2002 Nissan Xterra Lug Nut Torque & Bolt Specs

The 2002 Nissan Xterra lug nut torque is 98 ft-lb, tightened with a 22mm hex 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. The wheel bolt pattern is 6x139.7.

Lug nut torque: 98 ft-lb · Socket size: 22mm hex · Thread: M12x1.25 · Bolt pattern: 6x139.7.

This page is the OEM-referenced fastener summary for the 2002 Nissan Xterra. 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 2002 Nissan Xterra

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 2002 model-year work: Always use a calibrated torque wrench for safety-critical fasteners, and replace lock washers and crush washers on every 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 2002 Nissan Xterra?

The OEM-specified lug-nut torque for the 2002 Nissan Xterra is 98 ft-lb, using a 22mm hex 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 2002 Nissan Xterra lug nuts?

The 2002 Nissan Xterra uses a 22mm hex 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 2002 Nissan Xterra 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 Xterra years

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

→ 2002 Nissan Xterra oil drain plug torque & size

→ 2002 Nissan Xterra suspension & steering torque specs (control arm, ball joint, tie rod)

All 54 2002 Nissan Xterra fastener specs

Per-bolt torque, wrench size, and thread spec for the 2002 Nissan Xterra, 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 — 2002 Nissan Xterra

Brake fasteners on the 2002 Nissan Xterra — caliper bracket, slide pins, and banjo bolt torque follow. At the rear brake caliper, the rear brake caliper bolt torques to 28-38 ft-lb (17mm drive, M10x1.25 thread). For the front caliper, plan for a 12mm hex tool on a M10 stud; final torque is 32 ft-lb (front caliper slide pin). Front caliper bracket bolt tightens to 136 ft-lb, takes a 17mm hex driver, runs on M12 threads, located at the front knuckle. The front brake caliper bolt uses a 19mm drive on a M12x1.25 thread, torqued to 53-72 ft-lb at the front brake caliper. At the brake master cylinder, the brake master cylinder nut torques to 8-12 ft-lb (17mm drive, M10x1.25 thread). For the front brake caliper bracket, plan for a 19mm tool on a M12x1.25 stud; final torque is 72-87 ft-lb (front brake caliper bracket bolt).

Engine — 2002 Nissan Xterra

Engine bolt-by-bolt torque for the 2002 Nissan Xterra, including the long block, valve covers, and intake. For the cylinder head, plan for a 17mm tool on a M11x1.25 stud; final torque is 43 ft-lb (cylinder head bolt stage 2). Main bearing cap bolt tightens to 67-74 ft-lb, takes a 17mm driver, runs on M10x1.25 threads, located at the main bearing. The water pump bolt uses a 13mm drive on a M8x1.25 thread, torqued to 12-15 ft-lb at the water pump. At the oil pan, the oil pan bolt torques to 4-6 ft-lb (10mm drive, M6x1.0 thread). For the flywheel, plan for a 19mm tool on a M12x1.25 stud; final torque is 61-69 ft-lb (flywheel/flexplate bolt). Camshaft sprocket bolt tightens to 58-65 ft-lb, takes a 13mm driver, runs on M8x1.25 threads, located at the camshaft. The oil drain plug uses a 15mm hex drive on a M12x1.25 thread, torqued to 25 ft-lb at the engine oil pan. At the oil pan, the oil pan drain plug torques to 22-29 ft-lb (19mm drive, M12x1.25 thread). For the supercharger, plan for a 13mm tool on a M8x1.25 stud; final torque is 12-16 ft-lb (supercharger bypass valve bolt). Spark plug tightens to 18 ft-lb, takes a 5/8" (16mm) driver, runs on M14x1.25 threads, located at the cylinder head. The intake manifold collector bolt uses a 13mm drive on a M8x1.25 thread, torqued to 13-15 ft-lb at the intake manifold. At the connecting rod, the connecting rod cap bolt torques to 33-40 ft-lb (14mm drive, M9x1.0 thread). For the timing chain, plan for a 10mm tool on a M6x1.0 stud; final torque is 4-7 ft-lb (timing chain tensioner bolt). Thermostat housing bolt tightens to 12-14 ft-lb, takes a 13mm driver, runs on M8x1.25 threads, located at the thermostat housing. The intercooler bracket bolt uses a 13mm drive on a M8x1.25 thread, torqued to 14-18 ft-lb at the intercooler. At the intake manifold, the intake manifold bolt torques to 13-15 ft-lb (13mm drive, M8x1.25 thread). For the timing belt, plan for a 17mm tool on a M10x1.25 stud; final torque is 32-43 ft-lb (timing belt tensioner bolt). Crankshaft pulley bolt tightens to 141-156 ft-lb, takes a 32mm driver, runs on M22x1.5 threads, located at the crankshaft. The supercharger mounting bolt uses a 17mm drive on a M10x1.25 thread, torqued to 24-28 ft-lb at the supercharger. At the valve cover, the valve cover bolt torques to 2-4 ft-lb (10mm drive, M6x1.0 thread). For the cylinder head, plan for a 17mm tool on a M11x1.25 stud; final torque is 22 ft-lb (cylinder head bolt stage 1). Exhaust manifold nut tightens to 13-16 ft-lb, takes a 17mm driver, runs on M10x1.25 threads, located at the exhaust manifold.

