Torque Specifications

A comprehensive reference guide for generic torque values. Always consult your factory service manual for critical fasteners.

Wheels & Tyres

Wheel lug nuts / bolts – small car / compact90–120 Nm

Pattern: star / criss-cross, 2 passes

Wheel lug nuts / bolts – family sedan100–130 Nm

Pattern: star, 2–3 passes

Wheel lug nuts / bolts – SUV / light truck110–150 Nm

Pattern: star, 2–3 passes

Wheel lug nuts / bolts – light commercial / van140–200 Nm

Pattern: star, 2–3 passes

Motorcycle wheel fasteners (generalised)70–110 Nm (axle nuts can be higher)

Note: Model-specific – check manual

Lubrication & Fluid Plugs / Caps

Engine oil drain plug – small car / compact25–40 Nm

Engine oil drain plug – larger engines / SUV35–55 Nm

Manual gearbox drain/fill plugs (passenger car)30–50 Nm

Differential drain/fill plugs (light vehicles)35–60 Nm

Automatic transmission drain plug (if present)20–40 Nm

Note: Strong “OEM only” note – many have special procedures.

Coolant drain plug (block / radiator)8–15 Nm

Brake bleed screws7–12 Nm

Banjo bolt on brake hose20–30 Nm

Engine – External & Ancillaries

Alternator bracket/main mounting bolts25–50 Nm

Accessory belt tensioner bolts20–40 Nm

Power steering pump mounting bolts25–45 Nm

Air-conditioning compressor mounting bolts20–40 Nm

Engine mount to body bolts (small car)50–90 Nm

Engine mount to block/bracket bolts40–80 Nm

Engine – Top End & Ignition

Spark plugs – standard M14 in aluminium head15–25 Nm

Spark plugs – smaller (M10/M12)10–18 Nm

Ignition coil retaining bolts8–12 Nm

Valve / rocker cover bolts7–12 Nm

Camshaft position sensor bolts6–10 Nm

Crankshaft position sensor bolts8–12 Nm

Plastic timing belt covers5–8 Nm

Engine – Internals & Critical Joints (OEM manual only)

Cylinder head bolts / studsOEM spec required

Main bearing cap boltsOEM spec required

Connecting rod boltsOEM spec required

Flywheel / flexplate boltsOEM spec required

Crank pulley / harmonic balancer centre boltOEM spec required

Camshaft sprocket boltsOEM spec required

Internal timing components with angle-tighteningOEM spec required

Cooling System

Thermostat housing bolts (plastic/aluminium)8–12 Nm

Water pump mounting bolts (small engines)10–20 Nm

Radiator fan shroud bolts5–10 Nm

Radiator mounting bolts8–15 Nm

Hose clamp screws (worm drive)Snug, not torqued

Note: By feel, do not over-tighten

Intake & Exhaust

Throttle body to intake manifold7–12 Nm

Intake manifold to head – small petrol engine15–25 Nm

Intake manifold support brackets to block20–35 Nm

Exhaust manifold nuts to head – small petrol20–35 Nm

Exhaust manifold to head – turbo diesel / turbo petrol25–45 Nm

Note: Often with sequence – add “OEM sequence recommended”

Downpipe to turbo / manifold flange nuts25–40 Nm

Exhaust clamp U-bolts25–35 Nm

Fuel System (low-pressure / external parts only)

Fuel rail mounting bolts (port-injection petrol)8–12 Nm

Fuel injector hold-down clamps8–15 Nm

High-pressure diesel injectorsOEM only

Note: Very model-specific

Fuel filter housing mounting bolts8–15 Nm

Fuel tank strap bolts (small car)25–40 Nm

High-pressure common-rail partsOEM only

Note: No generic values

Brakes

Brake caliper guide/slider pins (floating caliper)25–35 Nm

Caliper bracket / carrier to knuckle (front, small–mid car)75–110 Nm

Caliper bracket / carrier (SUV / light truck)100–140 Nm

Brake disc retaining screw (small screw in hub face)4–8 Nm

Brake master cylinder to booster studs15–25 Nm

Brake booster to firewall nuts20–30 Nm

Handbrake cable bracket bolts8–15 Nm

Drivetrain & Axles (external fasteners)

Driveshaft CV joint bolts (inner, to gearbox flange)40–70 Nm

Note: Often plus angle – mark as “OEM recommended”

Front axle / hub nut (passenger car)150–300+ Nm

Note: Very model-specific; mark as “critical – OEM only”

Rear axle shaft flange bolts (RWD)50–90 Nm

Propshaft (driveshaft) flange bolts40–70 Nm

Suspension

Strut to steering knuckle bolts (MacPherson)100–140 Nm

Strut top mount nuts (to body tower)25–60 Nm

Note: Check style

Shock absorber lower bolts (rear beam/axle)70–110 Nm

Shock absorber upper mounting nut/bolt20–40 Nm

Front lower control arm to subframe/body80–140 Nm

Ball joint to control arm pinch bolt35–70 Nm

Anti-roll bar (sway bar) drop link nuts35–60 Nm

Anti-roll bar brackets to subframe25–45 Nm

Subframe mounting bolts (front, passenger car)OEM only

Note: Commonly torque + angle – mark as “OEM only, safety-critical”

Steering

Outer tie-rod end to knuckle30–60 Nm

Inner tie-rod to rack (if specified)OEM only

Note: Often special tool, spec is very model-specific

Steering rack to subframe/body bolts60–100 Nm

Note: Mark as “safety-critical – check OEM”

Steering column universal joint pinch bolt25–40 Nm

Steering wheel nut/bolt40–80 Nm

Note: Include airbag safety note rather than focusing on torque alone

Body, Chassis & Seats

Seat mounting bolts (front seats)30–50 Nm

Seat belt anchor bolts35–55 Nm

Note: Mark as “safety-critical – OEM recommended”

Tow hook / towing eye bolts (removable type)40–80 Nm

Note: Often “tighten firmly”; if threaded permanently

Bumper reinforcement beam to chassis rails40–80 Nm

Strut brace to top mounts20–40 Nm