Acura Integra 1985-1989 Body & Frame Bolt Torque Specifications
Detailed torque specifications for various body bolts on the first generation 1985-1989 Acura Integra. Includes fastener size, location and torque values.
Important Information
Safety guidelines and reference information for proper torque application
Safety First
- Always verify torque specifications with your vehicle's factory service manual
- Use properly calibrated torque wrenches
- Replace all torque-to-yield (TTY) bolts - they are single-use only
- When in doubt, consult a professional mechanic
Quick Reference Guide
Quick Reference Guide
Common Torque Patterns
Star Pattern
Used for wheels and other circular bolt patterns
Cross Pattern
Used for gaskets and cover plates
Sequential Pattern
Used for head bolts and other critical components
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Over-tightening
Exceeding the specified torque value can stretch or break fasteners, damage threads, or crack components.
Always use a calibrated torque wrench and follow specifications exactly.
Incorrect Torque Sequence
Tightening bolts in the wrong order can cause uneven pressure distribution and potential leaks or damage.
Follow the manufacturer's specified torque sequence pattern.
Dirty Threads
Dirt, rust, or old thread locker can affect torque readings and proper fastener tension.
Clean and inspect all threads before assembly. Use new thread locker if specified.
Reusing TTY Bolts
Torque-to-yield bolts are designed to stretch and must not be reused.
Always replace TTY bolts with new ones. They are single-use only.
Dry vs. Lubricated
Not accounting for whether torque specs are for dry or lubricated fasteners can lead to incorrect tension.
Check if specs are for dry or lubricated threads. Use specified lubricant when required.
Recommended Tools
Recommended Tools
Torque Wrench (1/4" Drive)
Torque Wrench (3/8" Drive)
Torque Wrench (1/2" Drive)
Angle Gauge
Torque Wrench Care
- Calibrate annually or after 5,000 clicks
- Store at lowest setting
- Keep clean and lubricated
Search Specifications
Search by component name, bolt size, or description
Torque Calculator
Convert between different torque units
Fuel System
Includes bolts and fasteners that secure fuel system components to the vehicle body, such as the fuel tank, filler neck, and related straps.
1 Fuel Tank Strap Bolts
M8 x 1.25
Fuel Tank Strap Bolts
M8 x 1.25Torque Value
Important Notes
2 Fuel Filler Neck Bolts
M6 x 1.0
Fuel Filler Neck Bolts
M6 x 1.0Torque Value
Important Notes
Electrical System
Includes bolts and fasteners that secure electrical system components, such as battery terminals, to the vehicle body.
1 Battery Terminal Nuts
M6 x 1.0
Battery Terminal Nuts
M6 x 1.0Torque Value
Important Notes
Body Panels
Includes bolts and fasteners that secure body panels, such as doors, hood, trunk, fenders, and bumpers, to the vehicle body.
1 Door Hinge Bolts
M10 x 1.5
Door Hinge Bolts
M10 x 1.5Torque Value
Important Notes
2 Hood Hinge Bolts
M10 x 1.5
Hood Hinge Bolts
M10 x 1.5Torque Value
Important Notes
3 Trunk Lid Hinge Bolts
M8 x 1.25
Trunk Lid Hinge Bolts
M8 x 1.25Torque Value
Important Notes
4 Fender Bolts
M6 x 1.0
Fender Bolts
M6 x 1.0Torque Value
Important Notes
5 Bumper Mounting Bolts
M8 x 1.25
Bumper Mounting Bolts
M8 x 1.25Torque Value
Important Notes
6 Radiator Support Bolts
M8 x 1.25
Radiator Support Bolts
M8 x 1.25Torque Value
Important Notes
Seating System
Includes bolts and fasteners that secure the seats to the vehicle floor, ensuring safety and stability.
