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Wheel Lug Nut Torque Specification

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Complete Reference Guide

Wheel Lug Nut Torque Specifications

The definitive torque chart for every make and model – plus proper procedures, common mistakes, and the right tools for the job.

Why Proper Lug Nut Torque Matters

Getting your lug nut torque right is not optional – it is a safety fundamental. When you tighten a lug nut, you are stretching the wheel stud just enough to create clamping force that holds the wheel securely against the hub. Too little torque, and the wheel can vibrate loose while driving. Too much, and you risk stretching or snapping wheel studs, warping brake rotors, or cracking alloy wheels.

Every year, roadside incidents occur because someone either hand-tightened their lug nuts or went full blast with an impact gun and called it done. Neither approach is safe.

The only reliable way to get it right? A calibrated torque wrench set to the correct specification for your vehicle.

How to Find the Correct Torque Spec

5 reliable sources for your vehicle’s specification

1

Owner’s Manual

The definitive source. Torque specs are usually in the maintenance or tire change section.

2

Driver’s Door Jamb Sticker

Some manufacturers include lug nut torque alongside tire pressure info.

3

Wheel Manufacturer Docs

Aftermarket wheels may specify a different torque than OEM.

4

Vehicle-Specific Forums

Enthusiast communities often have verified specs for older or specialty vehicles.

5

The Chart Below

We have compiled torque specs for the most common makes and models.

How to Properly Torque Your Lug Nuts

Follow these 5 steps every time

Step 1

Clean the Hardware

Remove any dirt, rust, or debris from the lug nuts, studs, and wheel mounting surface. Contamination can affect torque readings and prevent a solid connection.

Step 2

Hand-Start Each Lug Nut

Thread each lug nut by hand to ensure it is not cross-threaded. This is non-negotiable – cross-threading a stud is an expensive mistake.

Step 3

Snug in a Star Pattern

Tighten the lug nuts in a star (criss-cross) pattern – not sequentially around the wheel. This ensures the wheel seats evenly against the hub.

Step 4

Torque in Stages

Do not go straight to full torque. Gradually increase in 2-3 stages (50%, 75%, then 100% of final torque) following the same star pattern each time.

Step 5

Re-Torque After 50-100 Miles

After driving 50 to 100 miles, re-check every lug nut. Wheels can settle slightly after initial installation.

Star Pattern Reference:

4-lug: X pattern (1-3-2-4)
5-lug: Star (1-3-5-2-4)
6-lug: Opposite pairs (1-4-2-5-3-6)
8-lug: Star across bolt circle

Recommended Tool

Capri Tools 1/2″ Drive Flex-Head Split Beam Torque Wrench

50-250 ft-lbs range covers every vehicle in this guide. Split-beam holds your setting between uses. 72-tooth flex head for tight clearance. +/-4% accuracy, ISO 6789 certified.

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Torque Charts by Make and Model

All values in foot-pounds (ft-lbs) for OEM wheels. Always verify against your owner’s manual.

Acura

Model Year Range Torque (ft-lbs)
CL (all) 1997-2003 80
ILX 2013-2022 80
Integra 1986-2001 80
Legend 1986-1995 80
MDX 2001-2006 80
MDX 2007-2013 95
MDX 2014-2016 80
MDX 2018-2022 95
NSX (NA1/NA2) 1991-2005 80
NSX 2016-2022 120
RDX 2007-2022 80
RL 2005-2012 95
RLX 2014-2018 95
RSX 2002-2006 80
TL 1996-2008 80
TL 2009-2014 95
TLX (2.4L) 2016-2019 80
TLX (all) 2020-2022 95
TSX 2004-2006 90
TSX 2007-2014 80

Alfa Romeo

Model Year Range Torque (ft-lbs)
4C 2015-2018 75
Giulia 2018-2022 90
Stelvio 2018-2022 90

Audi

Model Year Range Torque (ft-lbs)
A3 (all) 2006-2020 90
A4 (all) 1996-2022 90
A5 (all) 2008-2022 90
A6 (all) 1995-2022 90
A7 2012-2022 90
A8/A8L 1997-2021 90
Q3 2015-2018 105
Q3 2019-2022 100
Q5 2011-2022 100
Q7 2007-2022 120
Q8 2019-2022 120
R8 2008-2022 90
RS/S models (cars) Various 90
S4/S5/S6/S7/S8 Various 90
TT / TT RS / TTS 1999-2022 90

