2018 Kia Sorento Lug Nut Torque & Bolt Specs

The 2018 Kia Sorento lug nut torque is 87 ft-lbs, tightened with a 21mm socket on M12x1.5 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: 87 ft-lbs · Socket size: 21mm · Thread: M12x1.5.

This page is the OEM-referenced fastener summary for the 2018 Kia Sorento. 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.

Hyundai/Kia lug-nut torque is 79-88 ft-lbs on nearly all passenger models, M12x1.5 thread, 21mm socket. The Tucson, Sportage, and Santa Fe all use the same fastener spec. Hyundai's oil drain plug threads are unusually fine-pitch and strip easily — always use a torque wrench, not feel.

Common fastener categories on the 2018 Kia Sorento

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 Kia Sorento?

The OEM-specified lug-nut torque for the 2018 Kia Sorento is 87 ft-lbs, using a 21mm socket on M12x1.5 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 Kia Sorento lug nuts?

The 2018 Kia Sorento uses a 21mm 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 Kia Sorento 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 Kia Sorento years

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

→ 2018 Kia Sorento oil drain plug torque & size

→ 2018 Kia Sorento suspension & steering torque specs (control arm, ball joint, tie rod)

All 52 2018 Kia Sorento fastener specs

Per-bolt torque, wrench size, and thread spec for the 2018 Kia Sorento, 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 52 fastener specs on this page are independently verified against OEM service manuals and manufacturer torque data (last reviewed June 2026).

Wheels — 2018 Kia Sorento

Wheel and lug nut spec for the 2018 Kia Sorento. At the wheel hub, the lug nut torques to 87 ft-lbs (21mm drive, M12x1.5 thread). For the wheel hub, plan for a 21mm tool on a M12x1.5 stud; final torque is 87 ft-lbs (wheel lug nut).

Brakes — 2018 Kia Sorento

Brake fasteners on the 2018 Kia Sorento — caliper bracket, slide pins, and banjo bolt torque follow. For the caliper slide, plan for a 12mm tool on a M8x1.25 stud; final torque is 16 ft-lbs (rear slide). Rear brake caliper slide pin bolt tightens to 16 ft-lbs, takes a 12mm driver, runs on M8x1.25 threads, located at the caliper slide. The rear bracket uses a 14mm drive on a M10x1.25 thread, torqued to 41 ft-lbs at the caliper bracket. At the caliper slide, the front brake caliper slide pin bolt torques to 25 ft-lbs (14mm drive, M10x1.25 thread). For the front caliper, plan for a 12mm hex tool on a M10 stud; final torque is 22 ft-lb (front brake caliper slide pin). Front bracket tightens to 65 ft-lbs, takes a 17mm driver, runs on M12x1.5 threads, located at the caliper bracket. The front slide uses a 14mm drive on a M10x1.25 thread, torqued to 25 ft-lbs at the caliper slide. At the front knuckle, the front brake caliper bracket bolt torques to 65 ft-lb (14mm hex drive, M12 thread).

Engine — 2018 Kia Sorento

Engine bolt-by-bolt torque for the 2018 Kia Sorento, including the long block, valve covers, and intake. Alternator mounting bolt tightens to 30-40 ft-lbs, runs on M10x1.25 threads. The camshaft sprocket uses a 17mm drive on a M12x1.5 thread, torqued to 58 ft-lbs at the timing cover. At the engine oil pan, the oil drain plug torques to 30 ft-lb (17mm hex drive, M14x1.5 thread). For the cylinder head, plan for a 5/8" (16mm) tool on a M14x1.25 stud; final torque is 17 ft-lb (spark plug). Oil pan drain plug tightens to 29 ft-lbs, takes a 17mm driver, runs on M14x1.5 threads, located at the oil pan. The oil pan uses a 17mm drive on a M14x1.5 thread, torqued to 29 ft-lbs at the oil pan. At the valve cover, the valve cover torques to 8 ft-lbs (10mm drive, M6x1.0 thread). For the cylinder head, plan for a 12mm tool on a M10x1.25 stud; final torque is 18 ft-lbs + 90 deg (cylinder head bolt). Intake tightens to 18 ft-lbs, takes a 12mm driver, runs on M8x1.25 threads, located at the intake manifold. The camshaft sprocket bolt uses a 17mm drive on a M12x1.5 thread, torqued to 58 ft-lbs at the timing cover. The valve cover bolt torques to 7-10 ft-lbs (M6x1.0 thread). For the cylinder head, plan for a 12mm tool on a M10x1.25 stud; final torque is 18 ft-lbs + 90 deg (cylinder head).

