I finally ditched my torque wrench for critical suspension bolts, here's why

Old timer I used to work with down in Austin, guy named Dale, watched me torque lower control arm bolts to spec on a F-150. He told me I was overthinking it and to feel the crush sleeve instead. I thought he was crazy, until a year later I had two come loose on highway miles because the factory spec didn't account for the worn threads. Now I still use a torque wrench for engine internals, but for suspension hardware with any rust or wear I go by hand feel and then a paint mark. Checked a few vehicles I did this on six months later, zero movement. Has anyone else had better luck trusting feel over spec on older rigs?

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hollyl4515d ago

Isnt it funny how we trust numbers over our own hands until the numbers let us down? Ive noticed the same thing with tire pressure gauges on my old truck, the digital one tells me 32 psi but the truck rides better at what feels like 30. Once youve felt that perfect bite on a bolt, its hard to go back to staring at a clicker and hoping the threads are cooperating.