C6 Lug Nut Torque
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 4,598
Likes: 78
From: Miami FL
2020 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16,'17,'18-'19-'20-'21-'22
C6 Lug Nut Torque
Not what is it? That's easy, 100 lb.-ft.
How to achieve it? Sure use a torque wrench. I figure the C6 owner-drivers who never visit the Tech/Performance Forum are also the ones that never remove and reinstall their own wheels. For the rest of us, saving some time reinstalling the wheels may have some value. I have seen many mechanics use torque sticks, so I decided to check it out for myself.
I did a Froogle search for where to buy, and acquired one rated at 90 lb.-ft. Yesterday I tried it out after installing Speed Bleeders on all four calipers. My I-R "Thunder Gun" was turned up, and I cranked down on five lug nuts on the first wheel. Then I set my click-type torque wrench to 85 lb.-ft. and none of the lug nuts moved when it clicked. I reset it to 100 lb.-ft., and every lug nut turned about 10 degrees more before reaching 100. So I consider this a success.
I can run the nuts up in a star pattern with the air impact wrench and the torque stick, and then tweak each one to perfection with the torque wrench. Less work, less time. What's not to like? Oh yeah, the torque stick costs about $20. Snap-On is only about $35 if you like the best.
How to achieve it? Sure use a torque wrench. I figure the C6 owner-drivers who never visit the Tech/Performance Forum are also the ones that never remove and reinstall their own wheels. For the rest of us, saving some time reinstalling the wheels may have some value. I have seen many mechanics use torque sticks, so I decided to check it out for myself.
I did a Froogle search for where to buy, and acquired one rated at 90 lb.-ft. Yesterday I tried it out after installing Speed Bleeders on all four calipers. My I-R "Thunder Gun" was turned up, and I cranked down on five lug nuts on the first wheel. Then I set my click-type torque wrench to 85 lb.-ft. and none of the lug nuts moved when it clicked. I reset it to 100 lb.-ft., and every lug nut turned about 10 degrees more before reaching 100. So I consider this a success.
I can run the nuts up in a star pattern with the air impact wrench and the torque stick, and then tweak each one to perfection with the torque wrench. Less work, less time. What's not to like? Oh yeah, the torque stick costs about $20. Snap-On is only about $35 if you like the best.
Moderator emeritus
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 18,599
Likes: 3,951
From: Jacksonville Florida BWO Dayton, Cincinnati, Bloomsbury NJ, Cincinnati
2015 C7 of the Year Finalist
I won't LET ANYONE set the torque on my car's wheels with a torque stick. NEVER! They can run it up with a 50 lb TS but they must use a bone fide torque wrench to top it off at 100. Do NOT trust a torque stick.
Elmer
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 4,598
Likes: 78
From: Miami FL
2020 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16,'17,'18-'19-'20-'21-'22
I had one investigation where a shop was notoriously getting the torques wrong. Interviewed the mechanics:
"Yeah we like the torque sticks, because we can keep track of them easy. Tom uses the yellow one, Dick uses the green one, Harry uses the red one, and I use the white one. We never get them mixed up."
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,611
Likes: 5
From: Thousand Oaks California
I have a correct torque stick from Kent-Moore, SPx Corp. With my impact set to max and my air compressor regulated at 100 psi, the torque stick only torques to abour 85 lb-ft.
I think the problem is my air wrench is a little too whimpy. I just just my trusty torque wrench.
I think the problem is my air wrench is a little too whimpy. I just just my trusty torque wrench.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 24,652
Likes: 298
From: NJ
St. Jude Donor '05-'08
the torque stick is a good way not to over torque the lugs, but as stated I would back it up with a torque wrench.
As a FYI I would check my lugs more than just at tire changes. At the track we find the lugs come loose all the time. Make it a habit to check every month along with tire pressures.
As a FYI I would check my lugs more than just at tire changes. At the track we find the lugs come loose all the time. Make it a habit to check every month along with tire pressures.
