2017–2018 Nissan Maxima Lug Nut Torque & Bolt Specs

The 2018 Nissan Maxima lug nut torque is 80 ft-lbs (108 Nm), tightened with a 21mm socket 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) · Socket size: 21mm · Thread: M12x1.25.

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

These specifications also apply to the 2017 model years — identical specs on file for each year.

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 2018 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

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 Nissan Maxima?

The OEM-specified lug-nut torque for the 2018 Nissan Maxima is 80 ft-lbs (108 Nm), using a 21mm socket 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 2018 Nissan Maxima lug nuts?

The 2018 Nissan Maxima 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 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.

→ 2018 Nissan Maxima oil drain plug torque & size

All 8 2018 Nissan Maxima fastener specs

Per-bolt torque, wrench size, and thread spec for the 2018 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.

Brakes — 2018 Nissan Maxima

Brake fasteners on the 2018 Nissan Maxima — caliper bracket, slide pins, and banjo bolt torque follow. At the rear knuckle, the rear caliper bracket bolt torques to 62 ft-lb (17mm hex drive, M12 thread). For the front caliper, plan for a 13mm hex tool on a M10 stud; final torque is 25 ft-lb (front caliper slide pin). Rear caliper slide pin tightens to 32 ft-lb, takes a 13mm hex driver, runs on M10 threads, located at the rear caliper. The front caliper bracket bolt uses a 17mm hex drive on a M12 thread, torqued to 107 ft-lb at the front knuckle.

Engine — 2018 Nissan Maxima

Engine bolt-by-bolt torque for the 2018 Nissan Maxima, including the long block, valve covers, and intake. For the engine oil pan, plan for a 15mm hex tool on a M12x1.25 stud; final torque is 25 ft-lbs (34 Nm) (oil drain plug). Spark plug tightens to 18 ft-lbs (24 Nm), takes a 5/8" (16mm) driver, runs on M14x1.25 threads, located at the cylinder head.

Drivetrain — 2018 Nissan Maxima

Drivetrain and driveline fasteners for the 2018 Nissan Maxima — axle, transmission, and differential plugs. Front axle hub nut tightens to 175 ft-lb, takes a 32mm hex driver, runs on M24x1.25 threads, located at the front hub.

Wheels & Tires — 2018 Nissan Maxima

Wheels & Tires fasteners on the 2018 Nissan Maxima. The lug nut uses a 21mm drive on a M12x1.25 thread, torqued to 80 ft-lbs (108 Nm) at the wheel hub.

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 Nissan Maxima numbers above.

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