I bought some locking lug nuts for my new '04 Z06 (I just got it last friday, man what a car!) but I have a question about the lug nut torque:

I put on the locking lugs and they torqued to 100ftlbs no problem. I am assuming the torque spec is 100ftlbs because this has been the standard for as long as I can remember. I decided to check all of them just to be safe, and I found that they were really rough to torque on seemingly from lack of lubricant. (The lug would vibrate as I approached the torque) So I took them off and used some WD-40 on the nuts to help them out. Well, when I tried to put them back on, although the action was smooth, some would only torque to around 80lbft before they seemed to start stretching (meaning I turned the wrench about 30' with no change in torque value). Some went to 100, but some would only go to 80. I didn't want to push it in case they are some special lugs or something. That's what I'm asking here:

Is 100ftlbs still the right torque for these cars, or are they using some special lugs that require less torque?

It could be the rim had clear coat or something, or maybe they were seating or something. I was just worried to continue before I checked with you guys. Don't want to bust my new lugs off. :(

-Dave C. '04 Z06


[Modified by Dave C. '97 Z28, 1:47 AM 3/18/2004]

 

Strange story. 100ft/lbs is still the right torgue setting for the C5 lug nuts. Nothing special about the lugs at all.

 

Thanks for the reply.

I'll just try to turn them until they reach 100. I might just be over sensitive because I don't want to damage the thing the first week. There seems to be alot of stuff on this car that's abnormal (titanium exhaust, thinner glass, etc..) so I didn't know what all is different.

Actually, if someone has a list of all the stuff that is different between a regular 'vette and a Z06, I'd love to get a copy of it!

Thanks again!

-Dave C. '04 Z06

 

The torque reading is without lubricant. You really do not know how much torque you were putting on those nuts. You may want to check the threads in the nuts.
Bill

 

This is so true, remember your torque wrench could also be out of specs and in need of calibration.

 

quote:
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You really do not know how much torque you were putting on those nuts.
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Yikes...

Okay, well, I'll go and check them. It seemed really hard to torque them without lubricant because as you started to get it tight the nuts started to "chatter."

I'll spray some brake cleaner on the nuts to remove the lubricant, check the threads, and then re-torque them.

Thanks for the help, guys...

-Dave

 

There's a big difference between dry and oiled torque settings for bolts.

I hate to say it, but the bolts you felt go soft, probably stretched and should be replace.

Would anyone else worry about them besides me?

 

I do 50-75-100 and in a star pattern. No issues.

 

Well, I went home at lunch time today just to recheck the torque (am I crazy or what?) I loosened them about 90 degrees then pulled them back..they all torqued to 100 without issue.

I must have just been paranoid. With what my payment is on this thing, I surely don't want to be replacing parts just yet until I get accustomed to it.

Thanks for all who offered advice!

-Dave C. '04 Z



[Modified by Dave C. '97 Z28, 6:42 PM 3/18/2004]

 

I don't think you're being paranoid, the same thing has happened to me. I've had to change several studs and lug nuts due to thread stretching - always on the front for some reason.