Steering Wheel Torque Specs

[bross101]

I just purchased a new leather steering wheel for my 1999 Toyota 4Runner. How important is it to torque the steering wheel nut to 26 ft. lbs.? I went to AutoZone to borrow a torque wrench, but I asked if it had been calibrated and the guy said it had not, so I was wondering how important it is that I adhere to the specs. It is my understanding that torque specs are mainly there for uniformity, unless it is a compression fitting AFAIK. Thanks for any help.

 

[kball]

26 ft lbs isn't very much. Just make it good and tight. Maybe put some locktite on it.

 

[bross101]

Thanks kball. This is my first venture into modifying my 4Runner so I'm quite ignorant.

 

[kball]

From what I saw in the FSM it looks like the torque is 37 ft lbs.