Debate: should you torque bolts dry or with lube on landing gear?

I was doing a wheel change on a Cessna 172 at a small FBO in Waco last week and my torque wrench clicked at 80 ft-lbs dry. Other mechs say lube is fine if you reduce by 20% but my old instructor swore dry only or you're asking for trouble. What's your take on this for safety critical fasteners?

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1 Comment

derek_dixon781mo ago

Keep them dry. I've seen lube hide the real torque when the threads gall on a critical bolt, and that's how you get a wheel separating on touchdown.