2020 GMC Sierra 1500 Lug Nut Torque & Bolt Specs

The 2020 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 2020 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 2020 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 2020 late-model work: Modern vehicles increasingly use aluminum body and suspension components. Aluminum fastener torque is typically 60-70% of equivalent steel torque, and aluminum threads strip easily. Use a calibrated torque wrench and apply anti-seize on any steel fastener threading into aluminum.

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 2020 GMC Sierra 1500?

The OEM-specified lug-nut torque for the 2020 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 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 lug nuts?

The 2020 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 2020 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.

→ 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 oil drain plug torque & size

→ 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 suspension & steering torque specs (control arm, ball joint, tie rod)

All 55 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 fastener specs

Per-bolt torque, wrench size, and thread spec for the 2020 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. 3 of the 55 fastener specs on this page are independently verified against OEM service manuals and manufacturer torque data (last reviewed June 2026).

Engine — 2020 GMC Sierra 1500

Engine bolt-by-bolt torque for the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500, including the long block, valve covers, and intake. Air intake boot clamp tightens to Hand tight, takes a 8mm driver, runs on N/A threads, located at the air 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 throttle body, the throttle body bolt torques to 89 in-lbs (10mm drive, M8x1.25 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). Serpentine belt tensioner bolt tightens to 37 ft-lbs, takes a 15mm driver, runs on M10x1.5 threads, located at the belt tensioner. The idler pulley bolt uses a 15mm drive on a M10x1.5 thread, torqued to 37 ft-lbs at the idler pulley. At the engine block, the oil filter torques to Hand tight + 3/4 turn (3/4" Socket drive, N/A thread). This figure is independently verified against OEM service data. For the fuel rail, plan for a 10mm tool on a M8x1.25 stud; final torque is 89 in-lbs (fuel rail bolt). Timing cover bolt tightens to 18 ft-lbs, takes a 10mm driver, runs on M8x1.25 threads, located at the timing cover. The thermostat housing bolt uses a 10mm drive on a M8x1.25 thread, torqued to 18 ft-lbs at the thermostat housing. At the oil pan, the oil pan bolt torques to 18 ft-lbs (10mm drive, M8x1.25 thread). For the ps pump bracket, plan for a 13mm tool on a M10x1.5 stud; final torque is 37 ft-lbs (power steering pump bolt). Exhaust manifold stud tightens to 25 ft-lbs, takes a 13mm driver, runs on M8x1.25 threads, located at the exhaust manifold. The water pump bolt uses a 13mm drive on a M10x1.5 thread, torqued to 33 ft-lbs at the water pump. At the engine mount, the engine mount bolt torques to 70 ft-lbs (18mm drive, M12x1.75 thread). For the alternator bracket, plan for a 15mm tool on a M10x1.5 stud; final torque is 37 ft-lbs (alternator bolt). Spark plug tightens to 11 ft-lbs (15 Nm), takes a 5/8 in. (16mm) driver, runs on M14x1.25 threads, located at the cylinder head. OEM-verified spec. The intake manifold bolt uses a 13mm drive on a M10x1.5 thread, torqued to 18 ft-lbs at the intake manifold.

Suspension — 2020 GMC Sierra 1500

Suspension and chassis fastener torque for the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 — strut, control arm, and sway bar values. The sway bar end link nut uses a 15mm drive on a M10x1.5 thread, torqued to 35 ft-lbs at the sway bar link. At the frame rail, the steering gearbox bolt torques to 110 ft-lbs (18mm drive, M12x1.75 thread). For the lower mount, plan for a 18mm tool on a M12x1.75 stud; final torque is 70 ft-lbs (shock absorber lower bolt). Sway bar bracket bolt tightens to 35 ft-lbs, takes a 15mm driver, runs on M10x1.5 threads, located at the frame. The leaf spring u-bolt uses a 19mm drive on a M12x1.75 thread, torqued to 120 ft-lbs at the rear axle. At the ball joint, the ball joint castle nut torques to 50 ft-lbs (22mm drive, M14x1.5 thread). For the upper control arm, plan for a 21mm tool on a M14x2.0 stud; final torque is 140 ft-lbs (upper control arm bolt). Shock absorber upper bolt tightens to 70 ft-lbs, takes a 18mm driver, runs on M12x1.75 threads, located at the shock tower. The tie rod end nut uses a 19mm drive on a M12x1.75 thread, torqued to 40 ft-lbs at the tie rod. At the lower control arm, the lower control arm bolt torques to 140 ft-lbs (21mm drive, M14x2.0 thread). For the steering box, plan for a 27mm tool on a M16x1.5 stud; final torque is 185 ft-lbs (pitman arm nut). Strut tower nut tightens to 44 ft-lbs, takes a 18mm driver, runs on M12x1.75 threads, located at the strut tower.

