Wheel Torque Solutions' wheel installation process brings together the optimum nut, bolt, wheels, tools and processes for increased torque retention to reduce costly and dangerous wheel-off incidents. Alcoa's forged aluminum wheels provided increased grip length for additional stretch or preload to help keep the wheels tight. Grip length is also increased through the combination of ITW CIP’s Pac-Sleeve laminated lock nuts, designed to internally deflect as torque is applied below, and through, the bolt stretch or elastic range. This adds to the bolt's capability to maintain preload. The increased bolt stretch at 600+ ft-lbs of torque comes from B&D's steel wheel bolts that give added strength and feature rolled threads with serrated press. For proper drum and wheel seating, and to eliminate damage to bolts during the installation process, Alcoa has state-of-the art sleeves that seat the brake drum against the hub during installation and align the wheels for easy installation of the Pac-Sleeve nuts. Chicago Pneumatic's BlueTork electric nut runner provides consistent, accurate fastener tightening to specified torque settings, and includes reporting functionality that provides confirmation of the consistent torque application.
