Torque Wrench

A torque wrench is used to precisely tighten threaded fasteners to a predetermined value. Nearly all of the repair procedures in this manual include Volkswagen's recommended torque values, in Newton-meters (Nm) and foot-pounds (ft. lb.), to be used during reassembly.

Several types of torque wrenches are widely available. They all do the same job, but offer different convenience features at different prices. Some typical torque wrenches are shown in Fig. 4-10. The most convenient ones have a built-in ratchet, and can be preset to indicate when a specific torque value has been reached. Follow the wrench manufacturer's directions for use to achieve the greatest accuracy.

A torque wrench with a range up to about 250 Nm (185 ft. lb.) has adequate capacity for all of the repairs covered in this manual. For recommended torque values of 10 Nm or below, the English system equivalent is given in inch-pounds (in. lb.). These small values may be most easily reached using a torque wrench calibrated in inch-pounds. To convert foot-pounds to inch-pounds, multiply by 12. To convert inch-pounds to foot-pounds, divide by 12.

Fig. 4-10.

Torque wrenches. Inexpensive beam-type (top) is adequate but must be read visually. Ratchet-type (bottom) can be preset to indicate when torque value has been reached.