My 1999 Q45 with 167K miles required replacement of the crank shaft harmonic balancer and the power steering idler pulley was also replaced along with the PS belt and AC belt. Tech said that he did not dare to torque any higher than 240 ft lbs, and that it would not be a problem. After reviewing some of the comments found on this forum, I am not so sure that he is right. What are my risks; what can cause the bolt to loosen during operation, and what about the oil pump and oil pressure issues? The tech does not seem to be concerned that the specs call for 260 to 275 ft lbs, but how critical can it be, there are no special warnings in the FSM to suggest that it is a very serious problem. Please advise your best input on this subject, and also how critical is the belt tension. I realize that the specs are there for a reason, but I guess I need more reason to convince me that I should have re-torqued before I make any long trips.

As long as you monitor your oil pressure with a real gauge, ther is little chance of a slipping friction secured cog gear allowing low oil pressure.

How does monitoring prevent low oil pressure? Is the 240 torque sufficient to prevent loosening of the bolt during operation? There does not seem to be a straight forward do or die torque limit and the 260 - 275 ft/lb specs is rather ambiguous as it suggests only that 260 is the low and 275 the high limits, when it appears that it should actually be 270.

You should be fine, at that mileage I'd be afraid of sheering the bolt more than too little torque.

Thanks Steve.I know he used the hydraulic wrench at max setting which would be 250 ft lbs and it is believed to be over 240, but was considering manually torquing up to 260 or more, but as you say, and after several days of driving now, I believe it best to not attempt to put more stress on the bolt. The main concern is slippage of the pump, but right now the auto shop is on the hook for the warranty, and it will have to be their call.

Basically that's how it goes for hte most part. Unless you are racing, or severely abusing the engine the difference between 240 and 250ftlbs is arguable. The amount of time you would spend finding a suitable tool to hold the crank straight while trying to apply 250ftlbs of torque would end up costing you would render that an exercise in futility.

Sometimes the only thing you can do is cross your fingers and hope for the best. But I am sure (if done correctly) that bolt will not bother you down the road.