Forum menu
Engineering questio...
 

[Closed] Engineering question - bolt torque

Posts: 0
Free Member
 

Go on, enlighten me, which of my many assumptions is incorrect?


 
Posted : 18/02/2015 3:15 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

[quote=Solo ]Edit:
If the OP believes it's critical to achieve good clamping force for the duration of subsequent ownership, I'd suggest a new bolt, if they can be sourced as single items/in small numbers.

Serious question (not having a go) how would that make a difference?


 
Posted : 18/02/2015 3:21 pm
Posts: 1014
Free Member
 

have you asked the danish connection?


 
Posted : 18/02/2015 3:28 pm
Posts: 320
Free Member
 

Have you tried taking it to your local garage?


 
Posted : 18/02/2015 3:33 pm
Posts: 91168
Free Member
Topic starter
 

Even most parts of modern cars (or other consumer stuff) aren't all that complicated or difficult, and if you have time to spend and can get the parts you can generally fix stuff where a garage would just replace whole units.

Yep, and this is a good example. There's something like 6 or 8 valves on this thing and most of them can actually be re-ground at no cost. It's only the main clutch valves that can't. So in many cases the dealers (and most indies - there are only a few who will recon the mechatronics) will bin a £1500 part for the sake of what is really a couple of hours of work.

Some stuff is a lot more repairable than garages would have you believe. They won't do some jobs because it's not worth their time financially and carries too great a risk that it won't work and the customer will start complaining.

have you asked the danish connection?

Best post of the thread - no I haven't 🙂


 
Posted : 18/02/2015 3:34 pm
 Solo
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

[i]Serious question (not having a go) how would that make a difference? [/i]
You've ranted at me for several posts and now you want to chat?

OP.
I'd of gone in cautiously at 8 to 10Nm (although allegedly I don't fix or advocate anyone else fixing stuff, etc) , so the suggestion by The Stabilizer sounds sensible to me. Again, if your budget will stretch to it, use a new bolt. I strongly suggest you do NOT lube the thread.
At this time I can't think of anymore advice to offer. Good luck.


 
Posted : 18/02/2015 3:36 pm
Posts: 8527
Free Member
 

[url= http://www.ondrives.com/nl6sssp?gclid=CPDgosXc68MCFceWtAodekMAcA ]buy these - £1.70!!!![/url]

Spring washers are shite.


 
Posted : 18/02/2015 3:41 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

I think your over thinking, stick new bolt in and tighten.If you are really worried keep a couple of spares and check the tightness every so often.


 
Posted : 18/02/2015 3:41 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

[quote=Solo ]You've ranted at me for several posts and now you want to chat?

I waded in when you posted http://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/engineering-question-bolt-torque#post-6710229 - you then continued in the same vein. Now you're the one refusing to be civil because I challenged you?

You could always explain which of my assumptions is incorrect if you'd prefer to continue fighting.


 
Posted : 18/02/2015 3:43 pm
 Solo
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

[i]You could always explain which of my assumptions is incorrect if you'd prefer to continue fighting. [/i]
You have deliberately missed my first contribution to this thread which allows you to overlook the OP disproportionate response towards me.
And now you're resorting to baiting, which is against the forum rules.
Do you really need another love letter from the Mods?
I'll leave you now to bicker with some other poor forum member, you big hitter you.


 
Posted : 18/02/2015 3:49 pm
Posts: 91168
Free Member
Topic starter
 

I think your over thinking, stick new bolt in and tighten.If you are really worried keep a couple of spares and check the tightness every so often.

Not really - I asked if you could work out the torque like that - answer's no - fair enough 🙂


 
Posted : 18/02/2015 4:04 pm
Posts: 1293
Full Member
 

New Bolt.
Renault suggest a set of standard toques where none are given. Standard torques for an M5 bolt with a 0.8 pitch thread are:

4.8 = 3.2 Nm
5.8 = 4.0 Nm
8.8 = 6.1 Nm
10.9 = 8.9 Nm
12.9 = 10.4 Nm

And you'll need a good one of these:

[img] [/img]

And some of this:
[img] [/img]

Job done.


 
Posted : 18/02/2015 5:20 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

[quote=Marko ]New Bolt

Can somebody else explain why to me if Solo's going to flounce? I promise I won't bite (much).


 
Posted : 18/02/2015 5:26 pm
Posts: 17846
Full Member
 

Marko - Member

New Bolt.
Renault suggest a set of standard toques where none are given. Standard torques for an M5 bolt with a 0.8 pitch thread are:

4.8 = 3.2 Nm
5.8 = 4.0 Nm
8.8 = 6.1 Nm
10.9 = 8.9 Nm
12.9 = 10.4 Nm

Ta daaaaa!

