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- Lug nuts fasten the wheel to the wheel hub and prevent it from coming off.wheel image by apeschi from Fotolia.com
Chevrolet introduced the Corsica sedan in 1987 and discontinued it in 1996. When searching for specs on a vehicle, it is always best to search not only by the model but also by the model year and even the specific trim of the vehicle, as many automobile specs can change from year to year on a given model. The 1996 Corsica came in three different trims -- the Sedan, the SP Sedan and the SQ Sedan -- but the specs for the lug nuts were the same for all trims. - Lug nuts are what hold a wheel onto a wheel hub by being tightened onto the lugs, or studs, that are mounted to the wheel hub and pass through holes in the wheel so that the lug nuts can be fastened to them on the other side. In order for the lug nuts to fasten properly and prevent "wheel off" accidents, the size and threading of the lug nut must correspond to that of the stud, and the appropriate level of torque must be applied when tightening the lug nut. The three basic types of lug nuts are acorn or tapered lug nuts, mag-seat lug nuts, and ball or round-seat lug nuts. The "seat" is the part of the lug nut that actually comes into contact with and tightens against the wheel. Acorn or tapered lug nuts have a tapered seat. Mag-seat lug nuts have a flat seat and are used with a washer. Ball or round-seat lug nuts have a rounded seat that does not taper as much as those of the the acorn or tapered seat lug nuts. Ball and round-seat lug nuts are common in Hondas and Acuras.
- Auto parts retailers sell several different styles of lug nuts with an acorn seat and M12-1.5 thread size that are compatible with the 1996 Corsica, as well as speciality lug nuts that are compatible with aftermarket wheels used on the Corisca. As of December of 2010, dozens of lug nuts compatible with the 1996 Corisca are available, with their prices ranging from 99 cents to $169.99, depending on the style and finish.
- Torque is the amount of force applied to a lever to twist or turn an object at its centerpoint. Torque is usually given in a distance-and-force measurement. For instance, one foot-pound is equal to one pound of force being applied to a lever (such as a wrench) at one foot from the center of the object. Applying too little torque can cause a bolt or nut to come loose. Applying too much torque can actually cause a bolt or nut to snap under pressure, sometimes while driving. It is difficult to accurately measure torque by feel. Most mechanics use a torque wrench, which automatically quits tightening once the desired torque is reached. Several factors, such as worn out threads or grime on the threads, can influence the torque specs for a bolt. CustomWheelsMarket.com recommends making sure that lugs and lug nuts are cleaned but not lubricated before tightening the lug nuts. Though torque specs can change from model to model and year to year, the torque specs for the lug nuts of the Corsica actually remained the same for all model years from 1987 to 1996. The lug nuts on all Chevrolet Corsicas should be tightened to 100 foot-pounds of torque, unless aftermarket parts recommend otherwise.
Lug Nut Basics
Lug Nuts for the 1996 Corsica
Lug-nut Torque for the 1996 Corsica
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