Axle Nut Torque Specs Chart

OEM-referenced CV axle / hub nut torque specs and socket sizes for the most common vehicles, plus a free per-vehicle lookup for everything else. The axle nut (hub nut, spindle nut) retains the CV axle in the wheel hub and on many designs sets the wheel bearing preload — specs run from about 30 ft-lbs to nearly 300 ft-lbs depending on the design, so never guess and never reuse a staked or crimp-collar nut that the manufacturer lists as single-use.

Axle nut torque specs by vehicle (chart)

Common front axle nut torque specs from our OEM-referenced database: Toyota Camry 2018-2024: 217 ft-lbs (294 Nm), 30mm socket. Toyota Corolla 2020-2026: 159 ft-lbs (216 Nm), 30mm. Toyota RAV4 2019-2026: 217 ft-lbs (294 Nm), 30mm; 2006-2018: 159 ft-lbs (216 Nm), 30mm 12-point. Toyota Tacoma 4WD 2016-2026: 173 ft-lbs (235 Nm), 35mm. Toyota 4Runner 2003-2009: 173 ft-lbs, 35mm. Honda Civic 1992-2005: 134 ft-lbs (181 Nm), 32mm. Honda CR-V 2023-2026: 134 ft-lbs (181 Nm), 32mm. Ford Escape 2008-2012: 221 ft-lbs (300 Nm), 32mm; 2013+: 59 ft-lbs (80 Nm) plus 90 degrees, 32mm. Ford F-150 4WD 2015-2023: 30 ft-lbs, 36mm (low by design — the bolted hub bearing carries the load; the nut only retains the halfshaft). Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD: 177 ft-lbs (1999-2009), 188 ft-lbs (2010+), 35-36mm. Chevrolet Equinox 2005-2026: 159 ft-lbs, 34mm. Subaru Outback and Impreza: 137 ft-lbs (186 Nm), 35mm. Hyundai Elantra 2017-2020: 217 ft-lbs (294 Nm), 34mm. Kia Sportage 2010-2026: 170-200 ft-lbs (230-270 Nm), 32mm. Specs can differ by trim, drivetrain, and production date — always verify against your factory service manual.

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.

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