Mike,
YOU ARE 100% CORRECT!
It would not matter if every car was different, and who cares if they are? The respective directions are self evident once you are actually performing the task. So is the direction of the safety. The torque could be different also. In other words always use the mfg.'s recommended torque's, grease and installation procedures.
If you go by the book you can't go wrong!
Cheers,
S