2017 Subaru Forester Lug Nut Torque & Bolt Specs

The 2017 Subaru Forester lug nut torque is 89 ft-lbs (120 Nm), tightened with a 19mm 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: 89 ft-lbs (120 Nm) · Socket size: 19mm · Thread: M12x1.25.

This page is the OEM-referenced fastener summary for the 2017 Subaru Forester. 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.

Subaru lug-nut torque is 89 ft-lbs (120 Nm) on every modern model with an M12x1.25 thread and 19mm socket. Subaru is one of the only Japanese makes still using the smaller 19mm socket — bring it specifically. The boxer engine's drain plug is on the bottom of the block (not the pan) and uses an unusual 17mm head.

Common fastener categories on the 2017 Subaru Forester

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 2017 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 2017 Subaru Forester?

The OEM-specified lug-nut torque for the 2017 Subaru Forester is 89 ft-lbs (120 Nm), using a 19mm 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 2017 Subaru Forester lug nuts?

The 2017 Subaru Forester uses a 19mm 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 2017 Subaru Forester 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 Subaru Forester years

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

All 10 2017 Subaru Forester fastener specs

Per-bolt torque, wrench size, and thread spec for the 2017 Subaru Forester, sourced from OEM service literature and verified against community shop data. Values pair imperial (ft-lb) and metric (Nm) where the manufacturer publishes both. 3 of the 10 fastener specs on this page are independently verified against OEM service manuals and manufacturer torque data (last reviewed June 2026).

Wheels — 2017 Subaru Forester

Wheel and lug nut spec for the 2017 Subaru Forester. Lug nut tightens to 89 ft-lbs (120 Nm), takes a 19mm driver, runs on M12x1.25 threads, located at the wheel hub.

Brakes — 2017 Subaru Forester

Brake fasteners on the 2017 Subaru Forester — caliper bracket, slide pins, and banjo bolt torque follow. The front caliper guide pin, torqued to 20 ft-lbs (27 Nm) at the front. OEM-verified spec. At the front knuckle, the front brake caliper bracket bolt torques to 59 ft-lbs (80 Nm) (17mm drive, M14x1.5 thread). Confirmed against manufacturer service literature. For the rear knuckle, plan for a 14mm tool on a M12x1.25 stud; final torque is 48 ft-lbs (rear brake caliper bracket bolt).

Engine — 2017 Subaru Forester

Engine bolt-by-bolt torque for the 2017 Subaru Forester, including the long block, valve covers, and intake. At the oil pan, the oil drain plug torques to 31 ft-lbs (42 Nm) (17mm drive, M16x1.5 thread). Confirmed against manufacturer service literature. For the cylinder head, plan for a 14mm Socket tool on a M12x1.25 stud; final torque is 13 ft-lbs (18 Nm) (spark plug).

Drivetrain — 2017 Subaru Forester

Drivetrain and driveline fasteners for the 2017 Subaru Forester — axle, transmission, and differential plugs. For the rear knuckle, plan for a 14mm tool on a M12 x 1.25 stud; final torque is 48 ft-lbs (rear hub and bearing assembly bolts). Front hub and bearing assembly bolts tightens to 48 ft-lbs, takes a 17mm driver, runs on M12 x 1.25 threads, located at the front knuckle.

Suspension — 2017 Subaru Forester

Suspension and chassis fastener torque for the 2017 Subaru Forester — strut, control arm, and sway bar values. Rear shock absorber lower bolt tightens to 74 ft-lbs, takes a 17mm driver, runs on M12 x 1.25 threads, located at the rear knuckle. The front strut to knuckle bolts uses a 19mm drive on a M14 x 1.5 thread, torqued to 115 ft-lbs at the front strut to knuckle.

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 2017 Subaru Forester numbers above.

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