The subject of tightening torques can be a bit of a minefield; it always elicits a groan when bought up at work.
Here's some references to stainless bolts, in case you use them instead of the steel grades Marko has referenced above. A2-70 is probably the most commonly found stainless fastener:

http://www.grampianfasteners.com/Files/TechnicalCorner/Stainless_Steel_-_Torque_Guidelines_A2_&_A4_-_Grampian_Fasteners.pdf

(geek alert)

http://www.tribology-abc.com/sub9.htm


 
Posted : 18/02/2015 5:48 pm
Posts: 1293
Full Member
 

Can somebody else explain why to me if Solo's going to flounce? I promise I won't bite (much)

Why not? It will cost pennies and you have no idea if it gone beyond it's elastic limit when Mr Muppet installed it in the first place. Also VAG and others tend to say if a torque figure and an angle are given as part of the tightening procedure then the bolt must always be replaced.

As a further aside the steering wheel bolt on a 9N VW Polo is 50Nm, but VW say you can only reuse it 5 times. It must then be replaced.

If in doubt always replace the bolt is a good rule of thumb.

And all you will ever need to know is here:

[url= http://www.boltscience.com/ ]Bolt Science[/url]

Hth
Marko


 
Posted : 18/02/2015 5:53 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

Fairy nuff. It makes sense in practice from the POV of not knowing the history, though I'm not convinced that it's good practice to take a bolt near its elastic limit, so in theory it shouldn't be required. I'm certainly less than convinced by any rule of thumb which suggests replacing after a number of installations - it won't fatigue over 5, and I can't see what other mechanisms might be involved.


 
Posted : 18/02/2015 6:15 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

Am i the only person who never uses a torque wrench.must have done up thousands of nuts and bolts and only remember stripping 2 small nuts on a bike when i was about 12years old. Now i have said this i have to go a buy a torque wrench as i have inevitably jinxed myself. 🙂


 
Posted : 18/02/2015 8:23 pm
 Solo
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

[i] aracer -Member
Fairy nuff[/i]
😆

[img] [/img]


 
Posted : 18/02/2015 8:53 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

A simple formula for calculating the torque for a bolt is T =P*D/5000 where D is major diameter (5 in this case) and P is the bolt pre load. The constant 5000 assumes an friction under the head and thread of 0.2 and a conversion from Nmm to Nm. This is based on a BS spec, don't have it to hand so can't quote which one.
The bolt pre load is calculated from the effective tensile area of the bolt multiplied by the lesser of half the ultimate tensile stress or 3/4 yield stress of the bolt material.
NASA also have plenty of available reports on torque tightening of bolts eg


 
Posted : 18/02/2015 10:49 pm
Posts: 9970
Full Member
 

When I started reading this thread I had a feeling that knowing it was an M5 must be a handy hint. Looking at dubsapies post some one must know the max torque for your bolt based on its material, thread and diameter. The only other thing to check is the material it's threaded into in case that's the limiting factor. Again surely there must tables of Max torques for common metric threads into different material (and presumably the length of the contract)

In a world with no friction and un glued bolt or nut would simply spin off before your eyes


 
Posted : 18/02/2015 11:13 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

Another general rule used thread engagement is; for a normal strength bolt (A2-70 and the like) then 2*D engagement is required for cast aluminium alloy (UTS ~270MPa) wrought aluminium alloy 1.5*D engagement and steel 1*D engagement. High strength bolts need to be assessed against the female thread shear capacity as stripping the thread can occur before full pre load is achieved. Some thread forms such as spiralock recommend higher torques than normal to lock the bolt.


 
Posted : 18/02/2015 11:32 pm
Posts: 91168
Free Member
Topic starter
 

The bolt pre load is calculated from the effective tensile area of the bolt multiplied by the lesser of half the ultimate tensile stress or 3/4 yield stress of the bolt material.

Err.. yeah, ok boss... I'll umm.. get right on with calculating that.. 😉

Gotta love STW! Whatever you ask, there'll be an expert. All interesting stuff.


 
Posted : 18/02/2015 11:59 pm
Posts: 1293
Full Member
 

I'm certainly less than convinced by any rule of thumb which suggests replacing after a number of installations - it won't fatigue over 5, and I can't see what other mechanisms might be involved.

Not a 'rule of thumb' it's what VW insist on. You're meant to put a centre punch mark on the bolt head every time it's removed and refitted. A few other vehicle manufacturers adopt a similar idea. Ford (if I remember correctly) only let you use the steering column pinch bolt three times.

