Subaru WRX Lug Nut Torque: Ensuring Proper Wheel Fastening
Why Lug Nut Torque Matters
Properly torquing the lug nuts on your Subaru WRX is crucial for maintaining the safety and integrity of your vehicle’s wheels. Insufficient torque can lead to loose or improperly secured wheels, which can result in accidents or damage to your car. On the other hand, over-tightening the lug nuts can lead to stripped threads or even warped brake rotors. Therefore, it is essential to follow the recommended torque specifications provided by Subaru.
Lug Nut Torque Specifications for Subaru WRX
To ensure the correct torque is applied to your WRX’s lug nuts, it is important to refer to the manufacturer’s specifications. The following table provides the lug nut torque specifications for Subaru WRX models:
| WRX Model | Torque Specs (lb. ft) | Torque Specs (Nm) |
|---|---|---|
| WRX 2002-2014 | 74-89 lb. ft | 100-120 Nm |
| WRX 2015-2022 | 88-108 lb. ft | 120-147 Nm |
How to Properly Torque Lug Nuts on Subaru WRX
To ensure the lug nuts on your Subaru WRX are torqued correctly, follow these steps:
1. Start by parking your vehicle on a level surface and engaging the parking brake.
2. Use a lug wrench or a torque wrench to loosen each lug nut on the wheel you intend to work on. Loosen them in a crisscross pattern to prevent the wheel from tilting.
3. Once all the lug nuts are loosened, use a jack to lift the vehicle until the wheel is off the ground. Place jack stands for added safety.
4. Remove the lug nuts completely and take off the wheel.
5. Clean the wheel hub and the mounting surface to ensure proper contact.
6. Align the wheel properly and slide it onto the wheel hub.
7. Thread the lug nuts onto the wheel studs by hand until they are snug.
8. Use a torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts to the specified torque in a crisscross pattern. Start with a lower torque setting and gradually increase it until reaching the recommended torque.
9. Double-check the torque by going over each lug nut again in the same crisscross pattern.
10. Lower the vehicle back to the ground and remove the jack stands.
11. Finally, use the torque wrench one last time to ensure all lug nuts are still properly torqued.
Conclusion
Properly torquing the lug nuts on your Subaru WRX is essential for maintaining the safety and performance of your vehicle. By following the manufacturer’s torque specifications and using the correct torque wrench, you can ensure that your wheels are securely fastened. Remember to periodically check the lug nut torque to ensure it remains within the recommended range.
