Torque settings
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.
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 |