Torque on Wheels Lug Nuts?
02-01-2006, 06:31 PM
#1
Pro
Thread Starter
Torque on Wheels Lug Nuts?
Any of you happen to know what the proper torque is on the lug nuts for the 73 w/OEM wheels? Nothing in my Owner's Manual or my Haynes (lame) Manual.
02-01-2006, 09:10 PM
#4
Le Mans Master
Originally Posted by big_G
My '68 Chevy shop manual says 65, I use 85 ft/lbs.
Why do you suppose GM calls for 100 ft/lbs on the C5? I have a friend that stripped 3 of the studs on his 2003 using a calibrated torque wrench at 100 ft/lbs. He even had the wrench rechecked after this disaster. I'm confused as to why the big increase since the studs are so close to the same size...
Curious... GUSTO
02-01-2006, 09:25 PM
#5
Le Mans Master
Not the same size...C-3 is 7/16, C-4 and C-5 lugs are 13 millimeter. (About 1/2 inch.) I have never stripped a C-4 or C-5 lug/stud at 100 ft/lbs., and I've torqued more lugs than I care to remember. I don't know why your friend had that trouble. 
02-01-2006, 09:56 PM
#6
Le Mans Master
Originally Posted by big_G
Not the same size...C-3 is 7/16, C-4 and C-5 lugs are 13 millimeter. (About 1/2 inch.) I have never stripped a C-4 or C-5 lug/stud at 100 ft/lbs., and I've torqued more lugs than I care to remember. I don't know why your friend had that trouble.
I sort of assumed he must have set the torque wrench wrong since I have torqued them to 100# and never stripped one... I'm just not comfortable doing it in light of the torqe required for earlier Corvettes.
Thanks... GUSTO
02-02-2006, 05:29 AM
#9
Pro
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by Big Fish
My torque chart has it at 70-90 ft/lbs for aluminum wheels and 65-85 ft/lbs for the steel wheels
Chris
02-02-2006, 04:39 PM
#12
Drifting
Remember that the torque specs assume you have clean dry threads with no binding. Oil on the threads will give a false reading. Also make sure there is no rust on the hubs or back of the wheels. Lastly, always use a star pattern when removing and installing wheels. In fact put your lug nuts on in a star pattern snug, then torque them down in the same pattern. Many manufacturers have a +/- 20 ft-lb range. For example, Chrysler products with a 1/2" stud recommend 85-115 ft-lb. Many Hondas, Toyotas, Mazdas, and GM vehicles all have 12 X 1.5 mm studs, however Honda says 80 ft-lb, Toyota says 76, Mazda says 87 and GM says 100, go figure. ( I do this for a living, I know these specs by heart.) The 7/16" studs on older Chevy's should be 80-85 ft-lb.
02-03-2006, 05:27 AM
#13
Pro
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by lowbuck72
Remember that the torque specs assume you have clean dry threads with no binding. Oil on the threads will give a false reading. Also make sure there is no rust on the hubs or back of the wheels. Lastly, always use a star pattern when removing and installing wheels. In fact put your lug nuts on in a star pattern snug, then torque them down in the same pattern. Many manufacturers have a +/- 20 ft-lb range. For example, Chrysler products with a 1/2" stud recommend 85-115 ft-lb. Many Hondas, Toyotas, Mazdas, and GM vehicles all have 12 X 1.5 mm studs, however Honda says 80 ft-lb, Toyota says 76, Mazda says 87 and GM says 100, go figure. ( I do this for a living, I know these specs by heart.) The 7/16" studs on older Chevy's should be 80-85 ft-lb.
