To experienced drivers, the 4runner lug nut torque is a similar term. Yet, its definition, sizes, and specs can confuse newcomers.
If you are in the same boat, this article will help resolve your confusion.
I will also equip you with fundamental knowledge about its importance, the proper practice of torquing your wheels, and potential torque problems being overtightened or loosened. Stay tuned!
What Is The Lug Nut Torque?
A lug nut is fastened to one end of the steel and aluminum wheels. Most lug nuts are designed to torque to a factory-specified level.
Thanks to this stretch, the nut could create a strong mechanical connection, helping secure the wheel’s studs and prevent them from falling out.
In other words, the lug nut torque is exactly the nut’s tightness, measured in a foot-pounds amount.
This unit is related to the weight amount needed to push a moving object per distance. The figure could range from under 30 pounds to roughly 90 pounds.
Over-torquing and under-torquing all have repercussions on the car’s wheels, resulting in several issues, such as the wheel’s friction loss or the nut sliding off from the hub.
This holds true on every car, be it 4runner or Tacoma lug nut torque.
What Are The Toyota 4runner Lug Nut Torque Specs & Sizes?
The 4runner wheel torque specs of Toyota models from 2004 to 2020 are mostly 112 Nm or 83 lb-ft torque, with the size of lug nuts being M12x1.50. There are some variants, though.
Check my following table carefully to gain deeper insights into this matter!
The Toyota 4runner Car 2004
- The lug nut torque: 112 Nm or 83 lb-ft, a bit lower than the Tacoma lug nut torque.
- The lug nut size: Use 21mm socket – M12 x 1.50
The Toyota 4runner Car 2005
- The lug nut torque: 112 Nm or 83 lb-ft
- The lug nut size: Use 21mm socket – M12 x 1.50
The Toyota 4runner Car 2006
- The lug nut torque: 112 Nm or 83 lb-ft
- The lug nut size: Use 21mm socket – M12 x 1.50
The Toyota 4runner Car 2007
- The lug nut torque: 112 Nm or 83 lb-ft
- The lug nut size: Use 21mm socket – M12 x 1.50
The Toyota 4runner Car 2008
- The lug nut torque: 112 Nm or 83 lb-ft
- The lug nut size: Use 21mm socket – M12 x 1.50
The Toyota 4runner Car 2009
- The lug nut torque: 112 Nm or 83 lb-ft
- The lug nut size: M12 x 1.50, 21mm socket.
The Toyota 4runner Car 2010
- The lug nut torque: 112 Nm or 83 lb-ft
- The lug nut size: Use 21mm socket – M12 x 1.50
The Toyota 4runner Car 2011
- The lug nut torque: 112 Nm or 83 lb-ft
- The lug nut size: Use 21mm socket – M12 x 1.50
The Toyota 4runner Car 2012
- The lug nut torque: 112 Nm or 83 lb-ft
- The lug nut size: Use 21mm socket – M12 x 1.50
The Toyota 4runner Car 2013
- The lug nut torque: 112 Nm or 83 lb-ft
- The lug nut size: Use 21mm socket – M12 x 1.50
The Toyota 4runner Car 2014
- The lug nut torque: 112 Nm or 83 lb-ft
- The lug nut size: Use 21mm socket – M12 x 1.50 (13/16 in can also work)
The Toyota 4runner Car 2015
- The lug nut torque: 112 Nm or 83 lb-ft for steel wheels, 103 Nm or 76 lb-ft for aluminum wheels
- The lug nut size: Use 21mm socket – M12 x 1.50
The Toyota 4runner Car 2016
- The lug nut torque: 112 Nm or 83 lb-ft for steel wheels, 103 Nm or 76 lb-ft for aluminum wheels
- The lug nut size: Use 21mm socket – M12 x 1.50
The Toyota 4runner Car 2017
- The lug nut torque: 112 Nm or 83 lb-ft for steel wheels, 103 Nm or 76 lb-ft for aluminum wheels
- The lug nut size: Use 21mm socket – M12 x 1.50
The Toyota 4runner Car 2018
- The lug nut torque: 112 Nm or 83 lb-ft for steel wheels, 103 Nm or 76 lb-ft for aluminum wheels
- The lug nut size: Use 21mm socket – M12 x 1.50
The Toyota 4runner Car 2019
- The lug nut torque: 112 Nm or 83 lb-ft for steel wheels, 103 Nm or 76 lb-ft for aluminum wheels
- The lug nut size: Use 21mm socket – M12 x 1.50
The Toyota 4runner Car 2020
- The lug nut torque: 112 Nm or 83 lb-ft for steel wheels, 103 Nm or 76 lb-ft for aluminum wheels
- The lug nut size: Use 21mm socket – M12 x 1.50
Why Is The 4runner Wheel Torque Important?
