2020 Nissan Altima Torque Specifications

Quick Reference

Fastener	Torque (ft-lb / Nm)	Notes
Wheel Lug Nuts	83 ft-lb / 113 Nm
Oil Drain Plug	25 ft-lb / 34 Nm	Always use a new crush washer.
CVT Transmission Drain Plug	~25 ft-lb / 34 Nm	Critical: Verify in manual. Fluid level procedure is complex.
Spark Plugs	15-20 ft-lb / 20-27 Nm	Do not overtighten in aluminum head.
Front Brake Caliper Bracket Bolts	95-105 ft-lb / 129-142 Nm	Apply threadlocker if specified.
Front Brake Caliper Slide Pins	20-25 ft-lb / 27-34 Nm	Lubricate pins with silicone paste.
Rear Brake Caliper Bracket Bolts	45-55 ft-lb / 61-75 Nm
Rear Brake Caliper Slide Pins	20-25 ft-lb / 27-34 Nm	Lubricate pins.
Axle Nut (Hub Nut)	170-200 ft-lb / 230-271 Nm	Often single-use; replace when removed.
Valve Cover Bolts	7-9 ft-lb / 9-12 Nm	Tighten in sequence specified by the manual.
Intake Manifold Bolts	6-8 ft-lb / 8-11 Nm	Tighten in specified sequence to avoid leaks.

Wheel lug torque pattern

When tightening the wheel lug nuts on your 2020 Nissan Altima, always follow a star or cross pattern. This ensures the wheel is seated evenly against the hub, preventing warping of the brake rotor and ensuring a secure fit. Never tighten the nuts in a circular pattern.

1. Hand-tighten all lug nuts until they are snug.
2. Lower the vehicle until the tire just touches the ground, enough to prevent it from spinning.
3. Using a calibrated torque wrench, tighten the nuts in a star pattern to the final spec of 83 ft-lb (113 Nm).
4. Once all nuts are torqued, lower the vehicle completely.

Brake torque notes

Brake system fasteners are safety-critical. The brake caliper bracket bolts are high-torque fasteners that secure the stationary part of the caliper to the knuckle. These often come with a factory-applied threadlocker, and it's wise to apply a new medium-strength (blue) threadlocker upon reinstallation.

Caliper slide pins, by contrast, have a much lower torque value. Their job is to allow the caliper to move freely. Overtightening them can bind the caliper, leading to uneven pad wear and braking problems. Always clean and lubricate the slide pins with a high-temperature silicone brake lubricant.

Why torque matters

Using a calibrated torque wrench is one of the most important aspects of automotive repair. Every fastener on your vehicle is engineered to be tightened to a specific clamping force. "Good and tight" is not a measurement.

• Overtightening a fastener can stretch the threads, causing them to fail. It can also warp sensitive components like valve covers, intake manifolds, oil pans, and brake rotors, leading to leaks or performance issues.
• Undertightening a fastener is equally dangerous. It can allow components to shift or vibrate loose over time, leading to catastrophic failure, especially with critical items like brake or suspension bolts.

Investing in a good torque wrench and using it correctly for every job is a hallmark of a professional technician and a smart DIYer. It takes the guesswork out of the equation and ensures a safe, reliable repair.

<br> *Disclaimer: These torque specifications are provided for reference purposes only. Values can vary based on specific submodel (S, SV, SR, SL, Platinum, VC-Turbo) and aftermarket parts. Always verify critical fastener torque values in the official OEM service manual for your specific vehicle before beginning any work.*

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