2013 Nissan Xterra Lug Nut Torque & Bolt Specs

The 2013 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 6x114.3.

Lug nut torque: 98 ft-lb · Socket size: 22mm hex · Thread: M12x1.25 · Bolt pattern: 6x114.3.

This page is the OEM-referenced fastener summary for the 2013 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 2013 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 2013 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 2013 Nissan Xterra?

The OEM-specified lug-nut torque for the 2013 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 2013 Nissan Xterra lug nuts?

The 2013 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 2013 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.

→ 2013 Nissan Xterra oil drain plug torque & size

→ 2013 Nissan Xterra suspension & steering torque specs (control arm, ball joint, tie rod)

All 74 2013 Nissan Xterra fastener specs

Per-bolt torque, wrench size, and thread spec for the 2013 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 — 2013 Nissan Xterra

Brake fasteners on the 2013 Nissan Xterra — caliper bracket, slide pins, and banjo bolt torque follow. Rear caliper slide pin tightens to 19 ft-lb, takes a 10mm hex driver, runs on M8 threads, located at the rear caliper. The brake master cylinder nut uses a 17mm drive on a M10x1.25 thread, torqued to 8-12 ft-lb at the brake master cylinder. At the rear brake caliper bracket, the rear brake caliper bracket bolt torques to 53-72 ft-lb (19mm drive, M12x1.25 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). Rear caliper bracket bolt tightens to 76 ft-lb, takes a 14mm hex driver, runs on M12 threads, located at the rear axle. The rear brake caliper bolt uses a 17mm drive on a M10x1.25 thread, torqued to 28-38 ft-lb at the rear brake caliper. At the front caliper, the front caliper slide pin torques to 32 ft-lb (12mm hex drive, M10 thread). For the front brake caliper, plan for a 17mm tool on a M10x1.25 stud; final torque is 20-27 ft-lb (front brake caliper slide pin 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 — 2013 Nissan Xterra

Engine bolt-by-bolt torque for the 2013 Nissan Xterra, including the long block, valve covers, and intake. The intake manifold bolt uses a 13mm drive on a M8x1.25 thread, torqued to 13-15 ft-lb at the intake manifold. At the flywheel, the flywheel/flexplate bolt torques to 61-69 ft-lb (19mm drive, M12x1.25 thread). For the cylinder head, plan for a 17mm tool on a M11x1.25 stud; final torque is 90 deg turn (cylinder head bolt stage 2). 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 1 uses a 32mm drive on a M22x1.5 thread, torqued to 33 ft-lb at the crankshaft. At the oil pan, the oil pan drain plug torques to 25 ft-lb (19mm drive, M12x1.25 thread). For the connecting rod, plan for a 14mm tool on a M9x1.0 stud; final torque is 90 deg turn (connecting rod cap bolt stage 2). Water pump bolt tightens to 13-18 ft-lb, takes a 13mm driver, runs on M8x1.25 threads, located at the water pump. 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 valve cover, the valve cover bolt torques to 2-4 ft-lb (10mm drive, M6x1.0 thread). For the cylinder head, plan for a 5/8" (16mm) tool on a M14x1.25 stud; final torque is 18 ft-lb (spark plug). Main bearing cap bolt stage 2 tightens to 90 deg turn, takes a 17mm driver, runs on M10x1.25 threads, located at the main bearing. 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 exhaust manifold, the exhaust manifold nut torques to 20-23 ft-lb (17mm drive, M10x1.25 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 thermostat housing bolt uses a 13mm drive on a M8x1.25 thread, torqued to 13-15 ft-lb at the thermostat housing. At the oil pan, the oil pan upper bolt torques to 13-15 ft-lb (13mm drive, M8x1.25 thread). For the engine oil pan, plan for a 15mm hex tool on a M12x1.25 stud; final torque is 25 ft-lb (oil drain plug). 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 filter adapter bolt uses a 30mm drive on a M20x1.5 thread, torqued to 29-33 ft-lb at the oil filter. At the main bearing, the main bearing cap bolt stage 1 torques to 29 ft-lb (17mm drive, M10x1.25 thread). For the crankshaft, plan for a 32mm tool on a M22x1.5 stud; final torque is 90 deg turn (crankshaft pulley bolt stage 2).

