Difference between revisions of "Torque settings"

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* see Lotus Service Bulletin 2003/11 issue 6
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*see Lotus Service Bulletin 2003/11 issue 6
  
  

Revision as of 17:38, 10 October 2021

Torque settings

Working on your car means you have to torque parts up when you fit them. Using correct torque levels is very important. Bolts will be tensioned when torquing up.

Always use a torque wrench when installing parts on your car!

Too much tension means the bolt will be stressed too much and can ultimately break.

Not enough tension means the bolt can either run loose or it can move around. This will damage the bolt and it's brackets. This can ultimately also lead to catastrophic failures.

Only use 8.8 grade bolts in suspension applications. (wishbones, dampers etc.) 10.9 grade or even worse 12.9 grade bolts are hardened.


The hardening process will improve the maximum possible load on the bolt, but it will also make the bolt relatively brittle.


Within suspension parts, you would rather see bolts bend than sheer. 8.8 grade bolts have the tendacy to bend, any hardended bolts have the tendacy to sheer.

Below is a guideline to the torque levels used on Metric bolts.
Bolt grades are printed on the head of the bolt.


Bolt Size 8.8 10.9 12.9 A2-70 (Stainless)
6mm (M6) 9Nm 13Nm 14Nm 7Nm
8mm (M8) 23Nm 33Nm 40Nm 17Nm
10mm (M10) 45Nm 65Nm 70Nm 33Nm
12mm (M12) 80Nm 115Nm 125Nm 57Nm
14mm (M14) 125Nm 180Nm 195Nm xx
16mm (M16) 195Nm 280Nm 290Nm xx

Note than when fitting bolts into Ally threads like rivnuts, manifolds and S1 uprights then the torque may need to be reduced.

Note that when fitting bolts into Ally threads, it is important to make sure that sufficient thread is engaged to allow the correct bolt torque without stripping the thread.

Special note for Mr. Wiki - This is the thread size, not the head size.



Engine mount torque settings (K-Series) Nm
RH engine mounting bracket to engine 145
RH engine mounting bracket to rubber mounting 85
RH engine rubber mounting to chassis 45
RH engine steady arm bolts 85
LH engine mounting bracket to rubber mounting 85
LH engine mounting bracket to engine 45
Lower steady arm bracket to sump 85
Lower steady arm bolts 85


Use Permabond A130(A912E7033V) on the sump end bolt on the lower steady arm



Front suspension torque settings (S2 K-Series) Nm
Upper and lower wishbone pivot bolts 45
Upper swivel joint to steering arm 55
Lower swivel joint to plinth 55
Steering arm to hub carrier 45
Track rod end to steering arm 30
Damper to lower wishbone 45
Damper to top anchor bracket 45
Damper anchor bracket to chassis 25
Hub bearing unit to hub carrier 90
Brake caliper to hub carrier 45
Anti-roll bar rubber bush mounting clamps 25
Anti-roll bar drop links 45



Rear suspension torque settings (S1/S2 K-Series only!) Nm
Upper and lower wishbone pivot bolts 45
Upper and lower swivel joint ball pins 55
Upper swivel joint plinth to hub carrier 45
Toe-link outer ball joint to hub carrier S1 alloy 45* Toe-link outer ball joint to hub carrier S1 steel 50* Toe-link outer ball joint to hub carrier S2 steel 50* Toe-link outer ball joint to hub carrier S1/S2 steel taper shank 55*
Toe-link inner ball joint/wishbone to sub frame S1 45* Toe-link inner ball joint/wishbone to sub frame S2 50*
Toe link ball joint lock nuts 55
Damper to lower wishbone 45
Damper to chassis 45
Upper brake caliper to hub carrier (M10) 45 - 50
Lower brake caliper to hub carrier (M8) 26 - 30
Hub bearing unit to hub carrier 90
Rear hub nut 220
  • see Lotus Service Bulletin 2003/11 issue 6