The 4runner lug nut torque’s significance cannot be denied. Indeed, the nut helps connect different wheel parts, especially the studs.
In this way, the wheel could not be separated from the hub.
In other words, the scenario of the wheel coming off your vehicle is impossible. Consequently, drivers’ safety is secured, diminishing the chances of road accidents.
How To Torque Your Wheel Lug Properly?
Below is straightforward guidance on torquing your wheel lug that you should pay attention to:
- Step 1: Park your car and shut all the engines down. Leave them for a few minutes to cool down before knuckling down to the procedure.
- Step 2: Ensure the wheel’s studs are clean by removing debris and grim chips from their surface.
A dirty stud could hinder the mechanical connection between threads and lug nuts, leading to improper torquing.
- Step 3: Attach each lug nut by hand and use the right tool, such as a torque wrench or a plier to tighten it. You successfully reach the exact torque amount when hearing a clicking sound.
Remember that the tightening patterns could differ depending on the wheel lug types:
- A star pattern is most common, usually applied to the standard lug wheel. Start from the lug’s top corner and move across the wheel in a diagonal way until each lug nut has been tightened.
- As regards the 4-lug type, you begin to move the first bolt diagonally and rotate it across before moving diagonally one more time.
- Given the 6-lug wheel, you need to move the lug bolt horizontally, then diagonally and horizontally twice before making a final diagonal movement.
What Will Happen When Your Lug Nuts Are Over Tightened Or Over Loosened?
If the nut lugs are under torqued, the connection between the wheel’s parts is not ensured, causing the bolt not to stretch fully.
As a result of this loose connection, the vibration pressed on the lug seems more intense, weakening its tensile properties and making it crack, shear, or violently separate.
Over-torquing bears a similar result. If the lug nuts are overstretched, the brake system can become warped due to uneven force distribution across the hardware.
The vibrations escalate when the wheel spins, placing much pressure on the lugs. If this problem persists, nuts will slide off, rendering rims to unseat from the hub and eventual lug failure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Should You Torque Your New Wheels?
It is common knowledge that you should torque your new wheels after driving 50 or 100 miles. I have tried this method, and it really proves its effectiveness.
My wheels adjust to the car more quickly.
However, suppose you often drive through harsh road conditions, including potholes, rocks, and in bad weather, like the heavy downpour; it is advisable to check your torque more frequently.
You can tow your car to an automotive repair shop for proper maintenance. However, a service supplier can refuse to release your car in some specific cases that you should take close notice of.
How Could I Know How Much Torque Is Suited To My Wheels?
The proper amount of torque depends on several factors, such as the tire or thread size, the wheel’s material, or the weight of your automobile.
If you want to choose which setting is optimal for your car, particularly the lug nuts & wheel locks, it would be best to consult expert mechanics or ask qualified drivers.
Erroneous information or misunderstanding about the lug nut torque could lead your wheel to be overstretched or loosened, likely inducing potential catastrophes and electrical issues.
Does Too Much Torque Impact The Brakes?
The answer is yes.
Too much lug torque could have repercussions for the brake rotors and the braking system in general due to the excess vibration, especially deriving from an over-tightened wheel.
If you don’t address this problem soon, the worst scenarios, like accidents, can put your safety in jeopardy.
The Bottom Line
After contemplating this post, you will reap comprehensive knowledge about the 4runner lug nut torque, coupled with its definition and the procedure of torquing wheel lugs.
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Thanks, and wish you a great day!