2018 GMC Sierra 1500 Lug Nut Torque & Bolt Specs

The 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 lug nut torque is 140 ft-lbs (190 Nm), tightened with a 22mm socket on M14x1.5 studs. Torque in a star pattern in two passes (snug, then final), and re-check after the first 50–100 miles of driving. Use a calibrated torque wrench — not an impact gun — for the final pass.

Lug nut torque: 140 ft-lbs (190 Nm) · Socket size: 22mm · Thread: M14x1.5.

This page is the OEM-referenced fastener summary for the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. Use it before any maintenance or repair job where torque values matter — brake work, wheel changes, suspension service, engine teardowns, or oil changes. Specs are pulled from manufacturer service literature, cross-checked against community data, and updated as new chassis variants become available.

GM lug-nut torque clusters around 140 ft-lbs (190 Nm) for half-ton Silverado/Sierra and 100 ft-lbs for passenger cars like Malibu, Impala, and Cruze. GM heavy-duty trucks (2500HD/3500HD) jump to 165 ft-lbs. Most GM passenger cars use a 19mm socket; trucks moved from 22mm to 22mm-with-deep-well in 2014. Watch for GM's flat-flange lug nut design on the Silverado — the standard cone-seat aftermarket lugs will not seat correctly.

Common fastener categories on the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500

Wheel / lug nut torque and thread spec (covered above)
Brake caliper bracket bolts (typically 80-130 ft-lbs) and slide/guide pins (18-35 ft-lbs)
Engine oil drain plug torque — rarely above 30 ft-lbs; always use a new crush washer
Transmission pan, valve cover, and intake manifold bolts (low torque, often 89-106 in-lbs)
Suspension control arm, sway bar, tie rod end and ball joint torque
Spark plug torque (typically 10-15 ft-lbs on aluminum heads — do not exceed)
Differential cover bolts (RWD/4WD only) and transfer case fasteners

Repair guidance for this model year

For 2018 model-year work: This era introduced widespread torque-to-yield (TTY) bolts on head, main, and crank pulley fasteners. TTY bolts stretch permanently when torqued and must not be reused — the spec calls for a fresh bolt every time. Always verify TTY status against the FSM before reassembly.

Tools you will need

Metric socket set (8mm-22mm), 6-point impact-rated
Calibrated torque wrench (10-150 ft-lbs covers most automotive jobs; add a 0-250 ft-lbs wrench for truck lug nuts)
Breaker bar (24" minimum) for initial loosening
Penetrating oil (PB Blaster or Kroil) for any fastener over 5 years old
Anti-seize on stainless or dissimilar-metal threads; thread-locker (Loctite blue) on critical reassembly

Frequently asked questions

What is the lug nut torque on a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500?

The OEM-specified lug-nut torque for the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 is 140 ft-lbs (190 Nm), using a 22mm socket on M14x1.5 thread studs. Use a calibrated torque wrench in a star pattern, in two passes (50% and 100%), and re-check after 50-100 miles of driving.

What socket size do I need for the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 lug nuts?

The 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 uses a 22mm socket. A 6-point impact-rated socket is recommended over a 12-point chrome socket — 12-points round off lug nuts under impact-driver use.

Are the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 fasteners metric or SAE?

Metric is the standard for this vehicle. Most fasteners on this vehicle are metric (M6, M8, M10, M12, M14). Bring a full metric set; SAE substitutes can round the head. Bolt-head markings are the fastest way to confirm grade and material at the bench.

Other GMC Sierra 1500 years

Same model, different model year — fastener spec may change. Always confirm against the year for your VIN.

→ 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 oil drain plug torque & size

→ 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 suspension & steering torque specs (control arm, ball joint, tie rod)

All 55 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 fastener specs

Per-bolt torque, wrench size, and thread spec for the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500, sourced from OEM service literature and verified against community shop data. Values pair imperial (ft-lb) and metric (Nm) where the manufacturer publishes both. 2 of the 55 fastener specs on this page are independently verified against OEM service manuals and manufacturer torque data.

