Torque Wrench?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 6,516
Likes: 4,840
From: One Hour From Boston!
Torque Wrench?
I plan on removing my wheels for spring cleaning. When I put the wheels back on, I want to use a torque wrench so I don't warp the wheels and/or the rotors. Do I need a special Torque Wrench? Are they rated? What do I set it at when tightening the lug nuts? Thanks!
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 4,010
Likes: 1
From: SE Idaho
St. Jude Contributor
Re: Torque Wrench? (BIG Dave)
Torque is 140 N·m (100 lb ft), and tighten in a criss-cross pattern. I would suggest tightening to 70 N.m on the first go round, then to the final 140 on the second and last sequence.
As for a torque wrench, they vary from a beam type with a pointer, to a click stop (the torque wrench clicks and the handle slightly gives to let you know you have reached the set torque, and a wrench that beeps when you reach set torque. Prices vary, but the beam is the least expensive and the beeper model is the most expensive.
If no Snap-on truck in your neighborhood, run up to Sears.
The clicker and beeping torque wrenches to require recalibration every few years, depending on how much you use it.
Also, if you have access to an impact wrench, it can be used but I would highly recommend a torque stick to prevent over torquing of the nuts.
[Modified by WhiteC5Vette, 8:26 PM 3/24/2003]
As for a torque wrench, they vary from a beam type with a pointer, to a click stop (the torque wrench clicks and the handle slightly gives to let you know you have reached the set torque, and a wrench that beeps when you reach set torque. Prices vary, but the beam is the least expensive and the beeper model is the most expensive.
If no Snap-on truck in your neighborhood, run up to Sears.
The clicker and beeping torque wrenches to require recalibration every few years, depending on how much you use it.
Also, if you have access to an impact wrench, it can be used but I would highly recommend a torque stick to prevent over torquing of the nuts.
[Modified by WhiteC5Vette, 8:26 PM 3/24/2003]
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 5,718
Likes: 2
From: Flower Mound TX
Cruise-In V Veteran
St. Jude Contributor
Re: Torque Wrench? (WhiteC5Vette)
Also, if you have access to an impact wrench, it can be used but I would highly recommend a torque stick to prevent over torquing of the nuts.
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
Re: Torque Wrench? (BIG Dave)
I got a torque wrench from Sears. It cost about $100 bucks. It's one of the "clicking" types. It works great. No complaints at all. Have used it for several wheelswaps and Track days already. Would buy one again. Needed a short 2" extension to get to the lugs on the back rims. Tips that were given to me: always torque pulling smoothly UP on the handle and don't forget to store the wrench with the torque setting at zero (or off or stop depending on what it says on your handle.) I have been amazed that I have to retorque between hot lapping sessions. Now I retorque the lugs everytime I come off the track.
Pro
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 719
Likes: 14
From: Poplar Bluff, MO
St. Jude Contributor
Re: Torque Wrench? (BIG Dave)
How bout a high tech torque wrench, here’s something interesting.:cool:
http://<a href="http://www.sears.com...0944598000</a>
http://<a href="http://www.sears.com...0944598000</a>
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 4,010
Likes: 1
From: SE Idaho
St. Jude Contributor
Re: Torque Wrench? (tshac)
Reliable torque sticks are accurate, but they lose their accuracy over time. The twisting motion makes the metal weak. However, when they weaken the torque gets lower, so you won't have to worry about over-torquing when they weaken. Make sure to mark the wheel to the hub before removal, and clean the studs and nuts of any dirt or rust. Same with the mounting surfaces on the hubs and wheels. Also, do not apply grease or a lubricant to the stud threads or the lug nuts; doing so will affect the actual torque. You can clean them, but don't lubricate them.
Direct quote from GM Service Manual under the wheels/tires section:
"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. "
Direct quote from GM Service Manual under the wheels/tires section:
"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. "
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 4,174
Likes: 15
From: Florida
Re: Torque Wrench? (WhiteC5Vette)
http://www.griotsgarage.com has a FOCUM one for over 300.00, OUCH !!
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 4,010
Likes: 1
From: SE Idaho
St. Jude Contributor
Re: Torque Wrench? (K.Shupe)
How bout a high tech torque wrench, here’s something interesting.:cool:
http://<a href="http://www.sears.com...0944598000</a>
http://<a href="http://www.sears.com...0944598000</a>