Drivetrain — 2018 Kia Sorento

Drivetrain and driveline fasteners for the 2018 Kia Sorento — axle, transmission, and differential plugs. The axle nut front is a M24x1.5 thread, torqued to 188 ft-lbs (255 Nm). OEM-verified spec. The axle nut rear torques to 170-200 ft-lbs (M24x1.5 thread). For the front hub, plan for a 32mm hex tool on a M24 stud; final torque is 214 ft-lb (front axle hub nut). Transmission mount bolt tightens to 55-70 ft-lbs, runs on M12x1.25 threads.

Suspension — 2018 Kia Sorento

Suspension and chassis fastener torque for the 2018 Kia Sorento — strut, control arm, and sway bar values. The rear shock absorber upper nut torques to 35-45 ft-lbs (M12x1.25 thread). For the control arm, plan for a 19mm tool on a M14x1.5 stud; final torque is 59 ft-lbs (control arm). Front ball joint nut tightens to 59 ft-lbs, takes a 19mm driver, runs on M14x1.5 threads, located at the ball joint. The front lower control arm rear bolt is a M12x1.25 thread, torqued to 70-85 ft-lbs. The front lower control arm front bolt torques to 70-85 ft-lbs (M12x1.25 thread). plan for the right driver on a M14x1.5 stud; final torque is 30-40 ft-lbs (front strut top mount nut). Stabilizer bar link nut front tightens to 25-35 ft-lbs, runs on M10x1.25 threads. The rear shock absorber lower bolt is a M14x1.5 thread, torqued to 85-100 ft-lbs. At the sway bar link, the sway bar torques to 37 ft-lbs (14mm drive, M10x1.25 thread). For the sway bar link, plan for a 14mm tool on a M10x1.25 stud; final torque is 37 ft-lbs (sway bar link nut). Front control arm bolt tightens to 59 ft-lbs, takes a 19mm driver, runs on M14x1.5 threads, located at the control arm. The strut uses a 17mm drive on a M12x1.5 thread, torqued to 43 ft-lbs at the strut top mount. At the ball joint, the ball joint torques to 59 ft-lbs (19mm drive, M14x1.5 thread).

Steering — 2018 Kia Sorento

Steering linkage fasteners on the 2018 Kia Sorento. plan for the right driver on a M10x1.25 stud; final torque is 22-30 ft-lbs (power steering pump bolt). Tie rod end nut tightens to 25-33 ft-lbs, runs on M12x1.25 threads. The steering wheel center bolt is a M16x1.5 thread, torqued to 30-38 ft-lbs.

Body — 2018 Kia Sorento

Body fasteners on the 2018 Kia Sorento. Hood hinge bolt tightens to 15-20 ft-lbs, runs on M8x1.25 threads.

Transmission — 2018 Kia Sorento

Transmission fasteners on the 2018 Kia Sorento. The flywheel uses a 19mm drive on a M14x1.5 thread, torqued to 65 ft-lbs at the engine block. At the engine block, the flywheel bolt torques to 65 ft-lbs (19mm drive, M14x1.5 thread). For the rear axle, plan for a 24mm tool on a M18x1.5 stud; final torque is 160 ft-lbs (cv axle nut). Trans mount tightens to 58 ft-lbs, takes a 17mm driver, runs on M12x1.5 threads, located at the transmission mount. The front cv axle nut uses a 24mm drive on a M18x1.5 thread, torqued to 188 ft-lbs (255 Nm) at the rear axle. This figure is independently verified against OEM service data.

Brake — 2018 Kia Sorento

Brake fasteners on the 2018 Kia Sorento. The front brake caliper guide pin bolt torques to 22-30 ft-lbs (M10x1.25 thread). plan for the right driver on a M10x1.25 stud; final torque is 20-28 ft-lbs (rear brake caliper guide pin bolt). Rear brake caliper bracket bolt tightens to 50-65 ft-lbs, runs on M12x1.25 threads.

Wheel — 2018 Kia Sorento

Wheel fasteners on the 2018 Kia Sorento. plan for the right driver on a M12x1.5 stud; final torque is 80-90 ft-lbs (wheel lug nuts).

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 Kia Sorento numbers above.

Loading the interactive 2018 Kia Sorento fastener lookup with per-bolt filtering, part links, and torque tools…