Anti-Seize on a lug bolt ... good idea or bad ???
01-14-2002, 02:45 PM
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Anti-Seize on a lug bolt ... good idea or bad ???
I thought I would ask the question and then offer some facts that everybody does not know.
Anti-sieze on a lug bolt is a very bad idea !!!
Here's why: Bolts or studs provide clamping force by being purposely stretched. Most torque specs bring a bolt well within its elastic limit. Then when loosened they will return to their original length and can be safely reused (Some bolts, including many head bolts, are purposely stretched past their elastic limit, and can not be reused). The torque wrench is the most convenient-but not the most accurate-method of properly stretching
automotive bolts. Engineers spend hours correlating the proper bolt stretch to the required turning effort.
About 90% of a torque specification is used to overcome friction; only 10% of the specified twisting effort provides clamping force. It is no surprise then that most lubricant tables recommend a 40-45% reduction of applied torque when using
anti-sieze on a bolt. So, a lugbolt coated with anti-sieze should be tightened to a maximum of 49 ft-lbs. Tightening this lugnut to 85 ft-lbs. means it is now over-torqued by 73%! Considering that most torque specs stretch a bolt to within 70% of its elastic limit, over-torquing by 73% will easily send the bolt or stud well beyond its elastic limit-and could be dangerously close to its failure point.
For this reason I would suggest to all MBWorlders to never use anti-seize on your lug hardware.
Luke
877-522-8473 ext. 362
Anti-sieze on a lug bolt is a very bad idea !!!
Here's why: Bolts or studs provide clamping force by being purposely stretched. Most torque specs bring a bolt well within its elastic limit. Then when loosened they will return to their original length and can be safely reused (Some bolts, including many head bolts, are purposely stretched past their elastic limit, and can not be reused). The torque wrench is the most convenient-but not the most accurate-method of properly stretching
automotive bolts. Engineers spend hours correlating the proper bolt stretch to the required turning effort.
About 90% of a torque specification is used to overcome friction; only 10% of the specified twisting effort provides clamping force. It is no surprise then that most lubricant tables recommend a 40-45% reduction of applied torque when using
anti-sieze on a bolt. So, a lugbolt coated with anti-sieze should be tightened to a maximum of 49 ft-lbs. Tightening this lugnut to 85 ft-lbs. means it is now over-torqued by 73%! Considering that most torque specs stretch a bolt to within 70% of its elastic limit, over-torquing by 73% will easily send the bolt or stud well beyond its elastic limit-and could be dangerously close to its failure point.
For this reason I would suggest to all MBWorlders to never use anti-seize on your lug hardware.
Luke
877-522-8473 ext. 362
01-15-2002, 11:00 AM
#3
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In general I agree, although certain manufacturers may specify otherwise. You should check your particular car.
For instance, my 993 Porsche states in the manual to use Porsche anti-sieze lubricant on the lug bolts.
For instance, my 993 Porsche states in the manual to use Porsche anti-sieze lubricant on the lug bolts.
04-24-2016, 09:00 PM
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W463 G550 / C190 GTC //prev: W204 C63 507 / R170
My wheel bolts are seizing. What to do?
I put the wheels on myself, hand start the bolts, and torque using a good wrench to the manual's specs.
I put the wheels on myself, hand start the bolts, and torque using a good wrench to the manual's specs.
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Audi Junkie (06-20-2017)
04-09-2017, 10:26 AM
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2016 E550 Cabriolet
It's a very good idea. I've done it for 4 decades on a variety of cars from my first, a '77 Nova through a new Audi, two new Beemers and my new E class. The bolts (or nuts in non-German cars) never loosen from the treatment.
Bill
Bill
06-20-2017, 01:10 AM
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E Coupe C207, ML W166, ML W164, Sprinter 1500/144, W111 SB220 Fintail(s), A5 chassis Beetle 5+5
Bzzt.
Torque specs are for new clean threads. Not many vehicles qualify.
Anti-seize compensates for the increased *starting* friction, returning the bolt system closer to the original spec.
Torque specs are for new clean threads. Not many vehicles qualify.
Anti-seize compensates for the increased *starting* friction, returning the bolt system closer to the original spec.