Transmission — 2020 GMC Sierra 1500

Transmission fasteners on the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. At the transfer case, the transfer case drain plug torques to 15 ft-lbs (15mm drive, M14x1.5 thread). For the driveshaft, plan for a 13mm tool on a M8x1.25 stud; final torque is 15 ft-lbs (driveshaft u-joint strap bolt). Torque converter bolt tightens to 46 ft-lbs, takes a 15mm driver, runs on M10x1.5 threads, located at the flex plate. The transmission cooler line fitting uses a 17mm drive on a N/A thread, torqued to 20 ft-lbs at the transmission. At the trans mount, the transmission mount bolt torques to 70 ft-lbs (18mm drive, M12x1.75 thread). For the frame, plan for a 18mm tool on a M12x1.75 stud; final torque is 70 ft-lbs (transmission crossmember bolt). Transfer case bolt tightens to 37 ft-lbs, takes a 15mm driver, runs on M10x1.5 threads, located at the transfer case. The bell housing bolt uses a 18mm drive on a M12x1.75 thread, torqued to 37 ft-lbs at the bell housing. At the trans pan, the transmission pan bolt torques to 12 ft-lbs (13mm drive, M8x1.25 thread).

Wheel — 2020 GMC Sierra 1500

Wheel fasteners on the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. For the wheel rim, plan for a N/A tool on a N/A stud; final torque is N/A (wheel weight clip). Lug nut tightens to 140 ft-lbs (190 Nm), takes a 22mm driver, runs on M14x1.5 threads, located at the wheel assembly. The hub cap screw uses a 10mm drive on a M6x1.0 thread, torqued to 15 ft-lbs at the wheel hub. At the wheel hub, the wheel stud torques to N/A (N/A drive, M14x1.5 thread). For the wheel center, plan for a N/A tool on a N/A stud; final torque is N/A (center cap retainer). Tpms valve stem nut tightens to 35 in-lbs, takes a 8mm driver, runs on N/A threads, located at the wheel rim.

Brake — 2020 GMC Sierra 1500

Brake fasteners on the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. Parking brake cable bolt tightens to 25 ft-lbs, takes a 13mm driver, runs on M8x1.25 threads, located at the rear caliper. The caliper guide pin uses a 13mm drive on a M10x1.5 thread, torqued to 25 ft-lbs at the caliper bracket. At the brake rotor, the brake rotor set screw torques to 35 in-lbs (T30 Torx drive, M6x1.0 thread). For the wheel hub, plan for a 10mm tool on a M8x1.25 stud; final torque is 13 ft-lbs (abs sensor bolt). Brake booster nut tightens to 20 ft-lbs, takes a 15mm driver, runs on M10x1.5 threads, located at the firewall. The master cylinder nut uses a 13mm drive on a M8x1.25 thread, torqued to 18 ft-lbs at the brake booster. At the brake caliper, the caliper mounting bolt torques to 37 ft-lbs (50 Nm), then +30-45° (torque-to-yield — replace bolts) (18mm drive, M12x1.75 thread). OEM-verified spec. For the brake lines, plan for a 11mm tool on a M10x1.0 stud; final torque is 12 ft-lbs (brake line fitting). Brake hose banjo bolt tightens to 30 ft-lbs, takes a 14mm driver, runs on M10x1.0 threads, located at the brake caliper. The brake pad retaining clip uses a N/A drive on a N/A thread, torqued to N/A at the caliper bracket.

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 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 numbers above.

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