I just read in the Chilton's manual that the torque spec for the 3 bearing hub bolts is 220 ft/lbs., Is that correct? My torque wrench only goes up to 150 lbs. 220 lbs. seems extremely high.

quote Originally posted by Amida: I just read in the Chilton's manual that the torque spec for the 3 bearing hub bolts is 220 ft/lbs., Is that correct? My torque wrench only goes up to 150 lbs. 220 lbs. seems extremely high.

It is ..even my source says to tighten it to those specs ..its obviously a error .I just tighten mine nice and snug evenly if that helps any most likely no more than 60 ft lbs judging from the bolt size and have no problems ...220 lbs is more in line with an axle nut and look how much bigger it is than the hub bolt..the rear hub bearing to knuckle specs are to 55–70 ft. lbs I would just go with those specs

[This message has been edited by Erik (edited 04-29-2008).]

I like to tighten wheel bearings until the wheel won't turn, then back it off a quarter turn.

quote Originally posted by FieroBrad87: I like to tighten wheel bearings until the wheel won't turn, then back it off a quarter turn.

The 88 Bearings are sealed units that bolt in, don't need to tighten the bearing itself, just the bolts holding it on.

Hmmm, even the Factory Service Manual says 220 ft/lbs.

Something tells me that since these bolts are Torx, they'll be pretty much ruined if they're torqued to 220 ft/lbs.

When I did my 88 fronts a few years back, I too thought that the 220 was out to lunch - verified it with 3 different sources and they all said the same. Talked to my neighbour who is a certified GM mechanic and he said that seemed way too high as well and figured that 80-100 ft/lbs should just be fine.

Now that it's been a good 5 years on the car, no problems...

Thanks for the input. I think 80-100 lbs is more in line. I can just imaging what might happen if the hub bolts were torqued that much.

quote Originally posted by Erik: ... the rear hub bearing to knuckle specs are to 55–70 ft. lbs I would just go with those specs

This is exactly right! The hub attach bolts are the same size and spec, front and rear, so the mounting torque should be similar. Note that these are only attach bolts, which see very little of the suspension loads. Most of the suspension loads are transferred directly from the bearing housing to the bore of knuckle.

(The 220 ft-lb figure is clearly a GM error that has been propagated into other sources. The only thing associated with a GM hub for which 220 ft-lb would even be appropriate is the axle shaft nut [200 ft-lb on the Fiero].)

[This message has been edited by Marvin McInnis (edited 04-29-2008).]

your manual should have a torque spec for each type of bolt (grade) and size,
that is the safest best. also, I always use Locite High temp (white) lock tite on all
bolts that I feel are ciritcal. Easy to take off with out heat and will keep the bolt
from backing out on its own. cheap insurance.

quote Hmmm, even the Factory Service Manual says 220 ft/lbs.

Yeah, and the same manual also lists the service limit for the 88 rear camber to be -10 degrees.

HAHA!!! It's a big book. There's bound to be a few typos.