Lug Nut Wheel Torque 1995 Contour SE

[Ferret II]

Hello. I've searched the forums and FAQ here (even Ray's archives) and not found an answer, so am posting. If the answer is on CEG.org somewhere a reference to it would be great!

I'm trying to clear up a discrepancy in torque specifications listed for wheel lug nuts for my 1995 Contour SE. Our official (giant) Ford repair manual lists 62 ft-lbs, as do Haynes and Chiltons. A Discount Tire chart lists 65 ft-lbs. Another source (Edmund's?) listed 80 ft-lbs. All Data lists 100 ft-lbs. That's almost a 40 ft-lb range.

I would really appreciate any help in determning the best torque specs! We changed my rear brakes over the weekend and are not sure which specs to use.

Lynn (Ferret II - 1995 Ford Contour SE MTX, electric red, 88K)

 

[Dyoel182]

The chart I have bookmarked says 65 on the 1995 and then 85 on the later models.

 

[Smalls]

yes, the chart i have says 65, but i honestly don't trust that. when you feel what 65ft lbs on a torque wrench feels like, you'll probably have the same uneasy feeling i had doing cars. i always do the contours at 85ft lbs