It is a little odd as both are safety critical items, so why not just say 'replace it or you or your customer might die'.
Hth
Marko


 
Posted : 19/02/2015 9:03 am
Posts: 15459
Full Member
 

I recommend you [url= http://www.wchristie.com/engineers-friend.html ]Get one of these![/url]

They are free and dead handy, tightening torques depend on a lot of factors IME, Bolt material and finish, lubrication (or lack there of), desired preload, but it at least gives you guidelines rather than berating you for daring to even wield tools.


 
Posted : 19/02/2015 9:33 am
Posts: 91168
Free Member
Topic starter
 

That is awesome ^^^


 
Posted : 19/02/2015 9:35 am
Posts: 15459
Full Member
 

Yep, I just spotted their wall chart myself so I'll request myself one of those...

Looking at section 1 the guidline torques:

M5:
Gr8.8 = 6.031Nm
Gr10.9 = 8.483Nm
Gr12.9 = 10.200Nm

so it gives Marginally lower values than dunsapie, but TBH I doubt you are actually measuring torque to one decimal place, let alone three...

The table states it's based on a Frictional value of 0.14 and a preload of 75% of "proof value" (I'd take that as equivalent the 3/4 of Yield stress that dunsapie mentioned)...

So you have a couple of broadly correlating sources...


 
Posted : 19/02/2015 9:47 am
 Solo
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

[i] molgrips - Member

That is awesome ^^^ [/i]

Yes, Engineering, often over looked and usually under valued. Yet when needed, so apparently indispensable.
A bit more respect for Engineers, anyone?
😉


 
Posted : 19/02/2015 10:46 am
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

[quote=Marko ]Not a 'rule of thumb' it's what VW insist on.

Which doesn't make it not a rule of thumb. Totally illogical, as if a single use doesn't result in any plastic deformation and so require replacement, then it will last 100s or 1000s of installations.


 
Posted : 19/02/2015 10:59 am
Posts: 3729
Free Member
 

Totally illogical, as [b]if[/b] a single use doesn't result in any plastic deformation and so require replacement, then it will last 100s or 1000s of installations

... and you guarantee that how exactly? The quickest, simplest, cheapest and most effective way is to simply replace the bolt which seem to me to be totally logical.


 
Posted : 19/02/2015 11:02 am
Posts: 15459
Full Member
 

Calm down Solo.

Don't get me wrong, I'd love it if engineering was a better recognised and respected profession in the UK, but we're hardly downtrodden, we're certainly not infallible, and talking down to/belittling those without the job title who still want to apply some technical aptitude seldom wins the profession any fans.

Personally I applaud anyone who has the gumption to pick up a spanner rather than dial a technician and just throw money at them...

I don't know how you got started but personally a willingness to take things apart, investigate, and try to repair them was what started me off towards engineering.


 
Posted : 19/02/2015 11:08 am
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

[quote=gonefishin ]... and you guarantee that how exactly? The quickest, simplest, cheapest and most effective way is to simply replace the bolt which seem to me to be totally logical.

In which case you replace it every installation - I don't have a problem with that. Though if you've fitted it correctly using the correct torque, then that provides the guarantee that you have no plastic deformation.

I'm wondering if Solo has me and molgrips in the "doesn't respect engineers" category? 🙄


 
Posted : 19/02/2015 11:16 am
Posts: 91168
Free Member
Topic starter
 

I could put the cat among the pigeons by calling myself an engineer..... let's see how that goes 🙂


 
Posted : 19/02/2015 11:21 am
Posts: 31075
Free Member
 

*imagines aracer's name entered on a whole other wallchart*


 
Posted : 19/02/2015 11:22 am
 Solo
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

[i] cookeaa - Member

Calm down Solo.

Don't get me wrong, I'd love it if engineering was a better recognised and respected profession in the UK,[/i]
Is totally calm, but you knew that, once you spotted the smiley ^^^, here:
😉

[i]Personally I applaud anyone who has the gumption to pick up a spanner rather than dial a technician and just throw money at them...[/i]
I think there's a half-way-house, provided said spanner owner then doesn't proceed to bicker with folk who's field of expertise is relevant and who may be willing to offer useful advice.

Which leads us neatly to, STW forum dreadlord: [b]arcer[/b]!
[i]In which case you replace it every installation - I don't have a problem with that. Though if you've fitted it correctly using the correct torque, then that provides the guarantee that you have no plastic deformation.[/i]
Who's up for educating Arcer? He seems to want to become a mechanical Engineer.