Drivetrain — 2013 Nissan Xterra

Drivetrain and driveline fasteners for the 2013 Nissan Xterra — axle, transmission, and differential plugs. At the rear axle hub, the rear axle hub nut torques to 152-203 ft-lb (36mm drive, M24x1.5 thread). For the rear differential, plan for a 27mm tool on a M18x1.5 stud; final torque is 26-33 ft-lb (rear differential drain plug). 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 front locking diff actuator bolt uses a 13mm drive on a M8x1.25 thread, torqued to 14-18 ft-lb at the front differential. At the rear driveshaft, the rear driveshaft-to-differential bolt torques to 29-33 ft-lb (17mm drive, M10x1.25 thread). For the front axle hub, plan for a 36mm tool on a M24x1.5 stud; final torque is 152-210 ft-lb (front axle hub nut). Transfer case mounting bolt tightens to 27-38 ft-lb, takes a 17mm driver, runs on M10x1.25 threads, located at the transfer case. The wheel lug nut uses a 19mm drive on a M12x1.25 thread, torqued to 98 ft-lb at the wheel hub. At the rear differential, the rear electronic locking diff bolt torques to 14-18 ft-lb (13mm drive, M8x1.25 thread). For the front differential, plan for a 27mm tool on a M18x1.5 stud; final torque is 26-33 ft-lb (front differential drain plug).

Suspension — 2013 Nissan Xterra

Suspension and chassis fastener torque for the 2013 Nissan Xterra — strut, control arm, and sway bar values. 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). 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 torsion bar arm bolt uses a 22mm drive on a M14x1.5 thread, torqued to 72-87 ft-lb at the torsion bar. At the front lower control arm, the front lower control arm rear bolt torques to 80-105 ft-lb (22mm drive, M14x1.5 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 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 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 30-40 ft-lb (17mm drive, M10x1.25 thread). For the rear shock, plan for a 19mm tool on a M12x1.25 stud; final torque is 22-30 ft-lb (rear shock absorber upper 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. The front lower control arm front bolt uses a 22mm drive on a M14x1.5 thread, torqued to 80-105 ft-lb at the front lower control arm.

Steering — 2013 Nissan Xterra

Steering linkage fasteners on the 2013 Nissan Xterra. Power steering gear bolt tightens to 62-71 ft-lb, takes a 22mm driver, runs on M14x1.5 threads, located at the steering gearbox. The pitman arm nut uses a 27mm drive on a M18x1.5 thread, torqued to 174-195 ft-lb at the pitman arm. At the steering column, the steering shaft pinch bolt torques to 17-22 ft-lb (17mm drive, M10x1.25 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). Idler arm-to-frame bolt tightens to 33-40 ft-lb, takes a 19mm driver, runs on M12x1.25 threads, located at the idler 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.

Body — 2013 Nissan Xterra

Body fasteners on the 2013 Nissan Xterra. The rear skid plate bolt uses a 17mm drive on a M10x1.25 thread, torqued to 22-27 ft-lb at the rear skid plate. At the subframe, the subframe/crossmember bolt torques to 87-108 ft-lb (22mm drive, M14x1.5 thread). For the front skid plate, plan for a 17mm tool on a M10x1.25 stud; final torque is 22-27 ft-lb (front skid plate bolt). Engine mount bolt tightens to 40-49 ft-lb, takes a 22mm driver, runs on M14x1.5 threads, located at the engine mount. The skid plate bolt uses a 17mm drive on a M10x1.25 thread, torqued to 22-27 ft-lb at the skid plate.

Exhaust — 2013 Nissan Xterra

Exhaust fasteners on the 2013 Nissan Xterra. At the exhaust manifold flange, the exhaust manifold-to-head nut torques to 20-23 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 catalytic converter bolt uses a 17mm drive on a M10x1.25 thread, torqued to 27-33 ft-lb at the catalytic converter.

Wheel Hardware — 2013 Nissan Xterra

Wheel Hardware fasteners on the 2013 Nissan Xterra. For the all wheels, plan for a 22mm hex tool on a M12x1.25 stud; final torque is 98 ft-lb (lug nut).

Transmission — 2013 Nissan Xterra

Transmission fasteners on the 2013 Nissan Xterra. Transmission oil pan bolt tightens to 5-8 ft-lb, takes a 13mm driver, runs on M8x1.25 threads, located at the transmission pan. The torque converter bolt uses a 17mm drive on a M10x1.25 thread, torqued to 29-36 ft-lb at the torque converter. At the transmission pan, the transmission drain plug torques to 22-26 ft-lb (30mm drive, M20x1.5 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). 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 2013 Nissan Xterra numbers above.

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