Rear shock replacement
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 918
Likes: 198
From: TX
Rear shock replacement
I am about to replace original shocks on my 2004 I bought new with Bilstein HDs. Wonderful car! 78,000 trouble free miles except for fuel gauge which I have learned to live without.
(I just put in new seat foam in drivers side bottom which is truly an improvement and highly recommend.)
The lower rear shock 24mm bolt is the subject. I have read the current view for torque is 107 ft/lb rather than 162 and was wondering what spec y'all used. Also, have any of y'all replaced the nut and bolt or just reuse the old ones?
Thanks
VERYSOON
(I just put in new seat foam in drivers side bottom which is truly an improvement and highly recommend.)
The lower rear shock 24mm bolt is the subject. I have read the current view for torque is 107 ft/lb rather than 162 and was wondering what spec y'all used. Also, have any of y'all replaced the nut and bolt or just reuse the old ones?
Thanks
VERYSOON
Zen Vet Master Level VII
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 5,218
Likes: 1,174
From: Southlake, TX
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 918
Likes: 198
From: TX
VS
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 918
Likes: 198
From: TX
Quote:
Originally Posted by Vetteman Jack
This might help you out with torque numbers on various C5 parts.
FYI...
There is still some controversy, but from everything I can find on the research I've done... the REAR LOWER shock bolt torque spec is WRONG on that sheet... NOT 162 ft lbs...
Bill Curlee used 100 lbs of torque for his Rear Lower shock bolts... I figured if Bill was comfortable with that so was I, so that's the one I used. Many rear lower shock bolts have been busted trying to reach the 162 ft lbs...
Copied from a GM service manual bulletin
1997 - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette 2004 - 2005 Cadillac XLR Lower Rear Shock Attaching Bolt May Break After Torqued
.
.
The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the symptom(s) described in the PI.
Condition/Concern:
The rear shock lower attaching bolt may break when tighten to the proper torque of 162 ft lbs (220 +/- 40 N/m) after being removed for service.
.
Recommendation/Instructions:
Anytime the rear lower shock bolt is removed for service. Replace the shock attaching bolt with part number: 14048990 and Nut with part number: 11516383. The bolts are torqued to yield and are one time use only. Torque the bolt to the new torque of 107 ft lbs (145 +/- 10 N/m) as opposed to the current released torque of 162 ft lbs (220 +/- 40 N/m) in SI2000.
Note: When tighten the new bolt to factory spec, The nut must be held secure and the torque should be applied to the bolt head only.
.
Please follow this diagnosis process thoroughly and complete each step. If the condition exhibited is resolved without completing every step, the remaining steps do not need to be performed.
.This is the post that creates my dilemma. VERYSOON
Originally Posted by Vetteman Jack
This might help you out with torque numbers on various C5 parts.
FYI...
There is still some controversy, but from everything I can find on the research I've done... the REAR LOWER shock bolt torque spec is WRONG on that sheet... NOT 162 ft lbs...
Bill Curlee used 100 lbs of torque for his Rear Lower shock bolts... I figured if Bill was comfortable with that so was I, so that's the one I used. Many rear lower shock bolts have been busted trying to reach the 162 ft lbs...
Copied from a GM service manual bulletin
1997 - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette 2004 - 2005 Cadillac XLR Lower Rear Shock Attaching Bolt May Break After Torqued
.
.
The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the symptom(s) described in the PI.
Condition/Concern:
The rear shock lower attaching bolt may break when tighten to the proper torque of 162 ft lbs (220 +/- 40 N/m) after being removed for service.
.
Recommendation/Instructions:
Anytime the rear lower shock bolt is removed for service. Replace the shock attaching bolt with part number: 14048990 and Nut with part number: 11516383. The bolts are torqued to yield and are one time use only. Torque the bolt to the new torque of 107 ft lbs (145 +/- 10 N/m) as opposed to the current released torque of 162 ft lbs (220 +/- 40 N/m) in SI2000.
Note: When tighten the new bolt to factory spec, The nut must be held secure and the torque should be applied to the bolt head only.
.
Please follow this diagnosis process thoroughly and complete each step. If the condition exhibited is resolved without completing every step, the remaining steps do not need to be performed.
.This is the post that creates my dilemma. VERYSOON
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Drifting
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 1,959
Likes: 691
From: Avon Lake OH
If you need to replace this bolt for what every reason, just make sure it's a 10.9 rated fastener. Besides the dealership parts department, your local Fastenal store can be your best source vs. say Lowes, Home Depot or Ace Hardware.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 168
Likes: 89
From: Northwest Nevada
Just installed Bilstein HDs front and rear on my '02. Went with the TSB updated 107 ft.lbs. torque and reused the original nut and bolt.
Last edited by M.Y.02Z06; Jan 21, 2023 at 10:56 AM. Reason: Details...details...
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 2,555
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 5,406
Likes: 3,945
From: Cincinnati, OH
You just don't want the nut coming loose. The bolt is in double shear and won't go anywhere.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 918
Likes: 198
From: TX
Thanks so much for everyone's input. I know I can always count on the forum.
I plan to go with 107 ft/lbs of torque on the original bolts for my Bilstein HD install which will happen
VERYSOON!
I plan to go with 107 ft/lbs of torque on the original bolts for my Bilstein HD install which will happen
VERYSOON!