 
Posted : 19/02/2015 11:42 am
Posts: 3729
Free Member
 

Though if you've fitted it correctly using the correct torque, then that provides the guarantee that you have no plastic deformation

I'm afraid it doesn't. You'd have to use some sort of device to record and docoument you torque had been used. You'd have to put some sort of tell tail on the bolt to make sure no one "nipped it up" some time later. You'd have to do all sorts of other things that are frankly so far over the top that no engineer would consider practicable when you can, for pennies, just replace the bolt.

I could put the cat among the pigeons by calling myself an engineer..... let's see how that goes

Just not a very good one judging by your initial quesion 😉


 
Posted : 19/02/2015 11:47 am
 Solo
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

[i] molgrips - Member

I could put the cat among the pigeons by calling myself an engineer..... let's see how that goes[/i]
This is STW, where anything can happen. Just don't take it seriously. Oh!, hang on!

[i]It really pisses me off how people say 'take it to a garage'.. ok .. you gonna pay for that? Do you think I'd be farting about with it on the driveway if I had the cash to pay someone else? Let me remind you that all this shit started when I took it to a bloody garage. [/i]

Further consideration makes me question your assumption that any independent VAG specialist you might have taken your car to, wouldn't have seen this issue before. Indeed, there could very well be said independents for whom this repair is familiar and a regular service they might provide at nominal cost and far less stress to the owner.
🙂


 
Posted : 19/02/2015 11:48 am
 Solo
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

[i]Just not a very good one judging by your initial quesion[/i]
😆


 
Posted : 19/02/2015 11:51 am
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

[quote=gonefishin ]You'd have to use some sort of device to record and docoument you torque had been used. You'd have to put some sort of tell tail on the bolt to make sure no one "nipped it up" some time later. You'd have to do all sorts of other things that are frankly so far over the top that no engineer would consider practicable when you can, for pennies, just replace the bolt.

So why the requirement to replace after 5 uses, when any of that could have happened at any time after the first installation?

Though of course if its your car and you know what work's been done on it, you know whether it's been nipped up or not, and your suggestion that recording and documenting the torque makes a difference smacks of the whole ISO9000 documentation improving quality shenanigans.


 
Posted : 19/02/2015 12:04 pm
 Solo
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

[i]So why the requirement to replace after 5 uses, when any of that could have happened at any time after the first installation?[/i]

😆
[img] [/img]


 
Posted : 19/02/2015 12:12 pm
Posts: 78476
Full Member
 

Solo, you may well be the greatest most knowledgeable engineer the world had ever known, but almost every post you've made on this thread has been condescending, argumentative or just plain trollish. I fail to see how someone wanting to save money or further their knowledge merits such derision and smug gittishness from yourself.

<mod>
If you want to help and answer questions, do so. If you don't, don't. But kindly desist from constantly making little digs to try and get a rise out of someone or make them look foolish, otherwise I shall be forced to remove you from the discussion.
</mod>


 
Posted : 19/02/2015 12:28 pm
 Solo
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

Dear Moderator.

You have mail.


 
Posted : 19/02/2015 12:43 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

Here's some references to stainless bolts, in case you use them instead of the steel grades

Please don't use stainless steel in this application, it will be carbon steel for a reason. You might get away with stainless but it's not uncommon for stainless steel bolts to cause more problems than they solve due to their susceptibility to chloride stress corrosion cracking.


 
Posted : 19/02/2015 12:47 pm
Posts: 78476
Full Member
 

You have mail.

Oh good.


 
Posted : 19/02/2015 12:52 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

This thread has got too long for me read fully but there is some good info in there.
The bolt science website is a good reference.

To work out the max torque the following equation can be used.

Torque(N.m) = K(factor based on head and thread friction for a lubricated bolt)x diameter(m)xBolt force

The numbers used here are only for a 8.8 steel bolt assuming an equiavlent strength hole.

at75% of yield strength bolt force = 640MPa x 14.2mm^2 (tensile area) x 0.75 =6816N

Therefore Torque = 0.18*6816N*0.005m=6.1Nm.

If the bolt material is different or if the hole material is weaker than the bolt then the torque needs to be adjusted.

It is always best to work to manufacturers torque. Can you not try and get a Haynes manual for the car, which should list the torque values?


 
Posted : 19/02/2015 12:57 pm
Posts: 39735
Free Member
 

haynes..... have a torque value ......for more than the wheel nut in a modern car

BAAHAAHAAAHA and even then it would likely be wrong :d

Aracer - there are many bolts on a car known as Stretch bolts.

they have to yield slightly to do their job properly.

most of these can be identified by torque rating + n degrees - headbolts , steering bolts , some suspension bolts.


 
Posted : 19/02/2015 1:00 pm
Page 2 / 3