Changing car brake pads...

[hito]

In the past i've done some simply maintenence jobs, such as changing my car fluids, brake pads, rotors, sparks plugs, etc.

However, i've moved and seem to have misplaced my torque wrench (it's gotta be around, and do not want to buy another one). Would it be a bad idea to go ahead and change the pads without one? The only bolts that would be touched would be the wheel lugnuts and the two bolts that hold the caliper pins in place.

Thanks

- hito

 

[Canai]

I changed my pads several times without one...

 

[DainBramaged]

Leave the bolts a little loose to make sure that you don't over-torque them and you'll be fine.

 

[Chryso]

I have never heard of using a torque wrench when changing brake pads.

 

[thirdeye]

Not a big deal, just don't over-tighten and you should be fine.

 

[IceBergSLiM]

no need to use a torque gun for anything other than the tire bolts.

 

[sdifox]

Up here you can go to Canadian Tire and borrow a tool.

 

[Kelemvor]

Originally posted by: DainBramaged
Leave the bolts a little loose to make sure that you don't over-torque them and you'll be fine.

Definitely. Nothing worse than having them too tight and having them snap off. Much rather have them a bit loose. Then you just have to remember to check them ever day.


Seriously though, just crank them until hand tight and then give them one extra wallop to make them stay.

 

[BabaBooey]

Brake calipers...No T.wrench needed unless it is some exotic ..

You might have a torque spec on the lugnuts as alot of newer ( last 10 yrs) do need to be tourqed to spec.

check dealer..

 

[James3shin]

Torque wrenches are so money...

 

[BoomerD]

While it's always ideal to torque things to the proper specs, it's not an insurmountable problem. I've worked on cars of all kinds and not used one for my repairs, with no ill effects. Just don't over-do it, and you should be fine.

 

[hito]

Thank you all for all your replies. It would seem the consensus is that it's fine to go on about my planned brake job.

Originally posted by: bababooey
Brake calipers...No T.wrench needed unless it is some exotic ..

You might have a torque spec on the lugnuts as alot of newer ( last 10 yrs) do need to be tourqed to spec.

check dealer..

As for torque spec on the lugnuts, they do in fact have a specified torque. They mention 72 - 87lbs of torque. I plan to hand torque it using a "X" lugnut wrench. About how much torque would I be able to make with just a wrench? I do have a impact gun, but I don't want to make it too tight and have other problems.

 

[KK]

I've never used a torque wrench for anything on a vehicle.

 

[marincounty]

Just use your fish scale on the ratchet. Torque=weight x distance

 

[OutHouse]

Originally posted by: Chryso
I have never heard of using a torque wrench when changing brake pads.

me either. those are small bolts and hand tight should be good.

lugs are fine without a torque bar just get them really tight.

 

[V00DOO]

It's nice to torque eveything to spec but no necessary. Most shop don't torque sh1t anyway.

 

[Pacfanweb]

I've done thousands of brake jobs and never used a torque wrench.