Shock Installation - Stupid Mistake

[BadMojo]

Installed a set of KYB GR2 shocks this Sunday. Unfortunately, I didn't take my time and made a stupid mistake. :oface

Instead of torqueing to newton meters, I used foot pounds. I basically used the wrong number...stupid. So...I think I've probably overtorqued everything (strut piston nut, strut tower nuts and the nuts down at the knuckle) by about 10-15%.

There are ~.74 n-m to 1 ft lb and I luckily didn't torque to the maximum number, but I still hate overtorqueing stuff.

Nothing sheared off, there aren't any unusual noises while stopping, driving or turning. I really hate to re-torque anything, since all the nuts are lock nuts and can't be re-used.

So, what are my chances of future damage or part failure due to this overtorqueing? Advice? Comments?

Thanks Guys.

[s13sr20chris]

pretty slim. 10% is not much on suspension parts. some of the guys around here have heard me rant about the practices of my dealership. i know quite a few techs who just hit everything with an impact.

[BadMojo]

Actually, it's closer to 15-20% over, but I'd imagine there's a bit of a margin of error for the torque wrench we were using. Still, I'm sure the guys with the air tools would have really torqued those things on. Nothing's snapped yet, and I go in for an alignment tomorrow.

[Sigtek]

Agreed, no problems. Might be just a tad tougher gettin' 'em off next time around! Most of the stuff like this can take many times the correct torque value before even deforming enough to be a concern.

[BadMojo]

Moral of the Story: Don't rush through stuff while working on your car. I *knew* that the torque specs were listed first in newton meters, but it was hot and I was rushing, so I didn't even think about the units when I read the numbers. Thanks guys!