Acura Lug Nut Torque Specifications: A Comprehensive Guide

Ensuring proper lug nut torque is crucial for safe driving. Over-tightening can damage the threads and warp the rotors, while under-tightening can lead to loose wheels, potentially causing serious accidents. This guide provides comprehensive information on Acura lug nut torque specifications and safe tightening procedures, when changing tires, or doing any other work that requires wheels to be removed and re-installed.

Understanding Acura Wheel Nut Torque Specifications:

• Torque: Measured in pound-feet (lb-ft), torque indicates the twisting force required to properly tighten a lug nut.
• Acura Recommendations: Always refer to your Acura vehicle's owner's manual for the exact torque specifications for your specific model and wheel size.

Acura Lug Nut Torque Specs by Model (Reference Table):

Make	Model	Trim	Year	Nut Torque
ACURA	CL	2.2L COUPE	1997	80 ft-lbs
	CL	2.3L COUPE	1998-1999	80 ft-lbs
	TL	2.5L SEDAN	1996 - 1998	80 ft-lbs
	CL	3.0L COUPE	1997 - 2000	80 ft-lbs
	CL	3.2L COUPE	2001 - 2003	80 ft-lbs
	TL	3.2L SEDAN	1996 - 2003	80 ft-lbs
	3.2TL-S	ALL / SEDAN	2001 - 2003	80 ft-lbs
	3.5RL	ALL / SEDAN	1996 - 2004	80 ft-lbs
	ILX	17"BASE / 2.4L	2013 - 2018	80 ft-lbs
	ILX	ALL	2019	80 ft-lbs
	ILX	ALL	2020	80 ft-lbs
	INTEGRA	CPE/SDN / LS/GS	1986 - 2001	80 ft-lbs
	LEGEND	LS COUPE / GS SEDAN	1986 - 1995	80 ft-lbs
	MDX	4WD- / SUV	2001 - 2006	80 ft-lbs
	MDX	18"BASE / ALL	2007 - 2013	95 ft-lbs
	MDX	18"BASE / ALL	2014 - 2016	80 ft-lbs
	MDX	18"BASE / ALL	2018 - 2018	95 ft-lbs
	MDX	ALL	2019	94 ft-lbs
	MDX	Sport Hybrid	2019	94 ft-lbs
	MDX	ALL	2020	94 ft-lbs
	MDX	Sport Hybrid	2020	94 ft-lbs
	NSX	COUPE / ALL	1991 - 2005	80 ft-lbs
	NSX	ALL / COUPE	2016 - 2018	120 ft-lbs
	RDX	18"BASE / ALL	2007 - 2018	80 ft-lbs
	RDX	ALL	2019	80 ft-lbs
	RDX	ALL	2020	80 ft-lbs
	RDX	ALL	2021	80 ft-lbs
	RL	18"BASE / ALL	2005 - 2012	95 ft-lbs
	RLX	19"BASE / BASE	2014 - 2018	95 ft-lbs
	RLX	Hybrid	2019	94 ft-lbs
	RLX	Hybrid	2020	94 ft-lbs
	RSX	17-INCH / BASE/TYP S	2002 - 2006	80 ft-lbs
	SLX	4 DOOR / SUV	1996 - 1999	90 ft-lbs
	TL	17"BASE / BASE SEDAN	2004 - 2008	80 ft-lbs
	TL	17"BASE / BASE	2009 - 2014	95 ft-lbs
	TLX	17"BASE / 2.4	2016 - 2019	80 ft-lbs
	TLX	ALL	2019	80 ft-lbs
	TLX	ALL	2020	80 ft-lbs
	TSX	ALL / SEDAN	2004 - 2006	90 ft-lbs
	TSX	17"BASE / SPRT WAGON	2007 - 2014	80 ft-lbs
	VIGOR	CPE/SDN / ALL	1992 - 1994	80 ft-lbs
	ZDX	19"BASE / ALL	2010 - 2013	90 ft-lbs

Disclaimer: The provided table serves as a general reference. Always consult your Acura owner's manual for the most accurate and up-to-date torque specifications for your specific vehicle.

Tools and Equipment:

• Torque Wrench: A crucial tool for accurately measuring and applying the recommended torque. Choose a torque wrench with a range that covers the specified lug nut torque for your Acura model.
• Socket Wrench: Select a socket wrench that matches the size of your Acura's lug nuts.
• Lug Wrench: While not necessary for applying the exact torque, a lug wrench is helpful for initially loosening the lug nuts.

Safe Tightening Procedure:

1. Engage the Parking Brake: Ensure your vehicle is parked on a level surface and the parking brake is firmly engaged.
2. Loosen Lug Nuts: Slightly loosen the lug nuts using the lug wrench in a star pattern (clockwise order). Do not completely remove the lug nuts at this stage.
3. Raise the Vehicle: Safely raise the vehicle using a jack and secure it with jack stands. Refer to your owner's manual for designated jack points.
4. Tighten Lug Nuts: Using the torque wrench and socket wrench, tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern to the exact torque specification mentioned in your owner's manual. Double-check each lug nut to ensure they are all tightened properly.
5. Lower the Vehicle: Carefully lower the vehicle and remove the jack stands.
6. Re-torque: After driving for a short distance (around 50 miles), it's recommended to re-torque the lug nuts to ensure they haven't loosened due to settling.

Additional Tips:

• Never use an impact wrench for final tightening of lug nuts.
• Invest in high-quality tools with proper specifications for your Acura model.
• If you are unsure about any step in the process, consult a qualified mechanic.

Maintaining Safety:

• Always prioritize safety when working on your vehicle.
• Ensure the vehicle is stable on jack stands before attempting any work on the wheels.
• If you lack the necessary tools or expertise, it's recommended to seek professional assistance from a mechanic.

By following these guidelines and adhering to the recommended torque specifications, you can ensure the safe and proper tightening of your Acura's lug nuts. Remember, consulting your Acura's owner's manual is paramount for obtaining the most accurate and model-specific information.