.......what's the proper setting for these? I've been told between 80-90 ft. lbs, so I usually set it at 85; what is right?//nk

 

i don't feel comfortable having mine at below 95. i usually put them at 100, then double check them the day after i tighten them

 

108 is what was mazda most recently recommended.

 

here's the TSB for this too in case you don't believe it.

 

Ouch; that's a 27% increase overwhat I thought it should be!//nk

 

whew!

I had em' at a 100. Good to know

 

I've never heard the snapping noise mentioned in the TSB in 5 years, so I continue to use 88-118 N.m (65-87 ft-lb).

 

I had seen someone post the 108 and I didn't believe it. I have also read about people breaking lug bolts. Could the higher torque be the cause?

 

I've used 77-80 ft-lb with no problems.

 

I use an air tool and don't care about the actual torque

 

I routinely do 105-110 (analog torque wrench) with no problems. I re-torque regularly for track & autocross.

 

Lug bolts usually break because of binding metal to metal contact in the threads. Use something like Nickle anti-seize sparingly on the threads, or even plain old grease - again use sparingly. ONLY on the threads, don't get it between the end of the lugnut and the wheel.

 

108 Ft lbs. That's what the current TSB cites. 'been discussed plenty before.... as everything else 'round here.

 

I've always used 88 ft lbs. With no problems but good to know that its supposed to be more than that.

 

110 ft/lbs

 

There is one Master Rotary Mechanic at our dealer,everyone that knows takes their 8 to him. when I asked he responded 90 ftlb for the street 100 ftlb for the track. He sez the TSB rating is to high, I'll take his advice any day.

 

^ Oh yeah, your local mechanic knows more than Mazda's design engineers.

 

Actually yes,when it comes to keeping the car on the road. Toyota design engineers ring a bell?

 

Enclosed (note lug torque cited @ 108 ft lbs.):

 

funny thing I was looking at my S2 manual it still says 65-87 ftlbs...

 

The TSB torque settings are intended for stock wheels with the snapping sound issue...
Otherwise you can use the original specs as they always were fine.

 

Wow, thank you for bumping this thread..... I have been trying to diagnose a popping sound when I turn for the last 3 months.

Looks like all I needed was that TSB and a torque wrench...

 

As the once RX8 owner, now A5 owner pointed out in the SB:

"Revised wheel torque specs should be used anytime wheels are removed from the vehicle (wheel rotations etc..)."

 

Yup, I checked the 2009 service manual and it states 65 - 87 ft-lbs. I've been setting mine at 85 ft-lbs for street and track so I see no reason to change.

 

Aye. My little cordless impact wrench is rated up to 200 ft/lbs. Couple of seconds of that and I call it a day. Then again I do have aftermarket lug nuts as well.