[kovawa]

Knowing when you must adhere to torque specs and when not too? I feel that the answer to that question comes down to the type of part being fastened, and the experience level of the mechanic. I worked many years as a mechanic and that question was one that came up on nearly every job. With time most good mechanics learn to evaluate the situation. Sometimes the torque wrench will quite simply not fit into the area it is needed under the hood. Other times the replacement parts have undergone design changes and no new torque specs provided, what to do? The answer is normaly to use your best judgement along with the original specs as a guide.I always adhered to the torque specs and used a torque wrench wherever possible, and luckily never caused any damage or had a comeback due to improperly tightened fasteners.

I hope that shed some light on the subject.