What is the torque on the 2024 Toyota Tundra oil drain plug?

The official torque specification for the 2024 Toyota Tundra oil drain plug is 29 ft-lbs (39 Nm). This value should be used with a new drain plug and gasket, and tightened in a single, smooth pass. Always verify against Toyota's service manual for your exact engine variant and VIN.

Context and engine variants

The 2024 Tundra lineup uses the 3.5-liter i-Force twin-turbo V6 engine, with an optional electric hybrid system (i-Force MAX) in some trims. Toyota's official service specification for the oil drain plug on these engines lists a torque of 29 ft-lbs (39 Nm). Torque can vary slightly depending on the exact hardware (new drain plug vs reused, copper washer vs gasket) and manufacturing changes across production batches.

Before torquing, ensure you have a clean drain hole, the threads are clean, and you are using the correct replacement washer or gasket as recommended by Toyota.

• Drain plug torque: 29 ft-lbs (39 Nm) with a new drain plug and gasket, tightened in one smooth pass to spec.


• Use a properly fitting torque wrench, and avoid exceeding the specified value to prevent thread damage or oil leaks.


• After changing the oil and running the engine briefly, recheck for leaks and, if required by your manual, re-torque to spec after cooling.

Using the correct torque helps prevent leaks and thread damage and aligns with Toyota's maintenance guidelines for regular oil changes.

Practical tips and safety

When performing an oil change on a 2024 Tundra, follow these best practices to ensure a clean job and accurate torque:

1. Warm the engine lightly to allow oil to drain more completely, then safely lift and support the vehicle.


2. Place a drain pan under the sump, remove the drain plug, and allow the oil to drain fully.


3. Clean the drain plug hole and threads before reinstalling the plug with a new gasket or washer.


4. Tighten the drain plug to 29 ft-lbs (39 Nm) in one smooth motion, then check for seepage after starting the engine.

These steps help ensure a proper seal and reduce the risk of oil leaks or stripped threads.

Summary

For the 2024 Toyota Tundra, the standard oil drain plug torque is approximately 39 Nm (29 ft-lbs). Always verify the exact value and hardware requirements in your vehicle’s service manual for your specific engine variant and VIN, and replace any gaskets or washers with Toyota-approved parts.

What is the torque spec for the oil drain plug on a tundra?

The Toyota Tundra oil drain plug torque is 30 ft-lb (40 N·m), according to most sources. It is crucial to use a new crush washer when reinstalling the plug to prevent leaks. Some older models or specific engine types might have a different torque spec, but 30 ft-lb is the most commonly cited value.
 
This video shows how to change the oil in a 3rd Gen Toyota Tundra and includes the torque specification for the drain plug: 56sDIY JIMYouTube · Dec 29, 2023

• Torque Specification: 30 ft-lb (40 N·m).
• Important Note: Always use a new crush washer on the drain plug each time you change the oil. 

What is the torque spec for the oil drain plug?

between 18 and 25 lbs ft.
Torque Specs for the Oil Drain Plug
but will usually fall between 18 and 25 lbs ft. Experts claim that applying this amount of force using an oil drain plug torque wrench is enough to bring the plug's rubber gasket close to the oil pan and seal the hole.

What is the torque on the drain plug on a Toyota Tacoma?

The torque for a Toyota Tacoma oil drain plug is 30 ft-lb30 ft-lb30 ft-lb (or 40 Nm40 Nm40 Nm). The oil filter housing cap should be torqued to 18 ft-lb18 ft-lb18 ft-lb (25 Nm25 Nm25 Nm), and the small filter housing drain plug is 9 to 10 ft-lb9 to 10 ft-lb9 to 10 ft-lb.
 
This video shows how to change the oil on a 3rd gen Tacoma: 57sLab Coat PaulYouTube · Feb 10, 2024
Drain plug and filter torque specifications 

• Oil pan drain plug: 30 ft-lb30 ft-lb30 ft-lb (40 Nm40 Nm40 Nm) 
• Oil filter housing cap: 18 ft-lb18 ft-lb18 ft-lb (25 Nm25 Nm25 Nm) 
• Oil filter housing drain plug: 9 to 10 ft-lb9 to 10 ft-lb9 to 10 ft-lb 

Important notes

• Always use a new crush washer on the oil pan drain plug. 
• Ensure you lubricate the new O-ring on the filter housing cap with fresh oil before reinstallation. 
• If your model has a tow package, you may need slightly more oil. It is best to check your owner's manual for the exact capacity. 

You can watch this video for a complete guide to changing the oil on a Toyota Tacoma 3.5L V6: 1mRandom RebuildsYouTube · Feb 11, 2023

How tight should the oil drain plug be?

The oil drain plug should be tightened to the manufacturer's specifications using a torque wrench, which is often in the range of 20−30 ft-lbs20 minus 30 ft-lbs20−30 ft-lbs. If a torque wrench is not available, a good rule of thumb is to tighten it by hand until snug, and then add an additional 1/41 / 41/4 turn with a wrench, especially if using a new gasket or crush washer. 
This video demonstrates how to use a torque wrench to tighten an oil drain plug: 1mdial2fastYouTube · Dec 2, 2024
General guidelines

• Use a torque wrench: The most accurate method is to use a torque wrench set to the manufacturer's specification for your specific vehicle. 
• Hand-tighten plus a fraction of a turn: If you don't have a torque wrench, first tighten the plug by hand until it's flush with the pan. Then, use a wrench to tighten it about another quarter turn. 
• Replace the gasket: Always replace the crush washer or gasket on the drain plug to help prevent leaks, especially if it's a one-time use crush washer. 

Why proper tightness is important

• Too loose: A loose plug can vibrate and fall out, leading to a dangerous loss of oil while driving. 
• Too tight: Overtightening can strip the threads of the oil pan, leading to an expensive repair, or damage the plug itself.