Audi Wheel Nut Torque Specs: Ensure A Safe And Secure Ride
Properly torqued lug nuts are essential for a safe and enjoyable driving experience in your Audi. Loose lug nuts can vibrate and damage the wheel or studs, potentially leading to a wheel coming loose while driving - a dangerous situation.
This guide empowers you to find the correct lug nut torque specs for your specific Audi model and provides you with the information you need to tighten them safely and securely, when changing tires, or doing any other work that requires wheels to be removed and re-installed.
Why are Audi Wheel Nut Torque Specs Important?
- Safety: The correct torque ensures your wheels stay securely fastened to the vehicle during driving, cornering, and braking.
- Performance: Over-torqued or under-torqued lug nuts can affect wheel alignment and handling.
- Prevention of Damage: Proper torque prevents damage to the wheels, studs, and lug nuts themselves.
Finding Your Audi Lug Nut Torque Specs
There are two primary ways to find the exact lug nut torque specs for your Audi:
- Owner's Manual: This is the definitive source for all your Audi's specifications, including lug nut torque. Look for the section on tire changing or routine maintenance. The torque specs are typically listed in foot-pounds (ft-lb). Audi
- Website or Online Resources: While not as reliable as the owner's manual, some reputable automotive websites may list Audi lug nut torque specs by model year. Always double-check this information with your owner's manual to ensure accuracy.
Audi Lug Nut Torque Specs by Model (Reference Table):
Make | Model | Trim | Year Range | Torque |
---|---|---|---|---|
AUDI |
80 | SEDAN / QUATTRO | 1988 - 1992 | 90 ft-lbs |
90 | SEDAN / BASE/S | 1988 - 1995 | 90 ft-lbs | |
100 | ALL / 195/65R15 | 1989 - 1994 | 90 ft-lbs | |
200 | ALL / 205/60R15 | 1989 - 1991 | 90 ft-lbs | |
4000 | BASE/S / 185/60R14 | 1984 - 1987 | 90 ft-lbs | |
5000 | SEDAN / TURBO/QUAT | 1984 - 1988 | 90 ft-lbs | |
200 20V | 4 DOOR / QUATTRO | 1991 - 1991 | 90 ft-lbs | |
4000 CS | QUATTRO / 195/60R14 | 1984 - 1987 | 90 ft-lbs | |
A3 | 17"BASE / CONVERTBLE | 2015 - 2016 | 90 ft-lbs | |
A3 2.0T | 17"BASE / HATCHBACK | 2006 - 2013 | 90 ft-lbs | |
A3 3.2 | 17"BASE / HATCHBACK | 2006 - 2009 | 90 ft-lbs | |
A3 SPORTBACK | 17"BASE / E-TRON | 2016 - 2016 | 90 ft-lbs | |
A3 TDI | 17"BASE / HATCHBACK | 2010 - 2013 | 90 ft-lbs | |
A4 | 18'BASE / SEDAN | 1996 - 2018 | 90 ft-lbs | |
A4 1.8T - ALL | 17-INCH- / CABRIOLET | 2001 - 2006 | 90 ft-lbs | |
A4 2.0T - ALL | 17"BASE / SEDAN FWD | 2005 - 2013 | 90 ft-lbs | |
A4 2.0T/3.2 | 17-INCH / QUATTRO | 2007 - 2007 | 90 ft-lbs | |
A4 2.8 - ALL | 16-INCH / SEDAN/WGN | 2001 - 2001 | 90 ft-lbs | |
A4 3.0 - ALL | 18-INCH / SEDAN | 2002 - 2004 | 90 ft-lbs | |
A4 3.2 - ALL | 17"BASE / CABRIOLET | 2008 - 2009 | 90 ft-lbs | |
A4 ALLROAD | 18"BASE / 2 | 2018 - 2018 | 90 ft-lbs | |
A5 | 18"BASE / 2 | 2008 - 2010 | 90 ft-lbs | |
A5 2.0T - ALL | 18"BASE / CONVERTBLE | 2011 - 2012 | 90 ft-lbs | |
A5 CONVERTIBLE | 18"BASE / 2 | 2013 - 2018 | 90 ft-lbs | |
A5 COUPE | 18"BASE / 2 | 2013 - 2018 | 90 ft-lbs | |
A6 | 18"BASE / 2.0T | 2012 - 2018 | 90 ft-lbs | |
A6 2.7T QUATTRO | 17-INCH / SEDAN | 2000 - 2004 | 90 ft-lbs | |
A6 2.8 | 16-INCH / SEDAN | 2000 - 2001 | 85 ft-lbs | |
A6 2.8 QUATTRO | 16-INCH / SEDAN | 2000 - 2001 | 85 ft-lbs | |
A6 3.0 | 16-INCH / SEDAN | 2002 - 2004 | 90 ft-lbs | |
A6 3.0 QUATTRO | 16-INCH / SEDAN | 2002 - 2004 | 90 ft-lbs | |
A6 3.0T | 17"BASE / PREMIUM | 2009 - 2011 | 90 ft-lbs | |
A6 3.0T AVANT | 17"BASE / PREMIUM | 2009 - 2011 | 90 ft-lbs | |
A6 3.2 | 17"BASE / PREMIUM | 2007 - 2011 | 90 ft-lbs | |
A6 3.2 AVANT | 18"BASE / QUATTRO | 2008 - 2008 | 90 ft-lbs | |
A6 3.2 QUATTRO | 17-INCH- / AVANT | 2005 - 2006 | 90 ft-lbs | |
A6 4.2 | 18"BASE / PRESTIGE | 2000 - 2011 | 90 ft-lbs | |
A6 4.2 QUATTRO | 17-INCH- / SEDAN | 2000 - 2006 | 90 ft-lbs | |
A6 FWD | 16-INCH / ALL | 1998 - 1999 | 90 ft-lbs | |
A6 QUATTRO | 16-INCH / WAGON | 1995 - 2004 | 90 ft-lbs | |
