2017 Ford Explorer Lug Nut Torque Specs
Why Lug Nut Torque Matters
Properly torquing the lug nuts on your 2017 Ford Explorer is crucial for the safety and performance of your vehicle. Lug nuts are responsible for securing the wheels to the vehicle’s hub, and if they are not tightened to the correct specifications, it can lead to a variety of issues such as wheel wobbling, uneven tire wear, and even the possibility of the wheel detaching while driving.
Understanding Torque Specifications
Torque is a measure of the force applied to an object to make it rotate around an axis. In the case of lug nuts, torque is used to ensure that the nuts are tightened to the correct level, neither too loose nor too tight. Each vehicle model has specific torque specifications provided by the manufacturer, and it is important to follow these guidelines to ensure the safety and longevity of your vehicle.
Lug Nut Torque Specifications for the 2017 Ford Explorer
The lug nut torque specifications for the 2017 Ford Explorer are as follows:
| Wheel Size | Torque Specs (lb-ft/Nm) |
|---|---|
| 16-inch | 100-110 lb-ft / 135-149 Nm |
| 17-inch | 100-110 lb-ft / 135-149 Nm |
| 18-inch | 100-110 lb-ft / 135-149 Nm |
| 20-inch | 100-110 lb-ft / 135-149 Nm |
Steps to Properly Torque Lug Nuts
To ensure that you torque the lug nuts on your 2017 Ford Explorer correctly, follow these steps:
- Start by parking your vehicle on a flat surface and engaging the parking brake.
- Using a lug wrench or a torque wrench, loosen the lug nuts on each wheel by turning them counterclockwise.
- Once the lug nuts are loose, use a jack to lift the vehicle off the ground, ensuring that it is stable and secure.
- Remove the lug nuts and the wheel from the hub.
- Clean the wheel hub and the mounting surface to remove any dirt or debris.
- Place the wheel back onto the hub and hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern to ensure even tightening.
- Using a torque wrench, tighten the lug nuts to the specified torque value for your wheel size (refer to the table above).
- Repeat the process for each wheel, ensuring that all lug nuts are torqued to the correct specifications.
- Lower the vehicle back to the ground and use the torque wrench to double-check the lug nut torque.
- Finally, check the lug nuts after driving a short distance to ensure they have not loosened.
Conclusion
Properly torquing the lug nuts on your 2017 Ford Explorer is essential for the safety and performance of your vehicle. By following the specific torque specifications provided by the manufacturer and using the correct torque wrench, you can ensure that your wheels are securely fastened and avoid any potential issues that may arise from improperly torqued lug nuts. Remember to always double-check your lug nut torque and periodically inspect them to ensure they remain tight.