I am doing some wheel work and I am wondering if I should take off those clips that are on one of the studs for each wheel.

 

They were only put there to keep the rotors in-place through the factory line. You can take them off. If you go with aftermarket wheels, they have been known to cause vibrations due to the wheels not being seated right.

 

For reference, incase others are wondering what the heck we're talking about...

 

Leave it to Bill to have a pic...

 

That is the truth!

 

Not to hi-jack the thread but it's kind of related. What ft-lb torque should the lugs be on the standard 17" 2005 GT rims ?

 

What exactly do you mean, I just tighten them until they dont turn anymore.

 

100lb-ft, pg. 173 owners manual.

 

You can warp your rotors by doing that. Best thing to do is tighten them in a star pattern to 100 ft lbs.

 

I completely dont understand.

 

its easy, take a pen, draw a star......

thats the pattern you should follow...

just dont go from one stud to the stud next to it, to the stud next to it... etc

do not go in a circle pattern when tightening them.

 

so do i need to go out and buy a torque rench.

 

Here, try this pdf. And if you're going to be doing any work on your car yourself, yes, a torque wrench would be a good idea.

 

i dont use a torque wrench on mine....

tighten them down good and snug, but not too far or they will be really hard once you try to take them off.

kind of like the oil filter.... tighten until snug, then tighten them another 1/4 turn (or so)

or get a good torque wrench and do them to 100 ft-lbs

 

I just read up a bunch on this. This is the second time my wheels are off, the first for the calipers. When I re-mounted the wheels, I made the lugs extremely tight (I am compulsive in this matter, as well as I didnt think there could be any consequence besides trying to get them off again.) Well this time when I took the wheels off, I had no problem loosening the lugs. Is it possible that the recommended torque values are now skewed due to the fact I made them really tight before?

 

Lugs can get loose over time. It is recommended to check them one week of driving after install and then at least once per month.

 

I never even thought of checking that Thanks..

I know about the star pattern etc..

 

I never thought about them working themselves loose. And definately dont tighten them as tight as you can, I've seen lugs break, and know that rotors will warp.

 

I just got a set of 18" SVT Bullitt wheels for my 2011 Mustang and was told to remove the stud clips as well... So, they just pull off?
Also, I'll switch back to my 19" nickel luster wheels when summer comes, so will I need to put the clips back on?
Anything to be aware of?

Thanks for the helpful thread!!!!

 

No....remove the clips, throw them in the trash can and don't ever think about them again. They are put on during the manufacturing process, so the rotors don't fall off, as the car moves down the production line, before the wheels are put on the vehicle.