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2022 Tab 320S Boondock Wheel Lug nut size and using a Torque Wrench

TerryLeeTerryLee Member Posts: 4
in Trailer & Towing
I am new to both owning a Tab 320S Boondock AND using a torque wrench!  I am afraid to 'test' using a 1/2" socket torque wrench on the actual wheels so I have been trying to learn using the spare tire, mounted on the front of the Tab.  I have a breaker bar that includes a 19mm socket, and works effectively to loosen the spare tire lug nuts.  I am using a 3/4" Socket to try and get it to tighten and "click", at any ft pound chosen on the Torque Wrench.  I have followed very good tutorials on YouTube as to how to set and use the Torque Wrench.  I CANNOT get the torque wrench to "click" when tightening the spare tire using the 3/4" socket.  IS this because I am not using a 19mm socket ? Has anyone experienced not being able to get the torque wrench to "click" ?  Thank you everyone in advance for your help!
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Comments

  • qhumberdqhumberd Moderator Posts: 591
    @TerryLee I got a torque wrench with our 400 and had also never used one. Mine has a turning knob with a push in lock at the end. If yours is similar you will turn and set the torque on the dial, then position on the lug nut securely and move the wrench to a horizontal position. It takes more than arm strength to get up to 100 lbs torque so I have to apply my body weight thru my arms and push straight down on the wrench and then it clicks.

    Don’t be afraid to try it on the wheels as the weight and position will make it easier than on a spare.

    For an experienced mechanic this is elementary but we all start somewhere. Hope this helps and welcome.

    2019  T@B400 Boondock Lite "Todd"

    2016 Toyota Tundra 5.7 Crew Cab
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  • tabiphiletabiphile Member Posts: 452
    If a wrench does not "click" it generally suggests that the nut is not tightened to the torque value you have selected on your wrench. When I get my cars or truck back from the shop, I always retighten/check the lug nuts after I have driven 50 to 100 miles. If the nut is not tight enough, the nut will turn up to the click. If it is tight, or too tight (a frequent problem) the wrench will simply "pop" and not let me tighten. On these obviously tight nuts, I will sometimes loosen one to find out how tight they are. Then I retighten to spec. Be sure you are not tightening in a circle. Jump from one lug to the next over the hub, to the one opposite. Never tighten adjacent nuts.
    It seems odd that your wrench is not clicking at the correct value. That should have nothing to do with the socket. 
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  • TourDeForthTourDeForth Member Posts: 98
    An easy way to test for the click on your torque wrench is to set the torque value less than the required torque for your Trailers lug nuts. Then try and loosen a lug nut with it. It should click immediately before the nut turns. My trailer requires 105 ft/lbs, if I set it to 90 and try to loosen one, it will (should) click immediately…
    2023 T@B 320s Boondock, 2013 Toyota Tacoma TRD 4x4
    John, Northern California
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  • dsfdogsdsfdogs Member Posts: 626
    @TerryLee When I got my 320 I was a newbie torque-er too!  =) I too couldn't get it to click until my neighbor showed me how to position myself for leverage. Go ahead and practice on your wheel vs the spare as I suspect the spare on the tongue is too high for you to get leverage unless you are standing on a stool.

    With the wrench attached to the nut, I have it at a 2 o'clock position. The 3 o'clock position or horizontal is too low for me. Then with both hands on the wrench, elbows locked, with shoulders directly over the wrench, legs at a stance for leverage, push down on the wrench using your upper body. 

    You can do it!
    Debbie in Oregon
    Sold 2023 Tab 400
    Sold 2018 T@B 320S

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  • MaxcampMaxcamp Member Posts: 329
    So long as you keep the wrench parallel to wheel and don't jerk things you can use a cheater bar.  Sleeve a roughly 16 inch piece of black iron (gas) pipe precut at your home center over the end of the wrench, making sure it does not contact the adjustment area.
    With two bad shoulders this makes leaning onto the wrench for torque easier.

    Also casting my vote for Torque Sticks on an air impact wrench.  When nuts are hand threaded and snugged hand tight, then wrenched to refusal at lowest air wrench volume, then at highest volume, I get great repeatable results.  Always final adjust by hand.

    Name brand (not discount) 100 lb stick leaves me with 1/8 turn of torque wrench to 104# spec on camper.
    On Tacoma, 80# stick leaves me 1/6 turn or a bit more to 88# spec with torque wrench.
    Consistent on two construction trailers, truck, and T@b.
    I did inquire a few years ago to a  Craigslist tool ad for a pneumatic wench.  A helper would be handy for all this brake and hub work!











    2021 T@B 320S Boondock/ 2012 Tacoma 4 cylinder truck / 2023 Tacoma 6 cyl. truck

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