162 ft lbs for lug nuts!

[jniffen]

While switching to my seasonal rims and tires, I was shocked to find out for the 2023 Lincoln Nautilus they require 162 ft lbs of torque for the lug nuts.

 

That seems excessive and how in the world do they expect one to remove the nuts at the side of a road?

[akirby]

Been that way for years.  I think it’s because they switched to larger diameter studs and/or larger heavier wheels.

[HotRunrGuy]

7 hours ago, akirby said:

Been that way for years.  I think it’s because they switched to larger diameter studs and/or larger heavier wheels.

My Maverick has the same M14 x 1.5 size studs, and they recommend 142 lb/ft or 200 Nm.

 

HRG

[akirby]

8 minutes ago, HotRunrGuy said:

My Maverick has the same M14 x 1.5 size studs, and they recommend 142 lb/ft or 200 Nm.

 

HRG

Which is still far higher than 100 which was the norm for decades.  Seems to be a combination of the larger studs, and larger aluminum wheels.

[Peter_Davion]

General Guidelines (with caution):

• Passenger cars: Typically require 80-120 ft-lbs of torque.
• SUVs: May require around 100-150 ft-lbs.
• Trucks and heavy-duty vehicles: Can require 200 ft-lbs or more
  
  Most passenger vehicles with standard lug nuts require between 80 and 100 ft-lbs of torque to remove them. However, some vehicles, particularly larger trucks and SUVs, may require higher torque values, potentially up to 150 ft-lbs or more
  
  Keep one of these Torque wrenches in your car, it's $50 from Home Depot.
  https://www.homedepot.com/p/TEKTON-1-2-in-Drive-Click-Torque-Wrench-10-150-ft-lb-24335/205539235
• I would pair it with an extended length socket that fits the lug nuts to get you further away from the tire and body so you don't scratch or dent any body work.
   

[T hawker]

2026 Aviator/Explorer require 150 lb ft for both the aluminum and steel wheels.  I keep a breaker bar with a deep socket in the Aviator just in case.