What is the torque on the Ford Bronco lug nuts?
The typical lug nut torque for most Ford Bronco models with factory wheels is 140 ft-lbs (190 Nm).
Understanding the exact torque is important because incorrect tightness can lead to wheel detachment, stud damage, or rotor warping. The precise value can vary by wheel size, aftermarket wheels, or updated service guidance, so always verify the specification for your specific model year and configuration in the owner's manual or on the door jamb placard.
Standard torque specification and what can vary
Guidance for applying lug nut torque in practice:
- Standard torque for most Bronco factory wheels is 140 ft-lbs (190 Nm).
- When installing wheels, tighten in a crisscross (star) pattern to ensure even clamping.
- After an initial drive of 50–100 miles (80–160 kilometers), re-check and re-torque to the specified value.
- If you’re using aftermarket wheels, adapters, or different lug hardware, confirm the correct torque with the wheel manufacturer and Ford service guidance.
Following these points helps ensure consistent clamping force and reduces the risk of wheel-related issues.
Practical steps for installing or re-torquing Bronco lug nuts
How to apply the torque properly in real-world procedures:
- Park on a flat surface, apply the parking brake, and use wheel chocks as needed.
- If removing a wheel, loosen the lug nuts slightly before lifting the vehicle, then remove completely with the vehicle supported.
- Place the wheel onto the hub, hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern to hold the wheel in place.
- Lower the vehicle and torque each lug nut gradually in a star pattern to 140 ft-lbs (190 Nm).
- Recheck all lug nuts with a calibrated torque wrench after the vehicle has been driven 50–100 miles to account for seating and settling.
These steps help ensure even clamping, proper seating of the wheel, and long-term wheel safety.
Notes on variations, maintenance, and safety tips
- Wheel size, aftermarket wheels, or lug hardware can change the required torque. Always verify for your exact setup.
- Avoid using lubricants or anti-seize compounds on lug studs and nuts unless the manufacturer specifically instructs otherwise, as they can affect torque readings.
- Store and torque spare lug nuts with their corresponding studs to prevent mismatches.
Safety and accuracy matter: when in doubt, consult your Ford Bronco’s official documentation or contact a Ford service technician to confirm the correct lug nut torque for your vehicle’s wheels.
Summary
For the Ford Bronco, the standard lug nut torque is typically 140 ft-lbs (190 Nm) for factory wheels, with re-torque advised after 50–100 miles once seating occurs. Always verify the exact specification for your wheel type and model year, follow the star-pattern tightening sequence, and recheck torque on an interval-based schedule to maintain wheel safety and performance.
Is 50 mile retorque necessary?
This is typically recommended after the first 50-100 miles of driving to account for any settling that may occur. Regular Maintenance: Regular retorquing should be part of your routine maintenance schedule. Consider having your lug nuts retorqued every 5,000 miles and during any scheduled tire rotations.
What is the torque spec for Ford lug nuts?
Ford lug nut torque specs vary by model, but recent F-150s and Explorers often use 150 ft-lbs. Older models, like some F-150s and Explorers, may be 100 ft-lbs. To ensure accuracy, it is best to check your vehicle's owner's manual for the specific torque value.
Common torque specifications by vehicle type
- Ford F-150: Modern trucks (2015–present) are 150 ft-lbs, while some earlier generations were 100 ft-lbs.
- Ford Explorer: Models from 2020 and newer are 150 ft-lbs, while 2006–2019 models are 100 ft-lbs.
- Ford Maverick: The 2022 model requires 148 ft-lbs (200 Nm).
- Ford F-250: The recommended torque is 165 ft-lbs.
- Other models: For models with M12 x 1.5 bolts, the torque is around 100 ft-lbs (135 Nm).
Important considerations
- Check your owner's manual: Always refer to your vehicle's owner's manual for the exact specifications.
- Use a torque wrench: Use a calibrated torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts to the correct specification to prevent wheel separation.
- Tighten in a star pattern: Tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern to ensure the wheel is seated evenly.
- Retorque after 50-100 miles: It's critical to re-check the torque after driving a short distance, especially after a tire rotation or flat tire change.
- Avoid overtightening: Overtightening can damage the wheel studs and rotors.
- Clean fasteners: Ensure that wheel mounting surfaces and fastener threads are clean and free of dirt and corrosion before installation.
What is the torque spec for the Ford Bronco wheels?
The REFERENCE torque spec for lug nuts on a 2021-2024 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend/ Heritage/ Sport Free Wheeling/ Outer Banks/ Badlands will be 113 – 135 NM. It is always a good idea to give the stock lug nuts a check and retorqued them within about 50 – 100 miles of driving. A proper “tight” is important.
What is the torque for the Ford Bronco lug nuts?
The lug nut torque for most 2021+ Ford Broncos is 100 lb-ft (135 Nm), while the Bronco Raptor requires a higher torque of 150 ft-lb (203 Nm). It is crucial to use a calibrated torque wrench and tighten the nuts in a star pattern, and to recheck the torque after 50-100 miles of driving, especially after a wheel installation.
Standard Ford Bronco (2021+)
- Torque: 100 ft-lb (approx. 135 Nm)
Ford Bronco Raptor
- Torque: 150 ft-lb
Important notes
- Use a torque wrench: Always use a calibrated torque wrench to ensure accurate tightening.
- Follow a star pattern: Tighten the lug nuts in a star or crisscross pattern to ensure the wheel is seated evenly against the hub.
- Re-torque after 50-100 miles: Check the lug nut torque after a short period of driving, as they can loosen as the wheel settles. Re-torque all the nuts to the specified value.
- Check your owner's manual: Always consult your owner's manual for the most accurate specifications for your specific vehicle.
