what is the proper torque wrench to buy for a 1997 dodge stratus es I need to know what kind to get?

Question

also what is the proper torque the tire nuts should be torqued to?

Answer 1

If you really can't figure it out you should probably just pay someone else to do your maintenance for you.

Answer 2

Dear Chris-

Wow, judging from the answers you got, there are a ton of SHADE-TREES on the net today.

The best Torque Wrench for the job is a "Click Type" or "Break Over" type wrench. This is a very easy tool to use and they are quite accurate.

It is important to Torque the Lug Nuts on your car, especially if you have alloy wheels and 4 wheel disc brakes.

This will keep the brake rotors from warping under heavy use then causing a brake pulsation in the pedal after they cool off.

Don't listen to those other folks, their answers will only cost you big dollars on the other end when you are heading down to see me in the parts department because your rotors cannot be trued up because they are so severely warped.

Plus, I would recommend that if you are using a local tire shop to rotate your tires, that you demand their techs use a torque wrench to finish tightening the Lug Nuts on your vehicle, it would also be best to stand there at the shop door and be sure to witness them Torquing them properly.

Torquing them properly, will allow you to get them off if your tire should blow out along the road. Because they will be torqued properly, they will not be impossible to remove with the crappy little lug wrench the manufacturers give you.

Here are two tools to purchase over at Sears on your next visit.

One: The Torque Wrench 1/2 inch Drive and a 1/2 inch drive Socket set for the wrench. Just tell the sales rep that you are looking for a 1/2 Drive Click or Micrometer Type Torque Wrench. He will know what you are talking about.

Two: 1/2 inch drive Breaker Bar. This will look like the torque wrench except it will not have the dial indicator to make the torque settings. Keep this in your car in the spare tire well with a 1/2 inch Drive 6 inch Extension and a 1/2 inch drive socket that matches your Lug Nut Size.

Now to the Torque Wrench.

In the Torque Wrench there is a Dial Indicator that will have numbers on it. These numbers represent Foot Pounds of Force. You will need to know what the Torque Spec is for the lug-nuts on your car. The Dealership will have that information in the Parts Department.

When you set the wrench and have turned the bolts to their proper Torque Spec., the wrench will "click" or "bump over". This means STOP you have reached the proper Torque for the nuts.

When you are done, back the indicator off completely to Zero. Just a tip. NEVER use the torque wrench to loosen bolts or nuts. The sudden release from the nut or bolt can damage the torque wrench and it will be useless.

I hope that helped you out. You should have that tool for many years. Good Luck!

Answer 3

That is a good idea to torque the wheel bolts. We do it at the factory. We have special machines that put all the nuts on at once and electric torque guns that measure the torque and gives you a green light when everything is correct.

A 1/2" drive wrench of the click over type is a good choice. Also when you tighten the bolts, be sure to use the star pattern to help get the wheel on straight. You can also think of it as skipping one bolt and it will do the same thing.

As others have said, if you overtorque the lug nuts, you can wind up warping the rotors and then having to replace them. Good luck.

Answer 4

Any torque wrench will work. For lugnuts I would suggest a 1/2" drive wrench and the proper size socket. Torque for your lugnuts are probably in the 75-90 ft lbs of torque. Your owners manual should tell you that information.

Answer 5

OK for all of you that are want a be mechanics. this is a very good question. first, to days cars are being made with lighter components and the rotors and drums are no exception. and in order to keep them from warping and costing you big bucks in repair bills not to mention the safety of you and others. this should be done correctly. so on to the question. lug nuts should be tightened to 85 to 100 lbs. ft.. this should be done in a cross hatch pattern. 4 lugs like an ( x ) 5 lugs like a star ect.. torque wrenches are very expensive. i would recommend that you tighten them the best you can and take your car to a tire repair shop or a car dealer and have them do it. in most cases they will do it for free.

Answer 6

oh no dude, not a 97 dodge stratus,I think the only ones that sell that torque wrench is snap on, get ready to spend big dollars,that or sell the beast and buy a bicycle and a pair of pliers, a screw driver(for prying) and a crescent wrench(doubles as a hammer)then you wont have to worry about torque spec,s

Answer 7

85-95 Ft. Lb.
Or tight.......
Nobody torques lug nuts nowadays........
Just make sure they're tight.

Answer 8

you need a 1/2 inch drive one at least,but any brand will work i use a craftsman myself ,it has been really reliable,but any good brand will work good,hope this helps.