IMPORTANT: New Model S torque specification for mounting wheels

[Fxyz]

I had always heard it was uneven torquing that could cause rotor warping...

Thanks. Uneven torquing did come up on my google search but were not professional reference/opinions.

@yobigd20: Please provide your reference.

I am trying to get professional reference/opinion on the relationship between wheel torque and warped rotor.

I emailed Brembo and Stoptech but no reply. I guess I can always ask them at SEMA.

Brembo replied: In summary, over torque can cause rotor issue while under torque can cause the nut/bolt to come off. So I guess all the comments about lower torque causes warped rotors are just BS?

"The use of a tightening torque smaller than the prescribed can lead to loosening the screws, while the use of a higher torque can lead to a deformation or a breaking risk."

 

[zambono]

Is torque still 175nm even on refresh and 19"s

 

[commasign]

At my last service I asked them to torque my wheels to factory spec. For P85DL with 21" wheels it's apparently now increased to 135 ft lbs (183 N m).

 

[alphaq55]

Thanks for the info. Tire shop didn’t know this when they fixed my nail today.

 

[jerry33]

Thanks. Uneven torquing did come up on my google search but were not professional reference/opinions.

@yobigd20: Please provide your reference.

I am trying to get professional reference/opinion on the relationship between wheel torque and warped rotor.

I emailed Brembo and Stoptech but no reply. I guess I can always ask them at SEMA.

Brembo replied: In summary, over torque can cause rotor issue while under torque can cause the nut/bolt to come off. So I guess all the comments about lower torque causes warped rotors are just BS?

"The use of a tightening torque smaller than the prescribed can lead to loosening the screws, while the use of a higher torque can lead to a deformation or a breaking risk."

Brembo is assuming the torque is even. If you don't check the torque at about 80 km and then again at 800 km, the torque may not be even. Under or over, if it's not even, the rotors can warp.

 

[The Duke]

I have to mention that brake rotor warping due to lug nut torque being uneven is strictly a one piece rotor problem. Two piece rotors are mechanically disconnected from the center carrier to prevent heat transfer and stress from the rotor to the center. Which also goes the other way, the center carrier does not stress the rotor.

 

[Puggle]

I can't believe it's actually 175NM. I bought a torque wrench and checked - way more than I (and obviously my local Service Centre) thinks.

 

[zwede]

Yes, it is 175NM. I've torqued to that the 4 years I've owned my S and it is fine. No problems with lug nuts or studs.

 

[Puggle]

Yes, it is 175NM. I've torqued to that the 4 years I've owned my S and it is fine. No problems with lug nuts or studs.

Yeah I've started doing 175NM and now my rattle gun can't undo them (use breaker bar first). Kinda sad about that.

 

[AWDtsla]

My Raven was factory torque'd to < 110 ft/lbs. Anyone know if this is expected? Did they change the spec again?

 

[zwede]

My Raven was factory torque'd to < 110 ft/lbs. Anyone know if this is expected? Did they change the spec again?

Sounds like someone goofed at the factory. Latest owner's manual dated 5/28/19 still lists 129 lb.ft / 175 Nm.