BMW

Model Year Range Torque (ft-lbs)
1 Series 2008-2013 88
2 Series 2014-2022 120
3 Series 1980-2010 88
3 Series (F30+) 2011-2022 120
4 Series 2014-2022 120
5 Series 1980-2010 88
5 Series (F10+) 2011-2022 120
6 Series 2006-2010 103
7 Series 2002-2008 103
7 Series (F01+) 2009-2022 120
X1 2013-2022 120
X3 2004-2022 120
X5 2000-2022 120
X6 2008-2022 120
X7 2019-2022 120
Z4 2003-2022 88-120
M2/M3/M4/M5/M8 Various 88-120

Buick

Model Year Range Torque (ft-lbs)
All models 1990-2022 100

Cadillac

Model Year Range Torque (ft-lbs)
ATS 2013-2019 100
CT4/CT5 2020-2022 100
CTS 2003-2019 100
Escalade 1999-2022 140
SRX 2004-2016 100
XT4/XT5/XT6 2017-2022 100

Chevrolet – Cars

Model Year Range Torque (ft-lbs)
All Car Models (general) 1982-2022 100
Aveo 2004-2006 88
Camaro 2010-2013 110-140
Corvette 1997-2022 100
Cruze 2011-2019 100
Geo Metro 1990-2001 45
Geo Prizm 1990-2002 76
Malibu 2013+ 111
Spark 2013-2022 100
Volt 2011-2019 100

Chevrolet – Trucks & SUVs

Model Year Range Torque (ft-lbs)
Colorado 2004-2022 100
Equinox 2005-2022 100
Silverado 1500 1999-2022 140
Silverado 2500HD/3500HD 1999-2022 140
Suburban/Tahoe 1995-2022 140
Traverse 2009-2022 100
Trailblazer 2002-2009 100

Chrysler

Model Year Range Torque (ft-lbs)
All models (general) 1995-2017 100
200 2011-2017 100
300 2011-2013 110
300 2014-2022 130
Pacifica 2017-2022 100
Town & Country 1996-2016 100

Dodge – Cars

Model Year Range Torque (ft-lbs)
Avenger 1995-1998 85-100
Challenger 2008-2022 110-130
Charger 2006-2022 110-130
Dart 2013-2016 100
Neon 1995-2005 100

Dodge – Trucks & SUVs

Model Year Range Torque (ft-lbs)
Durango 1998-2022 130
Grand Caravan 1996-2020 100
Journey 2009-2020 100

Ford – Cars

Model Year Range Torque (ft-lbs)
Crown Victoria 2004-2011 85-105
Escort 1990-2003 65-87
Fiesta 2011-2019 100
Five Hundred/Freestyle 2005-2007 100
Focus 2000-2018 94-100
Fusion 2006-2020 100
Mustang 1984-2022 100
Taurus 1986-2019 100

Ford – Trucks & SUVs

Model Year Range Torque (ft-lbs)
Bronco 2021-2022 150
Edge 2007-2022 100
Escape 2001-2022 100
Expedition (6-lug) 2003-2022 150
Explorer 1991-2022 100
F-150 (M12 lugs) 2000-2022 100
F-150 (M14 lugs) 2000-2022 148-150
F-250/F-350 Super Duty 1999-2005 155
F-250/F-350 Super Duty 2006-2022 160-165
Ranger 1990-2022 100

GMC

Model Year Range Torque (ft-lbs)
Acadia 2007-2022 100
Canyon 2004-2022 100
Sierra 1500 1999-2022 140
Sierra 2500HD/3500HD 1999-2022 140
Terrain 2010-2022 100
Yukon/Yukon XL 1995-2022 140

Honda

Model Year Range Torque (ft-lbs)
Accord 1990-2022 80
Civic 1990-2022 80
CR-V 1997-2022 80
Element 2003-2011 80
Fit 2007-2020 80
HR-V 2016-2022 80
Insight 2010-2022 80
Odyssey 2005-2022 94
Passport 2019-2022 94
Pilot 2003-2022 94
Ridgeline 2006-2022 94
S2000 1999-2009 80

Hyundai

Model Year Range Torque (ft-lbs)
Accent 1995-2022 65-80
Elantra 1996-2022 65-80
Ioniq 5 2022 80
Kona 2018-2022 80
Palisade 2020-2022 80
Santa Fe 2001-2022 65-80
Sonata 1995-2022 65-80
Tucson 2005-2022 65-80
Veloster 2012-2021 65-80

Infiniti

Model Year Range Torque (ft-lbs)
G35/G37/Q50 2003-2022 80-83
FX35/FX50/QX70 2003-2018 83
QX60 2013-2022 83
QX80 2011-2022 98

Jeep

Model Year Range Torque (ft-lbs)
Cherokee 1984-2022 100
Compass 2007-2022 100
Gladiator 2020-2022 130
Grand Cherokee 1993-2022 100-130
Renegade 2015-2022 100
Wrangler (JK) 2007-2018 95-100
Wrangler (JL) 2018-2022 130

