1979 REAR STUDS

[Larry Beards;ee]

Has anyone had to replace the rear studs on a 1979 Corvette? Do I have to pull the spindle? Ay help would be appreaciated!

[Jim T.]

Re: 1979 REAR STUDS

I have not had to replace the rear studs on a 69, but I have on a 70 and 85. Your 79 is just like my 70 though. If the rivets that retain the disc to the spindle have already been removed, you do not have to remove the spindle to replace the rear wheel studs. However if the rivets are still in place you should remove the spindle assembly and service the rear bearings and replace the wheel studs. If you don't have the tools to do this, most Chev dealerships don't, you could just remove the whole control arm assembly and send it to Bairs and they will do everything for you. Dollar for dollar, one of the best deals for having something done right. Using impact guns to secure lug nuts contirbutes to loss of wheel studs.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1979 REAR STUDS

Jim-----

Yes, impact guns should never be used to tighten lug nuts UNLESS they are used in conjunction with a TORQUE LIMITING SOCKET. These sockets, in a variety of specific torque values, are available from Kent-Moore, Snap-On, and others. They have been approved for use on GM cars by General Motors.

[Jim T.]

Re: 1979 REAR STUDS

Joe I have used Goodyear Auto Service stores for many years for wheel balancing and alignments. As of late their policy was to use a torque wrench to tighten wheel studs. I will have to check out if they are using the new torque limiting sockets you mentioned. This new type of socket would speed up tightening the wheel studs over using a torque wrench. For the past few years I have been just removing my Corvette wheels, removing the weights, cleaning the rims, and then take the wheels in for balancing and using my torque wrench to tighten the wheel lug nuts.

[Craig S.]

Re: 1979 REAR STUDS

Jim - I read Joe's post with interest too. I have always torqued my lug nuts criss cross in stages of about 3 settings to reach the final torque. I think that would be harder to do evenly with the impact sockets, but, still better than the bozos at many tire service facilities. Those that do use torque wrenches seem like they use them like a log breaker bar (you know, turn it 1/4 turn past the click for good measure). And they are always set the same, for every car....heh heh....Craig