MB
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Capital City USA
Vehicle(s): Mercedes-Benz
| RE: Air/Impact Wrenches
In my case, I managed to get the mgr at my tire shop when no one else was around, showed him my car and asked if he'd have the tech use a torque wrench. He agreed. I think it's worthwhile making this request out of earshot of other customers, as the mgr doesn't want everyone making the same request. I also tipped the tech $10 for good work, explaining that I'd be back the next week to have the torque checked again.
Of course, I still have to get my TPMS corrected, which means another trip to the dealer. And incidentally, I have no confidence whatever that the dealer will be as careful as the tire tech I tipped. But that's another story. |
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stargaze
Date registered: Dec 1899
Location:
Vehicle(s):
| RE: Air/Impact Wrenches
I suppose I'll have to deal with TPMS now with the new 550 - the 01 430 didn't have it. I used to have separate snow tires so I checked my torque with my own torque wrench. I suppose I'll still do that. I know what you mean with the dealer. |
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Marsden
Classic MB
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Capital City USA
Vehicle(s): Mercedes-Benz
| RE: Air/Impact Wrenches
Yeah I used to have a torque wrench, no idea what happened to it. Guess I'll buy another one b/c this is one item I'd like to stay on top of. Is there a standard socket measure for MB lug nuts? And I bet your TPMS will be better than mine, although I'm just guessing. |
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Nino
Date registered: Dec 1899
Location:
Vehicle(s):
| RE: Air/Impact Wrenches
I stand and watch the technician, after I've asked if he would not use impact tools, then hand him the torque wrench set at the proper torque. Been working so far. |
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