Engine — 2018 GMC Sierra 1500

Engine bolt-by-bolt torque for the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500, including the long block, valve covers, and intake. The valve cover bolt uses a 10mm drive on a M6x1.0 thread, torqued to 89 in-lbs at the valve cover. At the thermostat housing, the thermostat housing bolt torques to 18 ft-lbs (10mm drive, M8x1.25 thread). For the engine block, plan for a 3/4" Socket tool on a N/A stud; final torque is Hand tight + 3/4 turn (oil filter). Confirmed against manufacturer service literature. Oil pan bolt tightens to 18 ft-lbs, takes a 10mm driver, runs on M8x1.25 threads, located at the oil pan. The intake manifold bolt uses a 13mm drive on a M10x1.5 thread, torqued to 18 ft-lbs at the intake manifold. At the belt tensioner, the serpentine belt tensioner bolt torques to 37 ft-lbs (15mm drive, M10x1.5 thread). For the oil pan, plan for a 15mm tool on a M12x1.75 stud; final torque is 18 ft-lbs (25 Nm) (oil drain plug). Power steering pump bolt tightens to 37 ft-lbs, takes a 13mm driver, runs on M10x1.5 threads, located at the ps pump bracket. The alternator bolt uses a 15mm drive on a M10x1.5 thread, torqued to 37 ft-lbs at the alternator bracket. At the timing cover, the timing cover bolt torques to 18 ft-lbs (10mm drive, M8x1.25 thread). For the fuel rail, plan for a 10mm tool on a M8x1.25 stud; final torque is 89 in-lbs (fuel rail bolt). Engine mount bolt tightens to 70 ft-lbs, takes a 18mm driver, runs on M12x1.75 threads, located at the engine mount. The spark plug uses a 5/8 in. (16mm) drive on a M14x1.25 thread, torqued to 11 ft-lbs (15 Nm) at the cylinder head. This figure is independently verified against OEM service data. At the idler pulley, the idler pulley bolt torques to 37 ft-lbs (15mm drive, M10x1.5 thread). For the throttle body, plan for a 10mm tool on a M8x1.25 stud; final torque is 89 in-lbs (throttle body bolt). Air intake boot clamp tightens to Hand tight, takes a 8mm driver, runs on N/A threads, located at the air intake. The water pump bolt uses a 13mm drive on a M10x1.5 thread, torqued to 33 ft-lbs at the water pump. At the exhaust manifold, the exhaust manifold stud torques to 25 ft-lbs (13mm drive, M8x1.25 thread).

Suspension — 2018 GMC Sierra 1500

Suspension and chassis fastener torque for the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 — strut, control arm, and sway bar values. At the frame, the sway bar bracket bolt torques to 35 ft-lbs (15mm drive, M10x1.5 thread). For the frame rail, plan for a 18mm tool on a M12x1.75 stud; final torque is 110 ft-lbs (steering gearbox bolt). Sway bar end link nut tightens to 35 ft-lbs, takes a 15mm driver, runs on M10x1.5 threads, located at the sway bar link. The upper control arm bolt uses a 21mm drive on a M14x2.0 thread, torqued to 140 ft-lbs at the upper control arm. At the strut tower, the strut tower nut torques to 44 ft-lbs (18mm drive, M12x1.75 thread). For the tie rod, plan for a 19mm tool on a M12x1.75 stud; final torque is 40 ft-lbs (tie rod end nut). Pitman arm nut tightens to 185 ft-lbs, takes a 27mm driver, runs on M16x1.5 threads, located at the steering box. The shock absorber lower bolt uses a 18mm drive on a M12x1.75 thread, torqued to 70 ft-lbs at the lower mount. At the shock tower, the shock absorber upper bolt torques to 70 ft-lbs (18mm drive, M12x1.75 thread). For the lower control arm, plan for a 21mm tool on a M14x2.0 stud; final torque is 140 ft-lbs (lower control arm bolt). Leaf spring u-bolt tightens to 120 ft-lbs, takes a 19mm driver, runs on M12x1.75 threads, located at the rear axle. The ball joint castle nut uses a 22mm drive on a M14x1.5 thread, torqued to 50 ft-lbs at the ball joint.

