re-torquing lug bolts

[Robert Myers <rmyers@inetone.net>]

In January I had a set of 4 snow tires mounted, balanced, and installed on
mt '89 200TQ.  Since I was in a big hurry to get the job done - I was
leaving early the next morning for a weekend with a heavy snow forecast - I
had the local hurry-up-and-rush shop do the job instead of my usual service
station.  I wasn't there when the job was done, but I'd bet the ranch that
the lug bolts were tightened with an air impact wrench.  Instant warped
rotors.  Pulsing brakes.  A real PITA.  Just try and prove anything.  :=(

This week the summer tires went back on.  Several of the lug bolts took the
infamous five foot wrench extension to break loose.  (Can you say "air
impact wrench"?)  This time I insisted they use my torque wrench to tighten
the lug bolts.  The warped rotors no longer show symptoms of warpage.  BTW,
they *had* to use my wrench - the shop doesn't even have one of their own.  :-(

My suggestion is this:  If your rotors are showing signs of being warped,
try loosening and re-torquing the lug bolts before you spend money replacing
the rotors.

___
   Bob
*****************************************************************
*  Robert L. Myers    rmyers@inetone.net      Home 304-574-2372 *
*  Rt. 1, Box 57                         FAX/Modem 304-574-1166 *
*  Fayetteville, WV 25840                     WV tag Q SHIP     *
*  Obligatory quattro and sleddog-L references:                 *
*  My 3 Siberian Huskies enjoy riding in my '89 200TQ           *
*****************************************************************