1 Seat Mounting Bolts
M10 x 1.5
Seat Mounting Bolts
M10 x 1.5Torque Value
Important Notes
Troubleshooting Guide
Common issues, diagnostic steps, and prevention guidelines
Common Issues
Bolt stretching, stripped threads, uneven torque patterns
Common Issues
Bolt stretching, stripped threads, uneven torque patterns
Loose Components
Symptoms:
- Rattling or vibration noises
- Visible movement in components
- Uneven panel gaps
Solutions:
- Clean threads and mounting surfaces
- Replace damaged fasteners
- Apply proper torque in sequence
- Use thread locker if specified
Stripped Fasteners
Symptoms:
- Unable to achieve proper torque
- Fastener spins freely
- Visible thread damage
Solutions:
- Use thread repair kit if appropriate
- Install thread insert (HeliCoil)
- Replace component if threaded hole is damaged
- Upgrade to higher grade fastener if recommended
Overtightened Components
Symptoms:
- Cracked or deformed parts
- Broken fasteners
- Compressed gaskets or seals
Solutions:
- Replace damaged components
- Use new fasteners
- Follow proper torque sequence
- Verify correct torque specifications
Diagnostic Steps
Visual inspection, torque verification, thread assessment
Diagnostic Steps
Visual inspection, torque verification, thread assessment
Visual Inspection
Inspect the affected area for any visible signs of damage or wear
- Check for cracks or deformation
- Look for signs of excessive wear
- Verify proper fastener installation
Torque Verification
Verify the torque applied to the fasteners
- Check the torque wrench calibration
- Verify the torque specification
- Compare the applied torque to the specification
Thread Assessment
Assess the condition of the threads
- Check for signs of thread damage
- Verify the thread type and size
- Check for proper thread engagement
Prevention Guidelines
Best practices, maintenance tips, tool care
Prevention Guidelines
Best practices, maintenance tips, tool care
Best Practices
- Always follow the recommended torque specification
- Use the correct type and size of fasteners
- Verify the torque wrench calibration regularly
Maintenance Tips
- Regularly inspect the affected area for signs of wear or damage
- Replace damaged or worn-out components promptly
- Keep the work area clean and organized
Tool Care
- Regularly clean and maintain the torque wrench
- Store the torque wrench in a dry and secure location
- Verify the torque wrench calibration before each use
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about torque specifications
Q1 Why are proper torque specifications important for body bolts?
Why are proper torque specifications important for body bolts?
Correct torque ensures the body panels are securely fastened without being over-tightened, which could damage the panel or the bolt itself. Under-tightening can lead to rattles, leaks, and potentially unsafe conditions, like body panels coming loose. Think of it like building with LEGOs, too much force can crack a piece and too little means it falls off.
Q2 What happens if I over-torque a body bolt?
What happens if I over-torque a body bolt?
Over-torquing can strip the threads in the body panel or break the bolt. This can lead to costly repairs, difficulty in removing the bolt later, and potentially weaken the structural integrity of the body panel. You might also damage the surrounding area, such as the paint.
Q3 What happens if I under-torque a body bolt?
What happens if I under-torque a body bolt?
Under-torquing can cause the body panel to become loose, leading to rattles, vibrations, and potential leaks. In extreme cases, a loose panel could detach while driving, posing a significant safety hazard. Imagine driving down the highway and your bumper decides to go for a solo trip.
Q4 Should I use threadlocker on body bolts?
Should I use threadlocker on body bolts?
Typically, threadlocker is NOT required for most body panel bolts on the 1985-1989 Acura Integra. However, if you're dealing with bolts that have a history of loosening or are in a high-vibration area, a mild threadlocker (like blue Loctite) can be used as a precaution. Avoid using high-strength threadlockers unless specifically recommended by a service manual.
Q5 Are torque specs different for different locations on the body?
Are torque specs different for different locations on the body?
Yes, while there might be a general range for body panel bolts, specific torque specifications often vary based on the bolt size, material of the panels being joined, and the specific location. It's crucial to consult the factory service manual for exact values. For instance, a bolt for the bumper might have a different spec than one securing a door panel.
Environmental Considerations
Temperature, humidity, and seasonal effects on torque specifications
Temperature Effects
Includes: High Heat, Cold Weather, Thermal Cycling
Temperature Effects
Includes: High Heat, Cold Weather, Thermal Cycling
Temperature can significantly impact torque values and fastener behavior
Cold Weather
Effects:
- Increased material brittleness
- Higher torque required due to thread contraction
- Reduced thread lubricant effectiveness
Recommendations:
- Allow components to warm to room temperature when possible
- Consider using winter-grade thread lubricants
- Check torque values more frequently during winter months
Hot Weather
Effects:
- Thermal expansion of components
- Decreased friction in threads
- Accelerated lubricant breakdown
Recommendations:
- Check torque when components are at normal operating temperature
- Use temperature-resistant thread lockers
- Consider re-torquing after heat cycles
Humidity and Corrosion
Covers: Rust Prevention, Salt Exposure, Moisture Control
Humidity and Corrosion
Covers: Rust Prevention, Salt Exposure, Moisture Control
Moisture and corrosion can affect fastener integrity and torque values
High Humidity
Effects:
- Accelerated corrosion formation
- Reduced friction coefficient
- Potential thread seizing
Prevention:
- Use corrosion-resistant fasteners
- Apply appropriate anti-seize compounds
- Maintain proper protective coatings
Salt Exposure
Effects:
- Rapid corrosion development
- Thread damage
- Seized fasteners
Prevention:
- Regular underbody washing
- Use of sacrificial anodes where appropriate
- Application of protective coatings
Seasonal Maintenance
Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter maintenance schedules
Seasonal Maintenance
Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter maintenance schedules
Spring
- Inspect for winter damage
- Clean and protect exposed fasteners
- Check torque on critical components
Summer
- Monitor heat-affected components
- Check expansion-related loosening
- Inspect cooling system mounts
Fall
- Prepare for winter conditions
- Apply corrosion protection
- Verify all fasteners are properly torqued
Winter
- More frequent inspection of critical fasteners
- Check for salt damage
- Monitor suspension component torque
Related Resources
Tools, service procedures, and technical bulletins
Recommended Tools
Torque Wrench (1/2" Drive)
A calibrated torque wrench is essential for accurately tightening bolts to the specified torque.
