Harley Davidson Forums

BOWHIKER · Mar 17th, 2010, 11:48 AM

I printed off the complete torque specs for the softail models . My question is when there is a range , for instance transmission drain plug , 14-21 ft. Lbs , is it best to stay in the middle of that range or stay up towards the top of the range . 14-21 is or seems to be a big difference . Keep in mind this is the one for the 2007 modeles .

hntwrobin · Mar 17th, 2010, 11:52 AM

Rule of thumb anytime you have a range is to shoot for the middle of the range.

Hoople · Mar 17th, 2010, 12:03 PM

Why I don't know but I usually hug the upper number. I think a lot of factors come into play. Pre-used or new hardware, type of thread lubrication, gasket compression etc. Another overlooked variation is torque wrench calibration/tolerance. Clicker style torque wrenches are the worse with accuracy specs of 4%-6% even when new.

B-1B_Guy · Mar 18th, 2010, 11:30 PM

I work on jet bombers and was always taught to torque to 90% minimum. I usually shoot for 95% because, like said previously, torque wrenches normally have max of +-4% error when calibrated.

NEWHD74FAN · Mar 19th, 2010, 12:37 AM

Actually, I a bit the opposite of Hoop and closer to B-1B...using the lower torque setting based on fact all fasteners on the bike are "used" and generally installed "wet" with Locktite liquid/sealer at the time of installation. I am also on the old school, that checks the critical fastener list for good measure as to how things are going.

Personally had too many bad experiences from overtightened fasteners, and rarely a problem with loose fasteners. Just my way and honest opinion...

Hoople · Mar 19th, 2010, 01:05 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by B-1B_Guy View Post

I work on jet bombers and was always taught to torque to 90% minimum. I usually shoot for 95% because, like said previously, torque wrenches normally have max of +-4% error when calibrated.

B-1B, I don't understand when you say "90% minimum" or shoot for 95%. Lets say my rear axle nut needed to be set to 90-105 ft/lbs. What value would you shoot for. If I understand you correctly, your saying you would tighten it to 95% of 105?

Keep in mind (at least for consumer grade not military) accuracy percentages on torque wrenches are percent of "Full Scale", not "Point of Set" which would give you a horrendous error if you were tightening a nut to 50 ft/lb using a torque wrench that had a 150 ft/lb capacity.

Safehaven · Mar 19th, 2010, 08:58 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Hoople View Post

B-1B, I don't understand when you say "90% minimum" or shoot for 95%. Lets say my rear axle nut needed to be set to 90-105 ft/lbs. What value would you shoot for. If I understand you correctly, your saying you would tighten it to 95% of 105?

Keep in mind (at least for consumer grade not military) accuracy percentages on torque wrenches are percent of "Full Scale", not "Point of Set" which would give you a horrendous error if you were tightening a nut to 50 ft/lb using a torque wrench that had a 150 ft/lb capacity.

Looking forward to a reply on this as well, we don't by any chance have some licensed HD mechanics on site, do we ?

BOWHIKER · Mar 19th, 2010, 10:06 AM

Here is what i propose to do with both the transmission and the engine oil plugs , since the range for both is 14-21 ft. Lbs. Since my torque wrench is a clicker type 1/2" drive , i will set it at 18 ft.lbs. . Since i don't ever want to over tighten , going by what everyone else has said this would be pretty safe taking into consideration the + or - .04% . Does this sound good to you guys ?

Billbo · Mar 19th, 2010, 10:07 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by BOWHIKER View Post

I printed off the complete torque specs for the softail models . My question is when there is a range , for instance transmission drain plug , 14-21 ft. Lbs , is it best to stay in the middle of that range or stay up towards the top of the range . 14-21 is or seems to be a big difference . Keep in mind this is the one for the 2007 modeles .

where did you get that list? I would like to print it out as well.

Thankx - Bill

BOWHIKER · Mar 19th, 2010, 10:10 AM

Under search type in 2007 torque spec

Mar 17th, 2010, 11:52 AM	#2
hntwrobin Play The Throttle Ride: 2009 Street Glide Join Date: Sep 23rd, 2008 Location: East Haven, CT Posts: 234 My Mood:	Re: Torque specs Rule of thumb anytime you have a range is to shoot for the middle of the range. __________________ Support your local M.C. and all our VETS MM1(SS) USN Retired 99 Road King 106" S&S stroker and 09 street glide

Mar 17th, 2010, 12:03 PM	#3
Hoople Contributor$ Ride: 2009 Dyna Low Join Date: Aug 16th, 2009 Posts: 7,001	Re: Torque specs Why I don't know but I usually hug the upper number. I think a lot of factors come into play. Pre-used or new hardware, type of thread lubrication, gasket compression etc. Another overlooked variation is torque wrench calibration/tolerance. Clicker style torque wrenches are the worse with accuracy specs of 4%-6% even when new.

