1980 Nissan Maxima Lug Nut Torque & Bolt Specs

The 1980 Nissan Maxima lug nut torque is 80 ft-lbs (108 Nm) on M12x1.25 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: 80 ft-lbs (108 Nm) · Thread: M12x1.25.

This page is the OEM-referenced fastener summary for the 1980 Nissan Maxima. 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.

Nissan lug-nut torque is 83 ft-lbs (113 Nm) for nearly every passenger model since 2000 with an M12x1.25 thread (note: tighter pitch than Toyota/Honda's M12x1.5 — the lugs do not cross-thread cleanly with neighboring makes). Socket size is 21mm. Titans and Armadas use a larger M14x1.5 thread at 133 ft-lbs.

Common fastener categories on the 1980 Nissan Maxima

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

Heads up for 1980 Nissan Maxima owners: Vehicles this age frequently have seized fasteners due to thread corrosion. Apply penetrating oil (PB Blaster, Kroil) 24 hours before any wrenching, and have a thread chaser on hand. Lug studs are particularly prone to thread damage at this age; if a nut spins on without engaging, the stud is stretched and must be replaced before the wheel goes back on.

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 1980 Nissan Maxima?

The OEM-specified lug-nut torque for the 1980 Nissan Maxima is 80 ft-lbs (108 Nm) on M12x1.25 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 1980 Nissan Maxima lug nuts?

Most modern Nissan vehicles use a 19mm or 21mm socket. Older Nissan models from before 2000 may use a 13/16" SAE socket on certain trims. Confirm against the actual lug before purchasing aftermarket wheels.

Are the 1980 Nissan Maxima 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 Nissan Maxima years

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

→ 1980 Nissan Maxima oil drain plug torque & size

All 2 1980 Nissan Maxima fastener specs

Per-bolt torque, wrench size, and thread spec for the 1980 Nissan Maxima, sourced from OEM service literature and verified against community shop data. Values pair imperial (ft-lb) and metric (Nm) where the manufacturer publishes both.

Wheels — 1980 Nissan Maxima

Wheel and lug nut spec for the 1980 Nissan Maxima. The lug nut is a M12x1.25 thread, torqued to 80 ft-lbs (108 Nm) at the all wheels.

Engine — 1980 Nissan Maxima

Engine bolt-by-bolt torque for the 1980 Nissan Maxima, including the long block, valve covers, and intake. At the oil pan, the oil drain plug torques to 25 ft-lbs (34 Nm) (14mm drive, M12x1.25 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 1980 Nissan Maxima numbers above.

Loading the interactive 1980 Nissan Maxima fastener lookup with per-bolt filtering, part links, and torque tools…