Brake — 2018 GMC Sierra 1500

Brake fasteners on the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. For the firewall, plan for a 15mm tool on a M10x1.5 stud; final torque is 20 ft-lbs (brake booster nut). Abs sensor bolt tightens to 13 ft-lbs, takes a 10mm driver, runs on M8x1.25 threads, located at the wheel hub. The brake line fitting uses a 11mm drive on a M10x1.0 thread, torqued to 12 ft-lbs at the brake lines. At the caliper bracket, the caliper guide pin torques to 25 ft-lbs (13mm drive, M10x1.5 thread). For the brake booster, plan for a 13mm tool on a M8x1.25 stud; final torque is 18 ft-lbs (master cylinder nut). Brake pad retaining clip tightens to N/A, takes a N/A driver, runs on N/A threads, located at the caliper bracket. The brake hose banjo bolt uses a 14mm drive on a M10x1.0 thread, torqued to 30 ft-lbs at the brake caliper. At the brake rotor, the brake rotor set screw torques to 35 in-lbs (T30 Torx drive, M6x1.0 thread). For the brake caliper, plan for a 18mm tool on a M12x1.75 stud; final torque is 80 ft-lbs (caliper mounting bolt). Parking brake cable bolt tightens to 25 ft-lbs, takes a 13mm driver, runs on M8x1.25 threads, located at the rear caliper.

Transmission — 2018 GMC Sierra 1500

Transmission fasteners on the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. Transmission crossmember bolt tightens to 70 ft-lbs, takes a 18mm driver, runs on M12x1.75 threads, located at the frame. The driveshaft u-joint strap bolt uses a 13mm drive on a M8x1.25 thread, torqued to 15 ft-lbs at the driveshaft. At the bell housing, the bell housing bolt torques to 37 ft-lbs (18mm drive, M12x1.75 thread). For the transmission, plan for a 17mm tool on a N/A stud; final torque is 20 ft-lbs (transmission cooler line fitting). Torque converter bolt tightens to 46 ft-lbs, takes a 15mm driver, runs on M10x1.5 threads, located at the flex plate. The transmission pan bolt uses a 13mm drive on a M8x1.25 thread, torqued to 12 ft-lbs at the trans pan. At the transfer case, the transfer case bolt torques to 37 ft-lbs (15mm drive, M10x1.5 thread). For the trans mount, plan for a 18mm tool on a M12x1.75 stud; final torque is 70 ft-lbs (transmission mount bolt). Transfer case drain plug tightens to 15 ft-lbs, takes a 15mm driver, runs on M14x1.5 threads, located at the transfer case.

Wheel — 2018 GMC Sierra 1500

Wheel fasteners on the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. The wheel stud uses a N/A drive on a M14x1.5 thread, torqued to N/A at the wheel hub. At the wheel rim, the tpms valve stem nut torques to 35 in-lbs (8mm drive, N/A thread). For the wheel center, plan for a N/A tool on a N/A stud; final torque is N/A (center cap retainer). Hub cap screw tightens to 15 ft-lbs, takes a 10mm driver, runs on M6x1.0 threads, located at the wheel hub. The lug nut uses a 22mm drive on a M14x1.5 thread, torqued to 140 ft-lbs (190 Nm) at the wheel assembly. At the wheel rim, the wheel weight clip torques to N/A (N/A drive, N/A thread).

New to torquing wheels? Read our How lug nut torque works — the complete guide for star-pattern sequence, re-torque intervals, and how to read a lug spec — then use the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 numbers above.

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