Mar 18th, 2010, 11:30 PM	#4
B-1B_Guy Community Star Ride: 103" 2009 Ultra Classic Join Date: Apr 15th, 2009 Location: Rapid City, SD Posts: 557	Re: Torque specs I work on jet bombers and was always taught to torque to 90% minimum. I usually shoot for 95% because, like said previously, torque wrenches normally have max of +-4% error when calibrated.

Mar 19th, 2010, 12:37 AM	#5
NEWHD74FAN Retired Moderators Ride: 2004 Sportster XL1200R Join Date: Aug 24th, 2008 Location: Camarillo, CA Posts: 8,270 My Mood:	Re: Torque specs Actually, I a bit the opposite of Hoop and closer to B-1B...using the lower torque setting based on fact all fasteners on the bike are "used" and generally installed "wet" with Locktite liquid/sealer at the time of installation. I am also on the old school, that checks the critical fastener list for good measure as to how things are going. Personally had too many bad experiences from overtightened fasteners, and rarely a problem with loose fasteners. Just my way and honest opinion... __________________ * Please click "Self Help Tips" tab for service tips, diagnostic codes & such * ;o) * Please click "Search" tab and keywords to find related threads *

Mar 19th, 2010, 01:05 AM	#6
Hoople Contributor$ Ride: 2009 Dyna Low Join Date: Aug 16th, 2009 Posts: 7,001	Re: Torque specs Quote: Originally Posted by B-1B_Guy View Post I work on jet bombers and was always taught to torque to 90% minimum. I usually shoot for 95% because, like said previously, torque wrenches normally have max of +-4% error when calibrated. B-1B, I don't understand when you say "90% minimum" or shoot for 95%. Lets say my rear axle nut needed to be set to 90-105 ft/lbs. What value would you shoot for. If I understand you correctly, your saying you would tighten it to 95% of 105? Keep in mind (at least for consumer grade not military) accuracy percentages on torque wrenches are percent of "Full Scale", not "Point of Set" which would give you a horrendous error if you were tightening a nut to 50 ft/lb using a torque wrench that had a 150 ft/lb capacity.

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Mar 19th, 2010, 08:58 AM	#7
Safehaven Community Star Ride: 2006 FXDBI Steet Bob Join Date: Aug 10th, 2009 Location: Belgium Posts: 355 My Mood:	Re: Torque specs Quote: Originally Posted by Hoople View Post B-1B, I don't understand when you say "90% minimum" or shoot for 95%. Lets say my rear axle nut needed to be set to 90-105 ft/lbs. What value would you shoot for. If I understand you correctly, your saying you would tighten it to 95% of 105? Keep in mind (at least for consumer grade not military) accuracy percentages on torque wrenches are percent of "Full Scale", not "Point of Set" which would give you a horrendous error if you were tightening a nut to 50 ft/lb using a torque wrench that had a 150 ft/lb capacity. Looking forward to a reply on this as well, we don't by any chance have some licensed HD mechanics on site, do we ?

Mar 19th, 2010, 10:06 AM	#8
BOWHIKER Community Star Ride: 2009 night train Join Date: Sep 8th, 2009 Location: ANKENY , IA Posts: 421 My Mood:	Re: Torque specs Here is what i propose to do with both the transmission and the engine oil plugs , since the range for both is 14-21 ft. Lbs. Since my torque wrench is a clicker type 1/2" drive , i will set it at 18 ft.lbs. . Since i don't ever want to over tighten , going by what everyone else has said this would be pretty safe taking into consideration the + or - .04% . Does this sound good to you guys ? __________________ 09 SOFT TAIL NIGHT TRAIN , SE heavy breather , V&H big radius , stage 1 down load at dealer gen 3 TFI

Mar 19th, 2010, 10:07 AM	#9
Billbo Contributor$ Ride: 2001 Heritage Softail Classic Join Date: Oct 21st, 2009 Location: Louisiana Posts: 475 My Mood:	Re: Torque specs Quote: Originally Posted by BOWHIKER View Post I printed off the complete torque specs for the softail models . My question is when there is a range , for instance transmission drain plug , 14-21 ft. Lbs , is it best to stay in the middle of that range or stay up towards the top of the range . 14-21 is or seems to be a big difference . Keep in mind this is the one for the 2007 modeles . where did you get that list? I would like to print it out as well. Thankx - Bill

Mar 19th, 2010, 10:10 AM	#10
BOWHIKER Community Star Ride: 2009 night train Join Date: Sep 8th, 2009 Location: ANKENY , IA Posts: 421 My Mood:	Re: Torque specs Under search type in 2007 torque spec __________________ 09 SOFT TAIL NIGHT TRAIN , SE heavy breather , V&H big radius , stage 1 down load at dealer gen 3 TFI

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