I'm going to be painting the calipers and wonder if i need to torque down the lug nuts, or just tighten them real good with a tire iron.

 

The torque wrench is your friend. It will help prevent warped rotors, caused in part by wheels that are unevenly/improperly torqued.

Buy as good of one as you can afford. It will last a long time. (and don't forget to unwind it to "zero" when you're done with it)

 

Santa left a Delco ARM 602-3 and a ARM 602-4 torque adapter. Neat packages!.

Yes, you will save yourself some busted stuff, and check them after a couple of heat cycles. lugnuts 100ft-lbs

 

Have you seen this post??

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...y-special.html

 

I always use a torque wrench on my lugs. 100 ft lbs each.

 

Definitely get one. I use a torque wrench on any bolt that has a prescribed torque number.

By far my favorite tool.. well, besides an impact wrench

 

That looks like a nice wrench for the money!

 

Also the post about "buy the best torque wrench you can afford" A very worth while tip, this is one of those you get what you pay for! things

 

This seems to be the way to go nowadays. Back when men were men and wheels were steel, you would just crank them down with a lug wrench.

You really do need to use a torque wrench for the final snug of wheel lugs. Not just on the Corvette.

 

 

Have NEVER used a torque wrench and have never had wheel fall off.

If you use a LARGE X spinner you can torque the lug nuts by feel.
Just tighten every other lugnut and bring them all up to tight but not stud breaking.

Can see using a torque wrench on head bolts etc, but not on wheel lugnuts.

 

Toque,

I may be too tired, but, I don't see any wheel lug torque specs in there? It's got everything else...

 

Here ya go,,,,, Straight out of the service manual. Its for a 99 but ALL C5s are the same:

" Install the wheel nuts. Tighten
Using J 39544-KIT , tighten the wheel nuts in sequence to 140 N·m (100 lb ft). "


Read it in the service instruction:


Document ID# 300111
1999 Chevrolet/Geo Corvette


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation
Removal Procedure
Tools Required
J 39544-KIT Wheel Nut Torque Adapters

Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
Remove the wheel nut caps.
Remove the wheel nuts.
Mark the location of the tire and wheel assembly to hub assembly.
Remove the tire and wheel assembly.
Clean the wheel nuts.
Clean the studs.
Clean the wheel mounting surfaces.
Clean the rotor mounting surfaces.
Installation Procedure
Align the locating mark on the tire and wheel assembly to the mark on the hub assembly.
Install the tire and wheel assembly.

Notice
Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.


Install the wheel nuts. Tighten
Using J 39544-KIT , tighten the wheel nuts in sequence to 140 N·m (100 lb ft).

Install the wheel nut caps.
Lower the vehicle.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Document ID# 300111
1999 Chevrolet/Geo Corvette

 

Thanks Bill,
I was willing to trust the above where they said go to 100ft lbs, but I found it interesting that it wasn't listed in the chart.