Wheel nuts torque

Hi:

I had to change a broken hub cap in my Honda Accord this weekend.
This is the first time I took the wheel out myself so I was following
the instructions in the user manual (on changing a flat tire). It
said after putting in the spare, to stop by at the nearest auto shop
and have them check the torque on wheel nuts after tightening them
yourself.

Since I was not putting in a temporary spare tire, I would not be
working on the wheel in near future. I was wondering how important it
is for me to have the nuts' torque checked professionally on that one
wheel. I believe I did a good job of tightening (such that the
spanner would not move any further) but there is always some scope of
a mistake.

Thanks in advance.

PS: I could not locate the place under the body where jack should be
placed as indicated in the manual. I spent a good 10-15 minutes
trying to locate the arrow etched in the body as the manual says, but
I could not find any arrow. So I took my best guess, based on the
manual picture, description and common sense, and placed the jack
there. Any pointers on how to locate that would be appreciated.

PPS: Doing this yesterday gave me a tremendous amount of confidence
for situations where I might be caught with a flat tire.

 

Hi Bryan,
It is not just that the nuts be tight, but that they be equally
tight. Unequal torque will promote warpage of the wheel or brake
disk. That said, if you tightened them in several passes (snug,
snugger, tight), they would be very close. If you are at all
concerned, take it to a tire shop. Around here, they would do that
kind of check for free.
Dan

 

PS: I could not locate the place under the body where jack should be
80ft/lbs. on the lugs. the jacking ear is the big metal tab
sticking down both front and rear on both sides near the tires.
Chip

 

Thanks Dan. I did tighten them in several passes and I also think
that they will be very close. I have to take it for an oil change in
the next couple of weeks so I am thinking I will have them look at it
then.

Appreciate your comments. Thanks.
bc