Expert: Don Berlan - 11/11/2007

Question
I bought two new m3 hub bearings, and I reinstalled it exactly the same place where the wheel-nut and metal-cap meet. However, I still get a shake and my friend says I probably didn't tighten it hard enough. So I am wondering if I'm reading is correct and can there be alternative problems?

1. The book says 213ft lbs, and one guy told me that is too high, and I can bust the bearings.

2. My torque wrench is a 3/8 inch size, however the huge socket I have has a down-size adapter which fits to my 3/8 torque wrench, and I am wondering will I get same foot-pounds if I'm using this adapter?

3. If I still get the shake can it be the strut mount?

Thak you, and I'll l appreciate your advice.

sincerely,

eN

Answer
If that is what the book states as a torque than that is what it should be.213 sounds about right.Now trying to adapt to a smaller torque wrench than what you should be using(it should be a 1/2 inch torque wrench)will cause an inaccurate reading,it may only be a couple of pounds but accuracyy is a must.
As far as the shaking goes look at your rubber mounts in the control arms and rear axle housing,tire balancing and inspect each tire for excessive wear