2020 Subaru WRX Lug Nut Torque & Bolt Specs

The 2020 Subaru WRX 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 2020 Subaru WRX. 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 2020 Subaru WRX

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 2020 late-model work: Modern vehicles increasingly use aluminum body and suspension components. Aluminum fastener torque is typically 60-70% of equivalent steel torque, and aluminum threads strip easily. Use a calibrated torque wrench and apply anti-seize on any steel fastener threading into aluminum.

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 2020 Subaru WRX?

The OEM-specified lug-nut torque for the 2020 Subaru WRX 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 2020 Subaru WRX lug nuts?

The 2020 Subaru WRX 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 2020 Subaru WRX 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 WRX years

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

→ 2020 Subaru WRX oil drain plug torque & size

All 6 2020 Subaru WRX fastener specs

Per-bolt torque, wrench size, and thread spec for the 2020 Subaru WRX, sourced from OEM service literature and verified against community shop data. Values pair imperial (ft-lb) and metric (Nm) where the manufacturer publishes both. 4 of the 6 fastener specs on this page are independently verified against OEM service manuals and manufacturer torque data (last reviewed June 2026).

Wheels — 2020 Subaru WRX

Wheel and lug nut spec for the 2020 Subaru WRX. For the all corners, plan for a 19mm tool on a M12x1.25 stud; final torque is 89 ft-lbs (120 Nm) (lug nut).

Brakes — 2020 Subaru WRX

Brake fasteners on the 2020 Subaru WRX — caliper bracket, slide pins, and banjo bolt torque follow. Front caliper bracket bolt tightens to 65 ft-lbs (88 Nm), takes a 17mm driver, runs on M12x1.25 threads, located at the front caliper bracket. This figure is independently verified against OEM service data. The front caliper guide pin, torqued to 20 ft-lbs (27 Nm) at the front. OEM-verified spec.

Engine — 2020 Subaru WRX

Engine bolt-by-bolt torque for the 2020 Subaru WRX, including the long block, valve covers, and intake. The spark plug, torqued to 15 ft-lbs (20 Nm) at the cylinder head. OEM-verified spec. 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.

Drivetrain — 2020 Subaru WRX

Drivetrain and driveline fasteners for the 2020 Subaru WRX — axle, transmission, and differential plugs. At the front hub, the axle nut torques to 137 ft-lb (35mm drive, M24x1.5 thread).

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 2020 Subaru WRX numbers above.

Loading the interactive 2020 Subaru WRX fastener lookup with per-bolt filtering, part links, and torque tools…