Torque Specification with Angle of Rotation

Explanation

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In the automotive industry and in engine construction, you will often hear the specification torque [Nm] and angle of rotation [°] for screw connections. For a screw connection with a torque and angle specification (e.g. 100 Nm + 90°), the screw is first tightened to 100 Nm using a torque wrench and then turned a further 90° (quarter turn).
The 100 Newton meters represent the initial torque, which you then increase with the angle of rotation of 90° in this example.

Contents
  1. 1) Why Torque and Angle of Rotation?
  2. 2) Torque Table with Angle of Rotation
  3. 3) Example: Tighten the Collar Screw of the Drive Shaft
  4. More Articles

1) Why Torque and Angle of Rotation?

The angle of rotation specification is relevant because the required preload force can be achieved much more precisely with its help. In the angle tightening method, the yield strength of the bolt is exceeded. For this reason, this method is often used for safety-critical bolted joints. It is also an additional monitoring parameter that allows you to better inspect the bolted connections.

The specification of the angle of rotation in connection with the torque is also called the angle of further rotation. The bolt is tightened to a specified torque and then turned further by the specified angle. One advantage of this method is that retightening the bolt is no longer necessary.

Combined tightening method for screw connections, torque with angle of rotation
Example of characteristic curve for tightening method with angle of rotation

2) Torque Table with Angle of Rotation

The following table provides the required torques with angle of rotation specifications for bolts from M12 to M36. These values can be applied if no additional specifications for the required bolted connection are provided. Specifications according to DIN 18800-7: 2008-11 "Combined Method".

DimensionsM12M16M20M22M24M27M30M36
Preload force
F = 0.7 x fub x As [kN]		59110172212247321393572
Pre-tightening torque
Ma [Nm]		7519034049060094012402100
Total thickness "t" of the parts to be joined
(including all lining plates and disks)
d = screw diameter		Further rotation angleFurther rotation dimension
1
t < 2d601/6
22d = 6d901/4
36d =10d1201/3
These are only examples of manufacturer specifications. The exact angle of rotation should be determined in theory by testing

3) Example: Tighten the Collar Screw of the Drive Shaft

In this example, we take the flange bolt of the drive shaft from a BMW F30. This bolt should be tightened to 210 Nm + 90°.

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When replacing the tension strut on a BMW all-wheel drive, the collar bolt of the drive shaft must be loosened. After the repair, a new collar bolt is required and this should be tightened to 210 Nm and 90°.

First, tighten the bolt to the required torque [Nm]. In this case, set your torque wrench to 210 Nm. If your torque wrench does not go that high, the maximum available setting will suffice.

Torque wrench set to the maximum in this example
Setting the torque [Nm] for a torque wrench (pre-tightening torque)

Next, use the longest ratchet you have to turn the bolt 90° (a quarter turn) further. Mark the bolt beforehand to better track the quarter turn.

If you need more force, you can lengthen the ratchet to apply more force (leverage).

Observe the angle of rotation as precisely as possible
Marking on the screw to track the angle of rotation

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