The info on Prius Chat states to torque the bolts to 24 lbs. The instructions I received with my plate states torque to 17 lbs. Both these values seem to come fron BT Plate themselves. Which is correct?
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tom 6850 @ May 2 2007, 10:16 AM) [snapback]433995[/snapback]</div> Why not try each for a while and report back to this forum which one improves the handling, wind resistance, taste of your morning coffee, etc. more? That would seem to fit the nature of most discussions here about the BT plate. Or maybe you should take a hint from the tire pressure aficionados and torque the front bolts to 24 ft-lbs and the rear pair to 17 ft-lbs. Sorry, I know your question was sincere. I guess I've just grown tired of the seemingly unending debates here about the virtues of the BT plate.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tom 6850 @ May 2 2007, 11:16 AM) [snapback]433995[/snapback]</div> I questioned this yesterday and went with 20 ft/lb and Brian told me that is "perfect".
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(AJMasterson @ May 2 2007, 11:30 AM) [snapback]434071[/snapback]</div> I second that motion, I read that post too.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(priussoris @ May 2 2007, 03:55 PM) [snapback]434185[/snapback]</div> yup, he's right. BT Brian said 20 lbs was "perfect"
Yipee! Mine arrived today. The last two lines of the instructions reads; "Once they are finger tight, proceed to torque these bolts to 17 ft/lbs of torque. DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN these bolts!!
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(RedRockPrius @ May 2 2007, 01:22 PM) [snapback]434058[/snapback]</div> Good sence of humor, I really like torquing the front and rear bolts different. :blink:
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tom 6850 @ May 2 2007, 09:16 AM) [snapback]433995[/snapback]</div> IIRC, I asked Brian that question when I installed my plate. He said the old instructions were 24 ft-lb and the new 17 ft-lb, because some people were too too enthusiastic about tightening them and broke one off. This is not a quote, and only my recollection. If Brian sees this thread, he can give a definitive answer. Dave M.
Hello Everyone. As long as you do not overtighten the bolts to the point of snapping them you are okay. This is why we specify a specific torque value of 17 lb/ft-20 lb/ft In the past we documented 24 lb/ft but there were a few overzealous people that decided to go WAY over this amount and snap the stainless steel bolt. While not a huge deal, we still had to send over replacement bolts and then explain to the customer that the torque values HAVE to be followed. Having said this, we lowered the tightening value to a point that still provides adequate clamping torque but yet gives more of a margin to those that wish to exceed this torque value. <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(dmckinstry @ May 3 2007, 08:27 AM) [snapback]434635[/snapback]</div>
i started to torque the bolts to 24lb.. or at least got close. the threads in the car frame STRIPPED!!... And yes my torque wrench is calibrated properly.
Did you use an extender? The torque wrench is actually measuring the force that you apply, and multiplying it by the known length of the wrench to show the torque value. If you use an extender, you have to adjust the torque that the indicator shows - if the extender doubles the length of the wrench, you have to stop when the wrench shows half the value you want. The car's service manual says to use 22lbf*ft of torque (30Nm) when installing the standard 'Front Floor Panel Brace' (see page EX-4). I'd go with that value.