A7 | 19'BASE / 3.0T | 2012 - 2018 | 90 ft-lbs | |
A8 | 18"BASE / QUATTRO | 1997 - 2008 | 90 ft-lbs | |
A8 | 19"BASE / ALL | 2008 - 2008 | 100 ft-lbs | |
A8 | 19"BASE / 4 | 2009 - 2015 | 90 ft-lbs | |
A8/A8L | 18-INCH / SEDAN | 2007 - 2007 | 90 ft-lbs | |
A8L | 19"BASE / 3 | 2001 - 2018 | 90 ft-lbs | |
ALLROAD | 18"BASE / 2 | 2001 - 2016 | 90 ft-lbs | |
CABRIOLET | ALL / 195/65R15 | 1994 - 1998 | 90 ft-lbs | |
COUPE | ALL / QUATTRO | 1981 - 1991 | 90 ft-lbs | |
Q3 | 18"BASE / 2.0T | 2015 - 2018 | 90 ft-lbs | |
Q5 - ALL | 18"BASE / 2 | 2011 - 2018 | 100 ft-lbs | |
Q7 - ALL | 20"BASE / PREMIUM | 2007 - 2018 | 120 ft-lbs | |
QUATTRO | ALL / QUATTRO | 1984 - 1987 | 90 ft-lbs | |
R8 | 20"BASE / BASE | 2008 - 2018 | 90 ft-lbs | |
RS4 | 19-INCH / SEDAN | 2007 - 2008 | 90 ft-lbs | |
RS5 | 19"BASE / COUPE/CONV | 2013 - 2018 | 90 ft-lbs | |
RS6 | ALL / SEDAN | 2003 - 2004 | 90 ft-lbs | |
RS7 | 20"BASE / 4.0 TFSI | 2014 - 2018 | 90 ft-lbs | |
S3 | 19"BASE / SEDAN | 2015 - 2018 | 90 ft-lbs | |
S4 | 18"BASE / 3 | 1992 - 2018 | 90 ft-lbs | |
S4 4.2 QUATTRO | 18-INCH / CABRIOLET | 2004 - 2009 | 90 ft-lbs | |
S5 | 18"BASE / CONVERTBLE | 2008 - 2018 | 90 ft-lbs | |
S6 | 19"BASE / 4 | 1995 - 2018 | 90 ft-lbs | |
S7 | 21"BASE / 4.0 TFSI | 2013 - 2018 | 90 ft-lbs | |
S8 | 21"BASE / 4 | 2001 - 2018 | 90 ft-lbs | |
SQ5 | 20"BASE / PREM/PRSTG | 2014 - 2018 | 105 ft-lbs | |
TT - ALL | 19"BASE / RS | 1999 - 2018 | 90 ft-lbs | |
V8 | ALL / QUATTRO | 1990 - 1994 | 90 ft-lbs |
Tools You'll Need for Tightening Lug Nuts:
- Torque Wrench (calibrated to ft-lbs): This tool allows you to apply the precise amount of torque without over-tightening or under-tightening the lug nuts.
- Lug Wrench: The wrench provided with your Audi to remove and tighten the lug nuts.
- Socket Wrench: The size will depend on your specific Audi model.
- Rubber Mallet (Optional): Can be helpful for loosening stubborn lug nuts.
Safety First!
- Park your Audi on a flat, stable surface and engage the parking brake.
- Chock the wheels that won't be raised (use wedges or bricks behind the tires).
- Always ensure the vehicle is in Park (automatic) or Neutral (manual) before starting.
Here's a general guide to safely tightening your Audi lug nuts (refer to your owner's manual for specific instructions):
- Loosen the Lug Nuts (Slightly): While the car is still on the ground, use the lug wrench to loosen each lug nut slightly in a counter-clockwise direction. Don't remove them completely yet.
- Jack Up Your Audi: Refer to your owner's manual for designated jack points. Carefully raise the specific wheel you'll be working on using a jack.
- Remove the Lug Nuts: Now that the wheel is off the ground, completely remove the loosened lug nuts by hand or with the socket wrench.
- Inspect the Wheel and Hub: Take a moment to visually inspect the wheel and hub for any damage or debris. Address any concerns before proceeding.
- Mount the Wheel (Optional): If you're replacing a tire or performing other maintenance, mount the new wheel at this point. Ensure the wheel is properly aligned with the hub.
- Hand-Tighten the Lug Nuts: Screw each lug nut back onto its respective stud by hand as far as possible. Tighten them in a star pattern (think of drawing a star as you tighten each nut).
- The Torque Moment: Here's the crucial step! Consult your Audi owner's manual for the exact torque specification for your specific model year.
- Attach the socket wrench to the lug nut and the torque wrench to the socket wrench.
- Slowly pull on the torque wrench until it clicks, indicating that the lug nut has reached the desired torque.
- Move on to the next lug nut in the star pattern and repeat the process until all are torqued properly.
Remember:
- If you're unsure about any aspect of lug nut torque or feel uncomfortable performing the task yourself, consult a qualified mechanic.
- Always refer to your Audi's owner's manual for the exact lug nut torque specs before working on your vehicle.