If you are changing just brakes, then you do not necessarily need a torque wrench. This is because your main focus and concern here are the caliper bracket bolts, you need them to be tight. While a torque wrench might come off as one super luxury, it has its specific cause of application.
Full Answer
Do you need a torque wrench to change brake rotors?
You don't need a torque wrench to tighten bolts and a short allen key wrench limits the amount of torque you can apply. Snug them up evenly using a cross-bolt pattern as you suggested and then check them occasionally to be sure bolts haven't loosened any.
What torque wrench do I need for brakes?
The most important number you need is the max torque you'll be tightening the nuts or bolts to, and get a torque wrench that will go more than that by around double. The middle of the torque range is the most accurate. For example if you need to torque to 40 ft lbs, get a torque wrench that will go up to 80 ft lbs.
What happens if you dont use a torque wrench?
Too tight and something will break, it may be the thread on the bolt, or much worse the thread on in the hole. Bolts will also break, sometimes leaving a very hard to remove bit in your frame.
Do I need a torque wrench for caliper bolts?
As for the caliper, it's also good technique to use a torque wrench. The main reason is so you don't over-tighten then, which might strip out the housing the bolt goes into, or ruin the mounting bolt in the first place.
How much torque does it take to tighten a brake caliper?
Over torquing the caliper guide pin bolts: Caliper guide pin bolts typically need a 13mm wrench to remove. It is a rookie mistake to go nuts on these bolts and break the heads off. Typically these bolts require only 25- to 35-ft/lbs of torque. Be gentle!
What tools do I need to change my rotors and brakes?
The Tools Needed to Change BrakesStart With the Right Protection.Brake Pads and Rotors.Jack and Jack Stand.Lug Nut Wrench.Brake Caliper Piston Tool.Brake Bleeder Wrench.Allen Wrench Set.
Do mechanics use torque wrenches?
My situation wasn't the stereotypical use—torque wrenches are far more commonly applied to tighten lug nuts. But the fact is, they're indispensable tools for mechanics because every fastener on your car—including, yes, on your liftgate glass—has a specific torque rating.
What can I use if I don't have a wrench?
What to Use if You Don't Have a WrenchDuck tape.Two coins.Zip-tie.Another nut and bolt.
Why is a torque wrench important?
Torque wrenches are important to ensure a balanced rotation of a component in relation to its axis. For example, fly wheels, wheels, drive shaft. Torque wrenches ensure rotating components with a center-locking nut, such as pulleys, wheel bearing, and fans, are not overtightened.
Can you over tighten caliper bolts?
0:331:37Don't over tighten brake caliper bolts - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThat's about it and that's basically tighten it up and turning it one-quarter turn and it's like youMoreThat's about it and that's basically tighten it up and turning it one-quarter turn and it's like you don't have to refit down so hard that I need to get out torches to be able to take.
How do you use a torque bar?
2:298:12How to use a Torque Wrench PROPERLY - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt's as simple as it looks just tighten it until it clicks. And then you're good to go.MoreIt's as simple as it looks just tighten it until it clicks. And then you're good to go.
How I Learned a Feel for Torque
That’s a great question, Trevor. Older mechanics like me were taught “how tight is right” by the senior mechanics who were tasked with teaching us the basics of wrenching on bikes.
Metal Parts Versus Carbon, Composite, Plastic
When most bicycles and parts were made of metal, that approach to learning how to tighten right worked. Because you could actually feel it. Today, with so many carbon, composite and plastic parts, if a rookie mechanic tried to use the old way they would end up breaking things all the time. Because you can’t feel it.
How To Be Sure To Tighten Right
For guidance on tightening things, I first look on the part I’m tightening. Lots of parts now have laser etched on them the recommended torque. Sometimes it’s hidden underneath the part so keep looking if it’s not right in plain sight.
Even With Torque Wrenches You Have To Use Your Best Judgment
The one thing to know is that sometimes you will run into a part on which the manufacturer’s recommended torque is inadequate for the job. This happened to me not long ago with an E*thirteen dropper post (a mountain/gravel bike seatpost that lowers and raises by pressing a lever on the handlebars).
What type of torque wrench do I need to change tires?
Maintaining your car becomes so easy if you have the right knowledge, and most importantly, the right tool for whatever car care need that arises.
What major tools do you need to change tires?
It has always been advised that you should have a kit for tire repair, or tire changing equipment in your vehicle, just in case of impromptus, or emergencies.
Can you put wheels on without a torque wrench?
A torque wrench is not that important when putting wheels on your vehicle.
Do you need a torque wrench to rotate your tires?
Tire rotation simply means changing the exact location where an individual tire is on a car.
Is a torque wrench needed to change your oil?
If you are trying to change your oil, then you may need a torque wrench with a factory-made torque specification to make this work.
Is a torque wrench needed to change brakes?
If you are changing just brakes, then you do not necessarily need a torque wrench.
Conclusion
I have been a mechanic for many years, as such, I inform you from a place of practical and good enough knowledge.
