Truck Parts and Service | Heavy Duty Trucking, Aftermarket, Service Info
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/91805
Tech Updates Tips On Torque Wrench Use And Care A torque wrench is a precision instrument designed to apply a specifi c amount of force to a fastener, according to Snap-on. Th ere- fore, it is important that they be used and cared for properly. Guidelines typically are provided not- ing acceptable torque ranges, the order in which specifi c fasteners are tightened and the number of times a fastener must be tightened and loosened to ensure uniform torque application. Failure to properly torque fasteners can lead to equipment damage, personal injury or worse, the company says. With proper care, a high-quality torque wrench should provide accurate measure- ments for many years. According to Snap-on, it is important to follow acceptable maintenance and use Safety glasses or goggles should be worn at all times when using any hand tool. practices, such as: Always follow the manufacturer's direc- tions regarding torque direction, proper force, torque pattern/sequence, use or non-use of lubrication on fasteners and torque "tighten/release" cycles. Do not exceed the recommended working range of the torque wrench. Reliable measurements are based on a percentage of the working range. In general, most mechanical wrenches have a useable range from 20 percent to 100 percent of full scale. Most electronic wrenches have a useable range from 10 percent to 100 percent of full scale. Do not use accessories or handle exten- sions unless specifi cally allowed by the torque wrench manufacturer. Take time to inspect the tool and check for worn or cracked sockets. Properly lubricate and replace worn parts. Avoid dropping or sliding a torque wrench. Dropping a torque wrench on a hard surface can cause the instrument to lose reliable calibration. If you sus- pect that a wrench has been dropped, have the tool inspected by the manufac- turer or reputable calibration service. Always store a torque wrench in a protective case and/or location when not in use. Avoid exposure to temperature ex- tremes, high humidity, fl uid immersion SAFETY RECALLS The following are safety recalls issues by the National Highway Traffi c Safety Administration: The seatbelt and tether intermediate con- nection point (ICP) located on the seat bracket on certain model year 2008-2012 Autocar Xpeditor heavy-duty Class 8 ve- hicles, manufactured from Dec. 17, 2007, through July 10, 2012 and equipped with a right-hand (passenger-side) Bostrom air-ride seat may interfere with the seat- belt retractor mechanism as the seat is pneumatically adjusted for height. Over time, the interference may cause the re- tractor mechanism cover to crack, allow- ing the retractor spring to become loose and inoperable. As a result, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208, "Occupant Crash Protection." In the event of a crash, if the seat-belt re- tractor malfunctions, the passenger may not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of personal injury or death. The negative cable ground stud and/ or wiring harness on certain model year 2012 Xpert Class 7 Autocar Industries vehicles, manufactured from Oct.17, 2011, through June 18, 2012, equipped with both left-hand and right-hand driving positions may interfere with the right-hand drivers side brake pedal. The interference may prevent the driver from being able to fully depress the brake pedal, resulting in reduced braking ca- pability. A reduction or complete loss of braking capability can lead to increased stopping distances and/or the increased risk of a crash. The low-pressure fuel return hose and fi lter on certain Mitsubishi Fuso Truck America model year 2012 FGB72 and model year 2012-2013 FEC52, FEC72, FEC92 trucks may have been routed im- properly at the hose clamp near the fi lter. This could allow the fuel hose to slip off of the fi lter, causing a fuel leak. Leaking fuel in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of a fi re. and corrosive environments. If using a click-type torque wrench, always store it at the lowest level on the scale. Avoid marking, etching or placing labels on torque wrenches. Use a torque wrench to apply a specifi c torque value during the fi nal assembly process. Do not use a torque wrench as the primary means of tightening or loosening fasteners. As most torque wrenches are length specifi c, always grasp the torque wrench in the center of the handle. If two hands need to be used, place one hand on top of the other. Apply torque in a slow, methodical manner and avoid sudden, "jerking" movements. When the wrench signals (by clicking, beeping or lights) that a specifi c torque has been reached, stop pulling immediately. Aſt er 5000 cycles or up to one year of use, whichever comes fi rst, have your torque wrench inspected and recali- brated by the manufacturer or reputable calibration service. 8 TRUCK PARTS & SERVICE | November 2012