I have just purchased for the first time a torque wrench for checking the caravan wheel bolts although I do normally check them with a spider wheel brace before departing to check to see if the wheel bolts are still tight. The wheels are steel rimmed and not alloys, however I have been informed recently that the correct procedure is to undo each bolt independenly and then re-tighten using the torque wrench to the correct setting which in my handbook states 85-90 Nm. so can anyone confirm please that each and every bolt should be released and then re-tigtened every time before setting off as advised?
I would'nt bother to disturb them, just check them with the torque wrench & thats it. Don't oil the threads either. If they are tight they won't come loose. I just check caravan/car periodically, as long as they are tight they are ok. There just seems to be a specific problem with some caravan alloy wheels coming loose. I've never heard of a steel wheel loosening. But having said that, I always check them, but thats ex lorry driver for you.
The reasoning behind loosening nuts before torqueing is to ensure that the nuts are not over tightened. This can be critical on nuts and bolts that are subjected to extreme temperature changes this is more likened to precision engineering aircraft and the like.
As for caravan wheels especially steel ones I would loosen off the first time and torque up so you know they are right you don't know what gorilla tightened them last time.
But remember if you do this you will have to check again after the first 10 to 15 miles of the next trip then all shall be well.
I agree 'Tentz' that all the times you hear of a wheel coming off a caravan always seem to be alloy wheels and never steel ones but I thought just as much the same really that they don't need re-adjusting every time as it seemed rather a bit OTT to me. I also bought the torque wrench just in case I have a puncture so at least I have the right tool to torque up the spare if needs be. I might just do that 'andy4x4' so I know that all the bolts are the correct torque as the last time they were done were by the local tyre fitter 2 years ago so I don't actually know what force was applied to tighten the wheel bolts.
For only steel wheels with wheel trims, have a look on the Al-Ko website you can buy a set of 4 wheel bolt locks for und £10, these can not be used with alloy wheels
Quote: Originally posted by Vectratot on 26/5/2013
For only steel wheels with wheel trims, have a look on the Al-Ko website you can buy a set of 4 wheel bolt locks for und £10, these can not be used with alloy wheels
Can you provide a link for these please as I can't find them at all on the Alko website at all.
Google AL KO, online Shop, bottom row, just under tow balls, miscellaneous there's about 5 yellow items in the picture click it they are now red where as mine were yellow. Torque bolts up and fit two per wheel, there is four per set
Quote: Originally posted by Vectratot on 27/5/2013
Google AL KO, online Shop, bottom row, just under tow balls, miscellaneous there's about 5 yellow items in the picture click it they are now red where as mine were yellow. Torque bolts up and fit two per wheel, there is four per set
Hi Vectratot, are these the caps you are referring to? If they are then how do they actually fit as they have screw threads on them.
Thanks birdman, now I've got it and fully understand how they work. I may well invest in some for what they cost as an extra safety measure. Thank again.
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Topic: Checking Caravan Wheel Bolts
