ASE A4 Suspension and SteeringWheels and Tires Diagnosis and RepairEasy
A technician is inspecting a vehicle for a vibration complaint. During the inspection, they notice that the lug nuts on one wheel are loose. After tightening the lug nuts to the manufacturer's specified torque of 100 ft-lbs, the technician should also:
- ARe-torque the lug nuts after 50-100 miles of driving.
- BCheck the tire pressure on all four tires.
- CPerform a four-wheel alignment.
- DLubricate the wheel studs with anti-seize compound.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Re-torque the lug nuts after 50-100 miles of driving.
It is standard practice to re-torque lug nuts after initial installation or tightening, especially after they have been found loose, to ensure they remain properly seated and secure after the vehicle has been driven for a short period.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. While checking tire pressure is good practice, it's not directly related to ensuring the lug nuts remain tight after initial tightening.
- C. A four-wheel alignment is not necessary solely due to loose lug nuts being tightened.
- D. Lubricating wheel studs can lead to over-torquing and potential stud damage, as torque specifications are typically for dry threads unless specified otherwise.
Lug Nut Re-torque
The process of re-tightening lug nuts to specification after a short period of driving following initial installation or tightening.
- Ensures proper seating of the wheel against the hub.
- Prevents loosening due to settling or vibration.
- Typically recommended after 50-100 miles of driving.
Memory trick: After tightening, always 're-check' the nuts to keep wheels on track.