Axle Nut Torque Specs Chart

Axle nut torque specs by vehicle (chart)

Front axle nut torque specs: Toyota Camry (FWD) 1992-2021: 217 ft-lbs (294 Nm) (new nut; stake the collar). Toyota Corolla 2003-2021: 159 ft-lbs (216 Nm) (new nut; stake the collar). Toyota RAV4 2019-2021: 217 ft-lbs (294 Nm) (new nut; stake the collar). Toyota RAV4 2013-2018: 215 ft-lbs (292 Nm). Toyota Tacoma (4WD) 1997-2021: 173 ft-lbs (235 Nm). Toyota 4Runner (4WD) 1996-2021: 173 ft-lbs (235 Nm). Honda Civic 1984-2006: 133 ft-lbs (181 Nm). Honda CR-V 2007-2021: 242 ft-lbs (328 Nm) (new nut; stake the collar). Ford Escape 2004-2012: 221 ft-lbs (300 Nm). Ford Escape 2013-2019: 59 ft-lbs (80 Nm) + 90° (new oe nut). Ford Escape 2020-2024: 74 ft-lbs (100 Nm) + 60° (new oe nut). Ford F-150 (4WD) 2013-2021: 30 ft-lbs (40 Nm) (new oe nut). Ford F-150 (4WD) 2004-2012: 20 ft-lbs (27 Nm) (new oe nut). Ford Explorer (4WD) 2016-2019: 258 ft-lbs (350 Nm) (new oe nut). Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (4WD) 1999-2009: 177 ft-lbs (240 Nm). Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (4WD) 2010-2018: 188 ft-lbs (255 Nm). Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (4WD) 2019-2021: 133 ft-lbs (180 Nm), loosen 45°, then 199 ft-lbs (270 Nm) (new oe nut). Chevrolet Equinox 2005-2017: 151 ft-lbs (205 Nm). Chevrolet Equinox 2019-2021: 210 ft-lbs (285 Nm), loosen 360°, then 185 ft-lbs (250 Nm) (new oe nut). Subaru Outback / Legacy 2004-2021: 162 ft-lbs (220 Nm). Subaru Impreza 2004-2021: 162 ft-lbs (220 Nm). Hyundai Elantra 2018-2021: 217 ft-lbs (294 Nm). Hyundai Elantra 2007-2017: 202 ft-lbs (274 Nm). Kia Sportage 2017-2021: 232 ft-lbs (314 Nm) (new nut; stake the collar). Kia Sportage 2011-2016: 202 ft-lbs (274 Nm). Values from the SKF Torque Specification Guide (2023), which reproduces OE axle nut specs through model year 2021, and Ford TSB 24-2421 for the 2020-2024 Escape. Years outside these ranges are not listed because we could not source them. Always confirm in the factory service manual for your exact vehicle.

What does the axle nut do?

The axle nut clamps the CV axle stub shaft into the wheel hub. On many designs it also sets the wheel bearing preload — which is why the torque value is large, exact, and safety-critical. A loose axle nut lets the bearing run loose and fail; an over-torqued one destroys the preload and cooks the bearing.

Do I need a new axle nut every time?

On many vehicles, yes. Staked axle nuts (the collar is punched into a groove in the CV shaft) and crimp-collar lock nuts are single-use — once un-staked they cannot be trusted to hold torque. Castle nuts with a new cotter pin can typically be reused if the threads are clean and undamaged. Check your service manual.

Can I use an impact wrench on an axle nut?

Use an impact only for removal, never for final tightening. Hammering the nut to its final torque overshoots the spec, damages the bearing, and can crack the hub. Bring the nut to spec with a calibrated torque wrench while a helper holds the brakes (or with the wheel on the ground), then stake the collar or fit a new cotter pin.

Tools for the job

As an Amazon Associate WhatSizeBolt earns from qualifying purchases. Tool picks are general options, not a fit guarantee for your vehicle or fastener.

• Torque Wrench (1/2 in., up to 250 ft-lbs)Axle nuts run 118–250 ft-lbs on most cars — a standard 150 ft-lb wrench maxes out below spec.LEXIVON 1/2" Drive Click Torque Wrench, 25–250 ft-lb (LX-184) — view on Amazon
• Axle Nut Socket Set (27–38mm)Axle nuts take deep 30, 32, 34, 35, or 36mm sockets — bigger than anything in a basic set.SEDY 1/2" Drive Deep Impact Axle Nut Socket Set, 27–38 mm (11 pc) — view on Amazon
• Breaker Bar (24 in.)Breaking a 200 ft-lb axle nut loose safely takes leverage, not an undersized ratchet.DURATECH 1/2" Drive 24-in Breaker Bar, 240° Flex Head — view on Amazon
• Center Punch & Chisel SetStaked axle nuts must be un-staked before removal and re-staked into the groove after torquing.HORUSDY 16-Piece Punch and Chisel Set — view on Amazon