Drivetrain — 2002 Nissan Xterra

Drivetrain and driveline fasteners for the 2002 Nissan Xterra — axle, transmission, and differential plugs. Transfer case bolt tightens to 27-38 ft-lb, takes a 17mm driver, runs on M10x1.25 threads, located at the transfer case. The rear differential drain plug uses a 27mm drive on a M18x1.5 thread, torqued to 26-33 ft-lb at the rear differential. At the rear driveshaft, the rear driveshaft-to-differential bolt torques to 29-33 ft-lb (17mm drive, M10x1.25 thread). For the wheel hub, plan for a 19mm tool on a M12x1.25 stud; final torque is 72-87 ft-lb (wheel lug nut). Front axle hub nut tightens to 152-203 ft-lb, takes a 36mm driver, runs on M24x1.5 threads, located at the front axle hub. The rear axle hub nut uses a 36mm drive on a M24x1.5 thread, torqued to 152-203 ft-lb at the rear axle hub.

Suspension — 2002 Nissan Xterra

Suspension and chassis fastener torque for the 2002 Nissan Xterra — strut, control arm, and sway bar values. The front strut upper mount nut uses a 17mm drive on a M10x1.25 thread, torqued to 29-40 ft-lb at the front strut mount. At the front sway bar, the front stabilizer bar link nut torques to 14-22 ft-lb (17mm drive, M10x1.25 thread). For the front lower control arm, plan for a 22mm tool on a M14x1.5 stud; final torque is 87-108 ft-lb (front lower control arm bolt). Front stabilizer bar clamp bolt tightens to 14-18 ft-lb, takes a 13mm driver, runs on M8x1.25 threads, located at the front sway bar. The front strut-to-knuckle bolt uses a 22mm drive on a M14x1.5 thread, torqued to 87-108 ft-lb at the front strut. At the rear shock, the rear shock absorber upper bolt torques to 22-30 ft-lb (19mm drive, M12x1.25 thread). For the rear leaf spring, plan for a 19mm tool on a M12x1.25 stud; final torque is 65-72 ft-lb (rear leaf spring u-bolt nut). Rear shock absorber lower bolt tightens to 58-72 ft-lb, takes a 22mm driver, runs on M14x1.5 threads, located at the rear shock.

Steering — 2002 Nissan Xterra

Steering linkage fasteners on the 2002 Nissan Xterra. At the pitman arm, the pitman arm nut torques to 174-195 ft-lb (27mm drive, M18x1.5 thread). For the steering gearbox, plan for a 22mm tool on a M14x1.5 stud; final torque is 62-71 ft-lb (steering gear box bolt). Steering shaft pinch bolt tightens to 17-22 ft-lb, takes a 17mm driver, runs on M10x1.25 threads, located at the steering column. The tie rod end nut uses a 22mm drive on a M14x1.5 thread, torqued to 40-72 ft-lb at the tie rod. At the idler arm, the idler arm bracket bolt torques to 26-33 ft-lb (19mm drive, M12x1.25 thread).

Body — 2002 Nissan Xterra

Body fasteners on the 2002 Nissan Xterra. For the engine mount, plan for a 19mm tool on a M12x1.25 stud; final torque is 40-49 ft-lb (engine mount bolt). Subframe/crossmember bolt tightens to 87-108 ft-lb, takes a 22mm driver, runs on M14x1.5 threads, located at the subframe.

Exhaust — 2002 Nissan Xterra

Exhaust fasteners on the 2002 Nissan Xterra. Exhaust pipe-to-manifold nut tightens to 27-35 ft-lb, takes a 17mm driver, runs on M10x1.25 threads, located at the exhaust manifold flange. The catalytic converter bolt uses a 17mm drive on a M10x1.25 thread, torqued to 20-27 ft-lb at the catalytic converter.

Wheel Hardware — 2002 Nissan Xterra

Wheel Hardware fasteners on the 2002 Nissan Xterra. The lug nut uses a 22mm hex drive on a M12x1.25 thread, torqued to 98 ft-lb at the all wheels.

Transmission — 2002 Nissan Xterra

Transmission fasteners on the 2002 Nissan Xterra. At the bellhousing, the transmission-to-engine bolt torques to 29-36 ft-lb (19mm drive, M12x1.25 thread). For the transmission mount, plan for a 19mm tool on a M12x1.25 stud; final torque is 30-38 ft-lb (transmission crossmember bolt).

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 2002 Nissan Xterra numbers above.

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