Hi Richard, Lotus and the Cobra wheels,
to our benefit, are pin drives rather than splines that are on most other knockoff wheels. Over tightening on the spline type wheels can weaken the splines. Attached shows how the splines can get worn.
http://www.daytonwheel.com/pdf/balancin ... spline.pdfThe Hub threads can also be weaken by over tighten as Richard described.
A 250 torque wrench is OK to remove our spinners, it just has to be set higher than the 200 to 220 to break them loose. The early Lotus manual said 160 to 180, a later manual says 200 to 220. That information is here on
Business & Vendor Listing for knockoffs. I use 190 with no problems.
A breaker bar with a 1/2 inch drive, fits all my tool's hex shaft with the socket I supply. If you use a breaker bar
only, make sure you have a feel for the suggested torque setting. I have seen breaker bars that have a ratcheted head for more money. I still maintain, if you are pushing down on the breaker bar, you can control the force you are applying rather than pulling or pushing on the bar at odd angles. A torque wrench you just wait to hear the click.
Pictured is my breaker bar and Torque Wrench.
Sarto