2008 Nissan Xterra Lug Nut Torque & Bolt Specs

The 2008 Nissan Xterra lug nut torque is 80 ft-lbs (108 Nm), 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.

Lug nut torque: 80 ft-lbs (108 Nm) · Socket size: 22mm hex · Thread: M12x1.25.

This page is the OEM-referenced fastener summary for the 2008 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 2008 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 2008 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 2008 Nissan Xterra?

The OEM-specified lug-nut torque for the 2008 Nissan Xterra is 80 ft-lbs (108 Nm), 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 2008 Nissan Xterra lug nuts?

The 2008 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 2008 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.

→ 2008 Nissan Xterra oil drain plug torque & size

→ 2008 Nissan Xterra suspension & steering torque specs (control arm, ball joint, tie rod)

All 70 2008 Nissan Xterra fastener specs

Per-bolt torque, wrench size, and thread spec for the 2008 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 — 2008 Nissan Xterra

Brake fasteners on the 2008 Nissan Xterra — caliper bracket, slide pins, and banjo bolt torque follow. Front brake caliper slide pin bolt tightens to 20-27 ft-lb, takes a 17mm driver, runs on M10x1.25 threads, located at the front brake caliper. The rear caliper bracket bolt uses a 14mm hex drive on a M12 thread, torqued to 76 ft-lb at the rear axle. At the brake master cylinder, the brake master cylinder nut torques to 8-12 ft-lb (17mm drive, M10x1.25 thread). For the rear brake caliper, plan for a 17mm tool on a M10x1.25 stud; final torque is 28-38 ft-lb (rear brake caliper bolt). Front caliper slide pin tightens to 32 ft-lb, takes a 12mm hex driver, runs on M10 threads, located at the front caliper. The rear brake caliper bracket bolt uses a 19mm drive on a M12x1.25 thread, torqued to 53-72 ft-lb at the rear brake caliper bracket. At the rear caliper, the rear caliper slide pin torques to 19 ft-lb (10mm hex drive, M8 thread). For the front knuckle, plan for a 17mm hex tool on a M12 stud; final torque is 136 ft-lb (front caliper bracket bolt). Front brake caliper bracket bolt tightens to 72-87 ft-lb, takes a 19mm driver, runs on M12x1.25 threads, located at the front brake caliper bracket.

Engine — 2008 Nissan Xterra

Engine bolt-by-bolt torque for the 2008 Nissan Xterra, including the long block, valve covers, and intake. The connecting rod cap bolt stage 1 uses a 14mm drive on a M9x1.0 thread, torqued to 15 ft-lb at the connecting rod. At the cylinder head, the spark plug torques to 18 ft-lb (5/8" (16mm) drive, M14x1.25 thread). For the oil filter, plan for a 30mm tool on a M20x1.5 stud; final torque is 29-33 ft-lb (oil filter adapter bolt). Cylinder head bolt stage 2 tightens to 90 deg turn, takes a 17mm driver, runs on M11x1.25 threads, located at the cylinder head. The oil drain plug uses a 15mm hex drive on a M12x1.25 thread, torqued to 25 ft-lbs (34 Nm) at the engine oil pan. At the valve cover, the valve cover bolt torques to 2-4 ft-lb (10mm drive, M6x1.0 thread). For the front cover, plan for a 13mm tool on a M8x1.25 stud; final torque is 13-15 ft-lb (front cover bolt). Camshaft sprocket bolt tightens to 65-76 ft-lb, takes a 17mm driver, runs on M10x1.25 threads, located at the camshaft. The main bearing cap bolt stage 2 uses a 17mm drive on a M10x1.25 thread, torqued to 90 deg turn at the main bearing. At the oil pan, the oil pan drain plug torques to 25 ft-lb (19mm drive, M12x1.25 thread). For the water pump, plan for a 13mm tool on a M8x1.25 stud; final torque is 13-18 ft-lb (water pump bolt). Oil pan lower bolt tightens to 4-6 ft-lb, takes a 10mm driver, runs on M6x1.0 threads, located at the oil pan. The crankshaft pulley bolt stage 2 uses a 32mm drive on a M22x1.5 thread, torqued to 90 deg turn at the crankshaft. At the intake manifold, the intake manifold bolt torques to 13-15 ft-lb (13mm drive, M8x1.25 thread). For the exhaust manifold, plan for a 17mm tool on a M10x1.25 stud; final torque is 20-23 ft-lb (exhaust manifold nut). Cylinder head bolt stage 1 tightens to 29 ft-lb, takes a 17mm driver, runs on M11x1.25 threads, located at the cylinder head. The oil pan upper bolt uses a 13mm drive on a M8x1.25 thread, torqued to 13-15 ft-lb at the oil pan. At the flywheel, the flywheel/flexplate bolt torques to 61-69 ft-lb (19mm drive, M12x1.25 thread). For the crankshaft, plan for a 32mm tool on a M22x1.5 stud; final torque is 33 ft-lb (crankshaft pulley bolt stage 1). Thermostat housing bolt tightens to 13-15 ft-lb, takes a 13mm driver, runs on M8x1.25 threads, located at the thermostat housing. The timing chain tensioner bolt uses a 13mm drive on a M8x1.25 thread, torqued to 13-15 ft-lb at the timing chain. At the connecting rod, the connecting rod cap bolt stage 2 torques to 90 deg turn (14mm drive, M9x1.0 thread). For the main bearing, plan for a 17mm tool on a M10x1.25 stud; final torque is 29 ft-lb (main bearing cap bolt stage 1).

