A torque wrench is a tool used to tighten bolts and studs. It is made with a unique design that makes it easy to use, especially when tightening loose bolts. There are different types of torque wrenches, with each type designed for a specific purpose.
So, do you need a torque wrench for brakes? A torque wrench is necessary when working on brakes. The brake bolts should be lubricated for maximum efficiency before using a torque wrench. Besides, you should adjust the torque wrench to the correct specifications to avoid later or immediate problems. Cases of broken or damaged bolts, rims, studs, and rotors are common if a torque wrench isn’t used.
Torque wrenches play a key role in tightening loose bolts and studs. They make it easy to access bolts in tight spaces due to their unique design. For that reason, many users wonder if you need a torque wrench for brakes.
A torque wrench is necessary for brakes. Failing to use a torque wrench increases the risk of problems like broken or damaged bolts, nuts, and studs. You should adjust the torque wrench fasteners to the correct specifications for maximum efficiency.
This ensures that the brakes remain tight no matter the mileage. Knowing the different types of torque wrenches will help you understand their use in brakes. As mentioned earlier, each type of torque wrench has a unique function.
You can access different torque wrenches depending on how you want to use them for brakes. In some cases, brakes have issues in remote places that only specific types of torque wrenches can access.
Electronic, click and beam torque wrenches are the most common in the automotive industry. Each type of these wrenches works uniquely and offers a slightly different measure. This explains why you cannot use the same type of torque wrench to fix two different brake problems. They all measure how much twisting force you can apply to a fastener, guiding you on how to adjust the brake system.
The beam torque wrench is one of the most common on the market. Invented about a century ago, beam-type wrenches are the easiest and simplest to use. Their distinctive shape and design make them stand out from the rest.
The main beam comes with an elongated handle, which you can use to apply force. This technique makes it easy to adjust brakes on any type of car. Besides, they have an indicator beam fixed to the socket head. Many users love this design because the wrench doesn’t move when tightening a fastener. It also allows you to adjust the brake tightness without compromising structure.
The electronic torque wrench is another common type among users. It is essential to know that electronic torque wrenches don’t have any moving parts. This is because they have a piezoelectric sensor that automatically changes resistance depending on its deform rate.
This torque wrench also electronically senses how much twisting force is applied to the brake socket. You can see the amount of force applied to a digital display. Even though electronic torque wrenches are mostly costly, they are very reliable.
If you want to set a specified torque on your brake system, you can set the wrench display to vibrate, blink, or beep. Some types of electronic wrenches might also have the torque-angle function.
Lastly, there is the click-type torque wrench. This type of torque wrench looks more like standard ratchets. What makes them different is that they have special internal mechanisms for measuring torque.
These mechanisms play a key role in delivering accurate torque measurements and specifications. The most common mechanism is the micrometer adjustment, which adjusts the spring from the inside.
Once the spring is pressed, it sits in a detent within the brake head. However, when the brake torque is reached, the cube or ball shifts out of the detent. This process produces a click sound. When the spring is tight, it makes it difficult to push the ball out of the detent. This makes them more reliable.
Remember that beam torque wrenches can be used for loosening or tightening. This is because they don’t ratchet. On the other hand, most click-type torque wrenches are known for ratcheting. Therefore, they can be used for loosening or tightening brake systems.
Knowing that some click-type torque wrenches only allow you to apply tightening force is vital. You can use click-type and beam torque wrenches for loosening. However, going beyond the maximum torque specification can damage the brake system. This is why you should use split-beam torque wrenches only for tightening. Using them for loosening can affect the integrity of your brake system.
To operate any torque wrench, you need a firm and steady hand. You also need expert knowledge on how to turn the wrench, especially when using a split-beam torque. If there is a torque sequence, you should follow the steps carefully to ensure proper operation and prevent damage.
Some of the common torque sequences include cylinder head bolts, tightening wheel nuts, and internal engine transmission parts. Keep in mind that some fasteners require additional measurements other than twisting force. Some of these fasteners include torque-to-yield head bolts.
You should be careful when handling such bolts because they can easily fall out of position. After you have set the bolt to a specific torque, an additional angle should be specified. This is done regardless of the torque.
If you have challenges keeping track of torque specifications, you can use paint marks. For more accuracy, you should use electronic and torque-angle gauges. As much as they are costly, they guarantee accuracy and correct torque specifications.
How much torque do you need for brakes?
If you want to use a beam torque wrench, you should keep your eye on the gauge until it reaches the necessary torque levels. Once it reaches the required level, stop applying force. Those who prefer a click-type torque wrench should adjust the dial and lock it on the necessary torque specification.
This is easier than using a beam torque wrench that demands manual expertise. After adjusting the lock to the required torque specification, gradually tighten the fastener. Continue tightening it until you hear a “click” in the handle. Stop applying force once you hear the clicking sound.
