Chevrolet Impala Wheel Lugs
Chevrolet produced its first Impala model in 1959, and with a couple of breaks, the company has continued to produce it into the current era. Many people enjoy restoring the Impala as a classic car. Whether your Impala is vintage or new, replacing missing or damaged wheel lugs is an easy way to keep it looking sharp.
What is the purpose of lug nuts?These small parts hold the wheel onto the axle of the car. The axle has studs that extend through the rim, and the nuts tighten onto those studs. The nuts also make sure the wheels are held in the precise position for the optimal performance of the vehicle.
What is the bolt pattern of the Chevrolet Impala?The bolt pattern is a set of numbers that tells you how many lug nuts are on each wheel, and the size of the circle they form when they’re installed. The pattern of your Impala will depend on its model year.
All Impalas have five lug nuts, so the first number of the bolt pattern is always five. The diameter of the circle they form on the wheel is expressed in millimeters. The specific patterns are as follows.
- 1959 - 1987: 5x120.7
- 1994 - 1996: 5x127
- 2000 - 2013: 5x115
- 2014 and later: 5x120
There are three dimensions of lug nuts that must match your car and wheels: thread size, thread pitch, and seat type.
- Thread size: Thread size is the diameter of the wheel stud, measured from the outside edges of the threads. If your Impala was manufactured from 1994 through 2013, this dimension is 12 millimeters. After 2013, it is 14 millimeters.
- Thread pitch: Pitch is an expression of how far apart the threads are along the length of the stud. Impalas made after 1994 have a thread pitch of 1.5 millimeters. Earlier models may list this as threads-per-inch. Twenty threads-per-inch is typical for the Impala.
- Seat type: The seat of the lug nut is the surface that’s tightened against the wheel. Factory lug nuts for the Impala have a conical seat. If you change out the factory rims, you may need a new type of lug nut, too. If the seat doesn’t fit the contour of the wheel, it may appear to be tight but won’t fit securely and may work loose as you drive.
Once you have the critical dimensions accounted for, there are a few specs you can make choices about.
- Length: If you have hubcaps that cover the lug nuts, you can get a short, under-hub type. Extended lugs give you better access on a thicker rim, or you could choose various decorative options, like long, spiked styles.
- Finish: Lug nuts for the Impala are available in chrome, black, and gunmetal to match stock or aftermarket rims.
- Locking or standard: If you’re concerned about your rims being stolen, you can use a locking lug nut on each wheel. Wheel locks are typically sold in sets of four with a key for that set.