<VV> Wheel stud torque, etc.

[Sethracer@aol.com]

In a message dated 12/1/2004 1:45:28 P.M. Pacific Standard Time,  
bwschug@charter.net writes:

Are all  Corvair lug nuts and studs the same?

I'm no expert on nuts and bolts,  but I thought that a given "nut and 
bolt" required a specific torque no  matter what it was being used for, 
that is, whether it was on an  early-model or a late-model; holding a 
steel wheel or an alloy one; a rod  cap or a shroud.
Now one of you real experts tell me the facts of the  matter.

Bruce



Well, Bruce -
I'm not a real expert. I don't even play one on TV. Torque ratings can be  
based on the thread size. Certainly Flat-Nut clamping force torque is specific  
to threads size, shaft diameter and material grade. Flat nut torque is based 
on  % stretch of the thread interface to provide clamping of the article 
in-between  as well as resistance to self-removal. On a wheel bolt/stud, especially 
a  tapered seat interface, as on the stock Corvair, there is  (potentially) 
more contact area between the nut and the wheel. Given the  weight of the 
Corvair, there is a likely amount of force applied to the  wheel-center to drive 
axle interface, trying to pull the wheel off. On the late  models, that clamping 
force has 5 studs to provide it, as opposed to 4  studs on the early cars. 
Perhaps that would allow a lesser torque  requirement for the 5-lugs, instead of 
the 4-lugs of the early.  -  Seth