Road wheel torque for 12mm lug nuts on 1700 Super Sprint?

[pethier]

My 1991 Caterham 1700 Super Sprint has the same thread as my daughter's Honda Fit. They are certainly 12mm.  Too lazy to look up my records now, but I think that is M12 x 1.5 

 

I have Prisoner wheels.

 

What torque should I be using?  Honda says I think 80 foot pounds.  I just tested the spare-tire mount gizmo to 70 and it didn't strip.  

 

The Caterham owner's manual for my car gives 45 and 55 for two different models, but does not confirm the stud diameter, and the model names don't mean much.

[MV8]

I would not go over 50ftlbs. Technique for even clamping is important. I clean the mounting surfaces and studs, start all the nuts, lightly seat in a cross pattern, spinning a four-way lug wrench, repeat pattern to snug, then torque to spec. Spin by hand naked eye observing runout at rims edge. Recheck torque in 100 miles. I may use a little anti-sieze on the mating surfaces and studs but that increases the actual clamp force so the torque should be lower.

 

I have torque sticks that limit impact forces but rarely use air anymore.

Geos and suzukis typically have lower specs. Consider the ifs is essentially triumph spitfire.

 

 

 

 

[pethier]

On 5/18/2024 at 7:19 AM, MV8 said:

I would not go over 50ftlbs. Technique for even clamping is important. I clean the mounting surfaces and studs, start all the nuts, lightly seat in a cross pattern, spinning a four-way lug wrench, repeat pattern to snug, then torque to spec. Spin by hand naked eye observing runout at rims edge. Recheck torque in 100 miles. I may use a little anti-sieze on the mating surfaces and studs but that increases the actual clamp force so the torque should be lower.

 

I have torque sticks that limit impact forces but rarely use air anymore.

Geos and suzukis typically have lower specs. Consider the ifs is essentially triumph spitfire.

 

 

 

 

Yes, but I think Triumph Spitfires had 3/8" studs.  I know my Lotus Europa did.

[MV8]

If the hubs are just a spitfire design machined for M12 (reduced edge distance and no thicker flange), I'd be concerned about going to 80 ftlbs.

 

 

Edited May 19, 2024 by MV8

[pethier]

4 hours ago, MV8 said:

If the hubs are just a spitfire design machined for M12 (reduced edge distance and no thicker flange), I'd be concerned about going to 80 ftlbs.

 

 

The bolt circle is 4.25" or 108mm.  I'll have a look at the hub.

[11Budlite]

This is from memory, but I believe the manual for my 2019 310 said 85 n/m which is 65 lb/ft. The earlier manual said 75 n/m which is 55 lb/ft. I've been torqueing mine to 65 lb/ft and haven't had any issues. I typically break every lug nut and retorque before each track day and have never had one come loose when checking between sessions. The lug nuts/studs on my car are the same as an early Miata which should be 12mm x 1.5.

Edited May 20, 2024 by 11Budlite

[pethier]

4 hours ago, 11Budlite said:

This is from memory, but I believe the manual for my 2019 310 said 85 n/m which is 63 lb/ft. The earlier manual said 75 n/m which is 55 lb/ft. I've been torqueing mine to 63 lb/ft and haven't had any issues. I typically break every lug nut and retorque before each track day and have never had one come loose when checking between sessions. The lug nuts/studs on my car are the same as an early Miata which should be 12mm x 1.5.

Thanks.

[11Budlite]

Just a quick update to say the manual stated 65 lb/ft not 63 lb/ft.

[pethier]

4 minutes ago, 11Budlite said:

Just a quick update to say the manual stated 65 lb/ft not 63 lb/ft.

Thanks. 

 

I should add that I don't think the manual; I received was one specifically meant for my model of Caterham.  My original post was poorly-worded.