Kia

Model Year Range Torque (ft-lbs)
Forte 2010-2022 65-80
Optima/K5 2001-2022 65-80
Sorento 2003-2022 65-80
Soul 2010-2022 65-80
Sportage 2005-2022 65-80
Telluride 2020-2022 80

Lexus

Model Year Range Torque (ft-lbs)
ES 1990-2022 76
GS 1993-2020 76
GX 2003-2022 83
IS 1999-2022 76
LC 2018-2022 76
LX 1996-2022 97
NX 2015-2022 76
RC 2015-2022 76
RX 1999-2022 76

Lincoln

Model Year Range Torque (ft-lbs)
Aviator 2020-2022 100
Continental 1995-2020 100
Corsair 2020-2022 100
MKC/MKX/MKZ 2007-2020 100
Navigator (M12 lugs) 1997-2002 100
Navigator (M14 lugs) 2003-2022 146-150
Town Car 1990-2011 100

Mazda

Model Year Range Torque (ft-lbs)
3 2004-2022 80-100
6 2003-2021 80-100
CX-3 2016-2021 80
CX-30 2020-2022 80
CX-5 2013-2022 80-100
CX-9 2007-2022 80-100
CX-50 2023-2024 80
Miata/MX-5 1990-2022 65-87

Mercedes-Benz

Model Year Range Torque (ft-lbs)
A-Class 2019-2022 96
C-Class 1994-2022 96
CLA 2014-2022 96
CLS 2006-2022 96
E-Class 1990-2022 96
G-Class 2002-2022 110
GLA/GLB/GLC 2015-2022 96
GLE/GLS 2006-2022 110
S-Class 1992-2022 96
SL/SLC 1990-2022 96
AMG models Various 96-110

Mitsubishi

Model Year Range Torque (ft-lbs)
Eclipse 1990-2012 65-100
Eclipse Cross 2018-2022 66-80
Lancer 2002-2017 66-80
Outlander 2003-2022 66-80
Outlander Sport 2011-2022 66-80

Nissan

Model Year Range Torque (ft-lbs)
350Z/370Z 2003-2020 80-98
Altima 1993-2022 80-98
Frontier 1998-2022 98
GT-R 2009-2022 80
Kicks 2018-2022 80
Leaf 2011-2022 80
Maxima 1990-2022 80-98
Murano 2003-2022 80-98
Pathfinder 1996-2022 98
Rogue 2008-2022 80-83
Sentra 1990-2022 80
Titan 2004-2022 98-118
Versa 2007-2022 80

Porsche

Model Year Range Torque (ft-lbs)
718 Boxster/Cayman 2017-2022 96
911 (996/997) 1999-2012 96
911 (991/992) 2012-2022 96-118
Cayenne 2003-2022 118-133
Macan 2015-2022 96-118
Panamera 2010-2022 96-118
Taycan 2020-2022 96-118

Ram

Model Year Range Torque (ft-lbs)
1500 1994-2022 130-135
2500 1994-2022 135-142
3500 1994-2022 135-142
3500 (DRW) 2000-2022 140-165
ProMaster 2014-2022 100

Subaru

Model Year Range Torque (ft-lbs)
All models (general) 1990-2022 65-90
BRZ 2013-2022 89
Crosstrek 2013-2022 89
Forester 1998-2022 65-89
Impreza/WRX/STI 1993-2022 65-89
Legacy 1990-2022 65-89
Outback 1995-2022 65-89

Tesla

Model Year Range Torque (ft-lbs)
Model 3 2017-2022 129
Model S 2012-2022 129
Model X 2016-2022 129
Model Y 2020-2022 129

Toyota

Model Year Range Torque (ft-lbs)
4Runner 1990-2022 83-90
86 / GR86 2013-2022 89
Camry 1990-2022 76
Corolla 1990-2022 76
GR Supra 2020-2022 120
Highlander 2001-2022 76
Land Cruiser 1990-2022 97
Prius 2001-2022 76
RAV4 1996-2022 76
Sequoia 2001-2022 83-97
Sienna 1998-2022 76
Tacoma 1995-2022 83-90
Tundra 2000-2022 97

Volkswagen

Model Year Range Torque (ft-lbs)
Atlas 2018-2022 90
Beetle 1998-2019 90
CC 2009-2017 90
Golf/GTI/R 1990-2022 90
ID.4 2021-2022 88 (120 Nm)
Jetta 1990-2022 90
Passat 1990-2022 90
Tiguan 2009-2022 90
Touareg 2004-2017 120

