Torque wrench? where can i get one and what do i need?

vivanov1 · #1 05-25-2009, 08:07 AM

Hey guys,

i was in autozone the other day and needed a torque wrench for my 2002 X5, primarily for when i do oil changes and when i finally change my spark plugs..what i need to know is that size drive to get (1/2, 1/4, etc) and what range of pounds per sq foot do i need to work on the beemer? ie. 40-240 pounds, 100-300 pounds, etc?

Also where to buy one? is it cheap on websites? thanks!

jst2878 · #2 05-25-2009, 09:38 AM

get a 1/2drive and get a 1/2 to 3/8 adapter for normal size sockets. up to 300ft. lbs is good. u can get a decent one for 200.00 at snap on or craftsman.

motordavid · #3 05-25-2009, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jst2878

get a 1/2drive and get a 1/2 to 3/8 adapter for normal size sockets. up to 300ft. lbs is good. u can get a decent one for 200.00 at snap on or craftsman.

...except for what the OP is looking to torque; an ~15 to 106 +/-
will cover oil changes, wheel tightening, etc. I use that lighter one for
stuff up to ~105 and a seperate tq wrench of ~70-350 for the serious
heavy stuff, though rarely. I also like the "click" style, but everyone
has their fave...

Any decent autoparts joint, Sears, the Net, etc.

I wouldn't being doing plugs anytime soon, imo...and they require
very careful torque application.
My 50cts...
GL,mD

_AC_ · #4 05-25-2009, 08:02 PM

whenever I need one, I got to Vatozone and use their borrow a tool program. I think it's totally free, provided you don't break it with your muscles.

FSETH · #5 05-25-2009, 09:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by motordavid

I wouldn't being doing plugs anytime soon, imo...and they require
very careful torque application.
My 50cts...
GL,mD

Just curious, but why not? I am going to be changing the plugs soon on my X. I have not had a chance to research the suggested torque settings or any instructions, but if the correct torque settings are readily available, why pay someone else to do this? DIY is much cheaper than dealer or Indy. I know mistakes can be costly, but this job sounds simple. Be sure to avoid cross threading, set the wrench to the correct setting and tighten until it clicks. What am I missing?

Icer006 · #6 05-26-2009, 02:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FSETH

Just curious, but why not? I am going to be changing the plugs soon on my X. I have not had a chance to research the suggested torque settings or any instructions, but if the correct torque settings are readily available, why pay someone else to do this? DIY is much cheaper than dealer or Indy. I know mistakes can be costly, but this job sounds simple. Be sure to avoid cross threading, set the wrench to the correct setting and tighten until it clicks. What am I missing?

If you tighten the plugs too much as they might crack, the threads might strip, or the cylinder head might be affected.

Also, it's simple if you prepare properly. Make sure the engine is DEAD COLD when you remove the old plugs. If not, the sudden change in temperature might cause cracks on the heads. (All materials have a temperature coefficient and their expansion/compression is dependent on the temperature difference.)

motordavid · #7 05-26-2009, 07:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FSETH

Just curious, but why not? I am going to be changing the plugs soon on my X. ...What am I missing?

I may have been unclear; I don't know the OP's mileage, but imo,
the rush to change plugs, esp. the oem plugs, is often premature
and a fool's errand for "better performance/or it's time".

Of course plugs are DIY'able; I was simply suggesting that changing
them out "early" is not necessary and, I was reminding the OP to be
very careful in "torque application" on spark plugs, as you noted.
I've seen dozens of guys cross thread plugs, over the years, including
me...

GL,mD