Torqueing up bushes

[reb78]

Ive changed all the suspension arms on the front of the BMW. I need to torque up tomorrow when the wheels are back on and it's back on the ground.

The manual states 100nm then 90 degrees. On all of the bushes, I will only be able to get my torque wrench on the bolt, not the nut. There is just no room to get a wrench on the nut due to subframes etc. I can torque up via the bolt end then 90 degrees on the nut. That's as good as I can do.

But.... it made me think - Does it matter it you torque the nut or bolt on these things?

 

[JOEPRO]

Not enough to matter. Go for it, will be fine torqued from either end of the bolts.

 

[reb78]

Thanks. I have no choice. I have just found in the past that it seems to need more torque via the bolt head than the nut when I have been able to play with both ends.

 

[Smallfry]

Thanks. I have no choice. I have just found in the past that it seems to need more torque via the bolt head than the nut when I have been able to play with both ends.

I have also found this to be the case.

 

[Keithmac]

Technically you should torque the Nut end and the bolt may have a bit of spring in it but at 100nm + 90⁰ they aren't going to fall off even if you are a little short at the end!.

 

[addjunkie]

It will take more torque on the bolt, as its partially held by load, the nut isnt. If the bolt is lubricated, Id do it anyway and not worry about it.

 

[Guineafowl]

In the past I’ve put an axle stand under the hub, and let the car’s weight down on that side to bring the wishbone into position. Gives better access than with wheels on/car down.

 

[reb78]

In the past I’ve put an axle stand under the hub, and let the car’s weight down on that side to bring the wishbone into position. Gives better access than with wheels on/car down.

I'm lucky. I have a 4 post ramp. No bending and crawling for me. Earnt it's purchase price a hundred times over now. Did it with the first gearbox change!

All done. Now though. Had to torque and angle tighten at the bolt head but sure it will be fine.

 

[Guineafowl]

I'm lucky. I have a 4 post ramp. No bending and crawling for me. Earnt it's purchase price a hundred times over now. Did it with the first gearbox change!

All done. Now though. Had to torque and angle tighten at the bolt head but sure it will be fine.

Too late now, but could you have put the axle stand on the ramp, and lifted it up against the hub?

 

[reb78]

Too late now, but could you have put the axle stand on the ramp, and lifted it up against the hub?

It was OK. All the bits I needed access to were central to the ramp so plenty of space to weird the torque wrench. The problem was the nut ends were too close to chassis or other brackets to get anything other than a ring spanner on.