Hi All,

Suspect my vRS might be missing something. To remove the plastic bolt protectors, would you expect a plastic tool amongst the tyre changing kit? I have a metal pin, but suspect wont be this as the book suggests the removal tool should look very much like a pair of plastic tweezers...

Also, would you use a torque wrench to put the bolts back? If so, any recommendations for one that I'll only use for this purpose and so don't want to spend more than I need to.

Thanks

Carl

Hi All,

Suspect my vRS might be missing something. To remove the plastic bolt protectors, would you expect a plastic tool amongst the tyre changing kit? I have a metal pin, but suspect wont be this as the book suggests the removal tool should look very much like a pair of plastic tweezers...

Also, would you use a torque wrench to put the bolts back? If so, any recommendations for one that I'll only use for this purpose and so don't want to spend more than I need to.

Thanks

Carl

yeah sounds like you are missing the removal tool which does look like a big set of tweezers

i've never put any wheels back on with a torque wrench (runs for cover!!)

"No need to run for cover", Very few Fitters "torque up" hence bolts too tight to remove with supplied wrenches and damaged bolts. I always use a torque wrench, after over 40 years as an M.V.Tech. I have seen a lot of damaged wheels, bolts, hubs and a few fatal accidents.

A torque wrench suitable can be obtained very cheaply, better safe than sorry.

As a novice it is always good to use a torque wrench to tighten up, after doing a few you tend to 'know' when they are the correct torque, fitters etc tend to use them simply for Health & Safety / lawsuits etc - but even then they will have a get out clause like they should be re-checked after 50 miles etc.

i dont own a torque wrench so dont have the ability to do so, altho i would do mine up very tight, anytime i go to a fitter they always say frig they are tight lol

does the danager lie with the bolts being too loose and not tight?

You can get a torque wrench for £30, well worth buying.

... altho i would do mine up very tight, anytime i go to a fitter they always say frig they are tight lol

does the danager lie with the bolts being too loose and not tight?

It sounds like the danger is likely to be from being too tight, ie closer to their breaking point. Each time a fastener is tightened, it is streched and deformed, hence the increasing practice of manufacturers specifying sigle use fasteners. They cetainly don't have an infinite life.

If you saw the number of broken studs/wheel bolts under my bench - often causing damage to the rotating assembly, then you would rush out and buy a torque wrench.

On that theme, where or how do you find the correct PSI to correctly re-tighten the bolts..... vehicle hand book, ask a techie.....???

On that theme, where or how do you find the correct PSI to correctly re-tighten the bolts..... vehicle hand book, ask a techie.....???

Haynes manual....

Haynes manual....

Or that.. Thanks

Get these - they're awesome...

http://www.passionauto.co.uk/products/m14-x-1.5-car-alloy-wheel-spacer-alignment-tool-and-case.html

Wheel bolts should be tightened to 120nm

Wheel bolts should be tightened to 120nm

Forgive my ignorance, but is that for all makes of car, or just Skoda??