Torque, bolt pattern, thread size and socket for 102 models across 19 makes.
9 models · 76–97 ft·lbs
7 models · 80–94 ft·lbs
8 models · 100–165 ft·lbs
8 models · 100–140 ft·lbs
7 models · 80–98 ft·lbs
6 models · 72–86 ft·lbs
6 models · 72–86 ft·lbs
6 models · 89 ft·lbs
5 models · 110–130 ft·lbs
4 models · 103 ft·lbs
4 models · 110 ft·lbs
5 models · 89 ft·lbs
5 models · 76 ft·lbs
4 models · 129 ft·lbs
3 models · 130–145 ft·lbs
4 models · 100–140 ft·lbs
3 models · 130 ft·lbs
4 models · 76 ft·lbs
4 models · 89–103 ft·lbs
| Vehicle class | Examples | ft·lbs | N·m |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compact & mid-size cars | Civic, Corolla, Camry, Accord, Elantra | 76–90 ft·lbs | 103–122 N·m |
| Crossovers & small SUVs | RAV4, CR-V, Rogue, Tucson, CX-5 | 76–100 ft·lbs | 103–136 N·m |
| European cars (wheel bolts) | 3 Series, C-Class, Jetta, A4 | 89–110 ft·lbs | 120–150 N·m |
| Electric vehicles | Model 3, Model Y, Model S | 129 ft·lbs | 175 N·m |
| Full-size trucks & SUVs | F-150, Silverado, Sierra, Ram 1500, Tahoe | 130–150 ft·lbs | 176–203 N·m |
| Heavy-duty trucks | F-250, Ram 2500, Ram 3500 | 145–165 ft·lbs | 197–224 N·m |
Too little and the joint loosens. A wheel is held on by clamp load, not by the nuts themselves. Under-torqued fasteners let the wheel move against the hub, the clamp load falls further with every mile, and studs eventually fatigue and shear.
Too much and something yields. Over-torquing stretches studs past their elastic limit, distorts brake rotors so the pedal pulses, and cracks the seats of alloy wheels. An impact gun on its highest setting will pass 300 ft·lbs — double what a heavy-duty truck needs.
The sequence is as important as the number. Tightening around the wheel in a circle cocks it on the hub. A star pattern pulls it down evenly, which is why every manufacturer specifies one.
Need to convert the figure your manual quotes? Use the N·m to ft·lbs converter, or the in·lbs to ft·lbs converter for smaller fasteners.
There is no single standard. Most passenger cars fall between 76 and 100 ft·lbs (103–136 N·m), most full-size trucks between 130 and 150 ft·lbs (176–203 N·m), and heavy-duty trucks up to 165 ft·lbs (224 N·m). Look up your exact model rather than using a generic figure.
Tight enough is not a number you can feel. A typical 1/2-inch impact gun delivers well over 300 ft·lbs, which is enough to warp rotors and stretch studs on any passenger car. If you have no torque wrench, snug the nuts in a star pattern and have the torque set properly before driving any distance.
No, unless the manufacturer specifically calls for it. Published torque figures assume clean, dry threads. Lubricant cuts friction so the same wrench setting produces roughly 20–30% more clamp load, which can stretch studs or snap them.
After any wheel-off service, re-torque at 50–100 miles. Alloy wheels bed into the hub face on the first drive and can lose clamp load. Dually rear wheels on heavy trucks should always be re-checked.
Over-torquing warps brake rotors (felt as a pulsating brake pedal), stretches wheel studs past their elastic limit, and can crack the lug seats on alloy wheels. Stretched studs may hold at first and fail later.