- 1/2" Drive for common bolt sizes
- Adjustable torque settings
- Audible click when torque is reached
Torque Wrench (3/8" Drive)
A calibrated torque wrench is essential for accurately tightening smaller bolts to the specified torque.
- 3/8" Drive for smaller bolt sizes
- Adjustable torque settings
- Audible click when torque is reached
Socket Set (Metric)
A comprehensive set of metric sockets to fit various body bolt heads.
- Standard and Deep socket options
- Variety of sizes for different bolts
- Durable construction
Extension bars
Extension bars allow for reaching bolts in hard to access areas.
- Variety of lengths
- 1/2" and 3/8" drive available
Service Procedures
Body Panel Bolt Torque Procedure
Proper procedure for tightening body panel bolts on a 1985-1989 Acura Integra.
- Identify the specific body panel bolt being addressed (e.g., fender, door, bumper).
- Consult the torque specifications chart for the correct value. (See Appendix A)
- Using the appropriate socket, hand tighten the bolt until snug.
- Set the torque wrench to the specified torque value.
- Slowly tighten the bolt until the torque wrench clicks.
- Do not over tighten. If you think you may have over tightened the bolt, loosen the bolt, then retighten.
- Repeat for all other body bolts of the component.
Hatch/Trunk Bolt Torque Procedure
Proper procedure for tightening hatch/trunk bolts on a 1985-1989 Acura Integra.
- Identify the specific hatch/trunk bolt being addressed (e.g., hinge bolts, latch bolts).
- Consult the torque specifications chart for the correct value. (See Appendix A)
- Using the appropriate socket, hand tighten the bolt until snug.
- Set the torque wrench to the specified torque value.
- Slowly tighten the bolt until the torque wrench clicks.
- Do not over tighten. If you think you may have over tightened the bolt, loosen the bolt, then retighten.
- Repeat for all other hatch/trunk bolts of the component.
Bumper Bolt Torque Procedure
Proper procedure for tightening bumper bolts on a 1985-1989 Acura Integra.
- Identify the specific bumper bolt being addressed (e.g., bumper cover, reinforcement).
- Consult the torque specifications chart for the correct value. (See Appendix A)
- Using the appropriate socket, hand tighten the bolt until snug.
- Set the torque wrench to the specified torque value.
- Slowly tighten the bolt until the torque wrench clicks.
- Do not over tighten. If you think you may have over tightened the bolt, loosen the bolt, then retighten.
- Repeat for all other bumper bolts of the component.
Technical Service Bulletins
Body Bolt Corrosion Issues
1988-05-15Reported issues of body bolt corrosion, especially in areas exposed to moisture or road salt.
Resolution: Inspect body bolts for corrosion during maintenance. Clean and apply anti-corrosion compound to bolts. Replace excessively corroded bolts.
Stripped Body Bolt Threads
1987-02-20Instances of stripped body bolt threads due to over-tightening or repeated removal/installation.
Resolution: Always use a calibrated torque wrench. Replace damaged bolts and repair stripped threads with inserts or helicoils when needed.
Panel Alignment Issues Due To Improper Torque
1986-09-10Occurrences of misaligned body panels due to uneven tightening of body bolts.
Resolution: Follow the recommended torque sequence for the specific body panels. Ensure bolts are tightened to the specified torque in a progressive manner, moving from the center towards the edges.
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Technical Information
- All specifications, including torque values, fluid capacities, and maintenance procedures, should be verified against your vehicle's factory service manual.
- Vehicle specifications and procedures may vary by model year, trim level, and region.
- Always follow the manufacturer's recommended procedures and safety precautions.
- Working on vehicles can be dangerous. Always take proper safety precautions and use appropriate safety equipment.
- If you're unsure about any procedure, consult a qualified professional mechanic.