Drivetrain — 2008 Nissan Xterra

Drivetrain and driveline fasteners for the 2008 Nissan Xterra — axle, transmission, and differential plugs. At the front axle hub, the front axle hub nut torques to 152-210 ft-lb (36mm drive, M24x1.5 thread). For the rear driveshaft, plan for a 17mm tool on a M10x1.25 stud; final torque is 29-33 ft-lb (rear driveshaft-to-differential bolt). Rear differential drain plug tightens to 26-33 ft-lb, takes a 27mm driver, runs on M18x1.5 threads, located at the rear differential. The front differential drain plug uses a 27mm drive on a M18x1.5 thread, torqued to 26-33 ft-lb at the front differential. At the rear axle hub, the rear axle hub nut torques to 152-203 ft-lb (36mm drive, M24x1.5 thread). For the wheel hub, plan for a 19mm tool on a M12x1.25 stud; final torque is 98 ft-lb (wheel lug nut). Front driveshaft-to-transfer case bolt tightens to 29-33 ft-lb, takes a 17mm driver, runs on M10x1.25 threads, located at the front driveshaft. The transfer case mounting bolt uses a 17mm drive on a M10x1.25 thread, torqued to 27-38 ft-lb at the transfer case.

Suspension — 2008 Nissan Xterra

Suspension and chassis fastener torque for the 2008 Nissan Xterra — strut, control arm, and sway bar values. For the front sway bar, plan for a 17mm tool on a M10x1.25 stud; final torque is 30-40 ft-lb (front stabilizer bar link nut). Rear leaf spring u-bolt nut tightens to 72-87 ft-lb, takes a 22mm driver, runs on M14x1.5 threads, located at the rear leaf spring. The front lower control arm rear bolt uses a 22mm drive on a M14x1.5 thread, torqued to 80-105 ft-lb at the front lower control arm. At the front strut mount, the front strut upper mount nut torques to 29-40 ft-lb (17mm drive, M10x1.25 thread). For the front strut, plan for a 22mm tool on a M14x1.5 stud; final torque is 99-117 ft-lb (front strut-to-knuckle bolt). Front lower control arm front bolt tightens to 80-105 ft-lb, takes a 22mm driver, runs on M14x1.5 threads, located at the front lower control arm. The rear shock absorber upper nut uses a 19mm drive on a M12x1.25 thread, torqued to 22-30 ft-lb at the rear shock. At the rear shock, the rear shock absorber lower bolt torques to 58-72 ft-lb (22mm drive, M14x1.5 thread). For the front lca, plan for a 19mm hex tool on a M14 stud; final torque is 70 ft-lb (front lower control arm ball joint). Front stabilizer bar clamp bolt tightens to 22-30 ft-lb, takes a 13mm driver, runs on M8x1.25 threads, located at the front sway bar. The torsion bar arm bolt uses a 22mm drive on a M14x1.5 thread, torqued to 72-87 ft-lb at the torsion bar.

Steering — 2008 Nissan Xterra

Steering linkage fasteners on the 2008 Nissan Xterra. Pitman arm nut tightens to 174-195 ft-lb, takes a 27mm driver, runs on M18x1.5 threads, located at the pitman arm. The tie rod sleeve clamp bolt uses a 13mm drive on a M8x1.25 thread, torqued to 8-10 ft-lb at the tie rod. At the idler arm, the idler arm-to-frame bolt torques to 33-40 ft-lb (19mm drive, M12x1.25 thread). For the tie rod, plan for a 22mm tool on a M14x1.5 stud; final torque is 40-72 ft-lb (tie rod end castle nut). 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 power steering gear bolt uses a 22mm drive on a M14x1.5 thread, torqued to 62-71 ft-lb at the steering gearbox.

Body — 2008 Nissan Xterra

Body fasteners on the 2008 Nissan Xterra. The engine mount bolt uses a 22mm drive on a M14x1.5 thread, torqued to 40-49 ft-lb at the engine mount. At the skid plate, the skid plate bolt torques to 22-27 ft-lb (17mm drive, M10x1.25 thread). For the subframe, plan for a 22mm tool on a M14x1.5 stud; final torque is 87-108 ft-lb (subframe/crossmember bolt).

Exhaust — 2008 Nissan Xterra

Exhaust fasteners on the 2008 Nissan Xterra. At the catalytic converter, the catalytic converter bolt torques to 27-33 ft-lb (17mm drive, M10x1.25 thread). For the exhaust flex pipe, plan for a 17mm tool on a M10x1.25 stud; final torque is 20-27 ft-lb (exhaust flex pipe bolt). Muffler hanger bolt tightens to 14-20 ft-lb, takes a 13mm driver, runs on M8x1.25 threads, located at the muffler. The exhaust manifold-to-head nut uses a 17mm drive on a M10x1.25 thread, torqued to 20-23 ft-lb at the exhaust manifold flange.

Wheel Hardware — 2008 Nissan Xterra

Wheel Hardware fasteners on the 2008 Nissan Xterra. For the all wheels, plan for a 22mm hex tool on a M12x1.25 stud; final torque is 80 ft-lbs (108 Nm) (lug nut).

Transmission — 2008 Nissan Xterra

Transmission fasteners on the 2008 Nissan Xterra. Transmission drain plug tightens to 22-26 ft-lb, takes a 30mm driver, runs on M20x1.5 threads, located at the transmission pan. The transmission oil pan bolt uses a 13mm drive on a M8x1.25 thread, torqued to 5-8 ft-lb at the transmission pan. At the transmission mount, the transmission crossmember bolt torques to 30-38 ft-lb (19mm drive, M12x1.25 thread). For the torque converter, plan for a 17mm tool on a M10x1.25 stud; final torque is 29-36 ft-lb (torque converter bolt). Transmission-to-engine bolt tightens to 29-36 ft-lb, takes a 19mm driver, runs on M12x1.25 threads, located at the bellhousing.

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 2008 Nissan Xterra numbers above.

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