Volvo

Model Year Range Torque (ft-lbs)
All models (general) 1990-2022 81-103
S60 2001-2022 81-103
S90 2017-2022 103
V60/V90 2015-2022 103
XC40 2019-2022 103
XC60 2010-2022 103
XC90 2003-2022 103
Thread Size Typical Application Torque Range (ft-lbs)
M10 x 1.25 Small cars (Miata, older Japanese) 65-76
M12 x 1.25 Japanese cars (Nissan, Subaru) 72-87
M12 x 1.5 Most passenger cars 70-100
M14 x 1.5 Trucks, large SUVs, European cars 85-120
M14 x 2.0 Heavy-duty trucks 120-165
7/16″-20 Older domestic vehicles 55-65
1/2″-20 Domestic cars, light trucks 75-100
9/16″-18 Full-size trucks, vans 135-145

Note: BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, Audi, and Porsche commonly use lug bolts rather than lug nuts. Same torquing principles apply.

General Torque Guidelines by Thread Size

Typical ranges when you cannot find a vehicle-specific spec

Always verify with your vehicle’s documentation. These are general starting points based on thread size.

Thread Size Typical Application Torque Range (ft-lbs)
M10 x 1.25 Small cars (Miata, older Japanese) 65-76
M12 x 1.25 Japanese cars (Nissan, Subaru) 72-87
M12 x 1.5 Most passenger cars 70-100
M14 x 1.5 Trucks, large SUVs, European cars 85-120
M14 x 2.0 Heavy-duty trucks 120-165
7/16″-20 Older domestic vehicles 55-65
1/2″-20 Domestic cars, light trucks 75-100
9/16″-18 Full-size trucks, vans 135-145

Steel Wheels vs. Alloy Wheels

Does the torque spec change?

In most cases, the torque specification does not change between steel and alloy wheels – it is determined by the stud size, thread pitch, and hub design. However, there are important exceptions:

Some manufacturers specify different torque for steel vs. aluminum (e.g., certain Chevrolet models)

Aftermarket wheels may have different seat types (conical vs. flat) that require different lug nuts

Magnesium wheels are more sensitive to over-torquing and may crack

When in doubt, always check the wheel manufacturer’s recommendations

Common Mistakes to Avoid

These errors can lead to wheel failure

Using an Impact Gun for Final Torque

Impact guns deliver inconsistent torque. They are great for removal and initial snugging, but always finish with a calibrated torque wrench.

Lubricating Lug Nut Threads

Do not apply oil, grease, or anti-seize unless the manufacturer calls for it. Lubrication reduces friction, so a 100 ft-lb reading could actually apply 130+ ft-lbs of clamping force – enough to stretch studs and warp rotors.

Skipping the Re-Torque

New wheels, new tires, and tire rotations all call for a re-torque check after 50-100 miles. Wheels settle against the hub and lugs may loosen.

Using the Wrong Lug Nut Style

Lug nuts come in conical (tapered), spherical (ball seat), flat seat, and mag seat types. The wrong type will not center the wheel properly.

What Torque Wrench Should You Use?

Key specs to look for

For most passenger cars, a 1/2-inch drive click-type torque wrench with a range that covers your vehicle’s spec is all you need. For heavy-duty trucks, you may need a wrench that reaches 200+ ft-lbs.

+/-4% Accuracy

Certified to ISO 6789 standards

Clear Scale

Both ft-lbs and Nm markings

Flex Head

Clearance in tight wheel wells

Split-Beam Design

Holds setting between uses

Capri Tools 1/2″ Flex-Head Split Beam Torque Wrench

  • 50-250 ft-lbs range
  • 72-tooth fine ratchet with flex head
  • No need to dial back to zero between uses
  • Certificate of Conformance with traceable serial number
  • Custom blow-mold storage case included

Shop the Split Beam Torque Wrench →

Browse our full lineup of Components and Clearance to find the right fit.

That’s It – Less Than 5 Minutes to Do It Right

Proper lug nut torque could prevent a wheel-off incident that endangers you and everyone else on the road. Bookmark this page for quick reference.

Vehicle not listed? Contact us and we will look it up for you.

Disclaimer: Torque specifications listed here are compiled from OEM service manuals and manufacturer documentation. Values can vary by trim level, wheel size, and model year. Always verify against your specific vehicle’s owner’s manual. Capri Tools is not responsible for any damage resulting from incorrect torque application.

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Using a Torque Adapter or Extension?

When using a torque adapter, the added length changes the effective lever arm. Our free calculator does the math instantly — just enter your measurements and get the correct wrench setting.

Try the Torque Adapter Calculator →

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