Even though electronic torque wrenches are structurally different from click-type torque wrenches, they are both used similarly. However, electronic ones are adjusted electronically — they also have digital notifications. With electronic torque wrenches, you will see a flashing light when torque is reached. This means that you should stop applying force to avoid over-tightening it.
Generally, beam and split-beam torque wrenches don’t need special care for storage. However, some micrometer and click-type torque wrenches can be zeroed out. This feature is helpful because it prevents the spring from skewing future torque readings.
You don’t have to worry about the stability of the beam torque wrench once the torque has been set. You should store torque wrenches in their respective cases and avoid dropping them. This is vital because torque wrenches are delicate and could get damaged if they fall on hard surfaces. You are encouraged to calibrate your torque wrench in about a year to prevent damage. This is also helpful because it prevents rust and weakening of the torque head.
Many factors determine the stability of brake torque. However, the three major ones include the force exerted by the caliper, the size of brake pads, and the effective radius. The effective radius, in this case, refers to the distance between the brake pad and the brake caliper.
Therefore, you should consider all these factors when it comes to the stability of your brake system. To optimize your vehicle’s brake system, there must be a perfect balance between all three factors.
Any defects in the brake pad or caliper will significantly affect rotor performance. For instance, if the brake pad assembly is too big, the torque will be too high. This will make tires lock up and affect brake performance.
Driving in such conditions is risky because the brake system will not be effective. As a result, tires might start skidding instead of effectively coming to a stop. If you were driving at high speeds, you might not stop on time and end up causing accidents. Besides, the vehicle’s driving aid system might take over and worsen the situation.
What happens if you don’t use a torque wrench?
Torque wrenches help keep torque fitting tight. They are designed to tighten loose nuts and bolts and are crucial for brake systems. However, some wonder what can happen if you don’t use a torque wrench.
If you don’t use a torque wrench, you risk under or over torquing fittings. This can be costly, especially when working on brake systems. If you don’t use a torque wrench, you risk having a loose brake system, which increases the chances of accidents. Generally, torque settings are sensible. This makes them easy to use even if you don’t have expert knowledge. There are many benefits of using torque wrenches; knowing some of them will help you understand their role.
One of the key benefits of using torque wrenches is improved accuracy. The accuracy levels will drop significantly if you don’t use a torque wrench. With torque wrenches, you will be able to tighten bolts and nuts properly to the required specifications.
This saves you from having to redo the job due to under or over-tightened bolts. You will also have consistency when bolting your brake system. The type of wrench you use is also vital in determining overall accuracy.
You don’t have to do tests when using torque wrenches. Tests can be time-consuming, and wrenches help prevent such situations. Besides, chances of breakdown are eliminated because nuts and bolts are tightened perfectly.
Another benefit of torque wrenches is that they are easy to use. Even if you don’t have any experience, you can use a torque wrench. Even better, there is no need to use excessive force in tightening nuts or bolts. Torque wrenches prevent arm muscle strains because everything is automated.
Do you have to torque brake caliper bolts?
Brakes are an integral part of any car. Mostly, brakes are tightened by brake caliper bolts. Some people wonder if they have to torque brake caliper bolts.
You don’t have to torque brake caliper bolts. However, you are encouraged to torque if you can. This is because torquing ensures stability and reduces the risk of warping your rim. Brake caliper bolts are subjected to excessive force, especially when you hit the brakes. Therefore, they might be tightened perfectly to prevent loose ends.
It is vital to know that when the brake pad assembly is small, you will have a low brake torque. This means that the brake pad will not stop the rotor from turning. Or if it does stop the rotor, it will take longer than usual. Such cases are likely to cause accidents due to a lack of control over your vehicle’s brake system.
Torque during braking
Torque is the force exerted on an object to stop its motion or change the speed of rotation. A vehicle’s brake system relies on torque to come to a stop. For that reason, many people wonder how much torque is needed for brakes.
Brakes need at least 12.04 ft-lbs of torque to stop. The vehicle will stop when this torque force is exerted on the brake pads. The frictional force exerted on the brake pad halts speedy vehicles. Remember that this force impedes the current direction of rotation in the axle, hence stopping it from going forward. Knowing how torque works in vehicles is essential as you will understand the amount of frictional force needed to stop a car.
Wrap Up
Torque wrenches are tools used to tighten loose studs and bolts. These wrenches come with a unique design that makes them easily usable. When adjusting your brakes, you need a torque wrench. This is because torque wrenches guarantee efficiency and prevent loose brake pads.
Brakes need about 12.04 ft-lbs of torque to stop. This is the minimum amount of torque required to stop a moving car. The torque level could vary depending on how fast the car is moving. If you don’t use a torque wrench, you risk over or under torquing fittings. This increases the risk of accidents. For maximum efficiency, you are encouraged to torque brake caliper bolts.
