Chevrolet Malibu lug nut torque by year

Chevrolet Malibu lug nut torque by year

Values as printed in the manufacturer’s owner’s manual for the year shown, not converted. Years between two checked manuals of the same generation are assumed to share the value. Open a row to read the exact wording.

What the owner’s manual says

• Re-check: Stop somewhere as soon as you can and have the nuts tightened with a torque wrench to 100 lb-ft (140 N·m).
• Re-check: Stop somewhere as soon as you can and have the nuts tightened with a torque wrench to the proper torque specification.
• Re-check: The wheel nuts should be tightened with a torque wrench to the proper torque specification after replacing.
• Threads: Never use oil or grease on studs or nuts. If you do, the nuts might come loose. (PDF p.210)
• Threads: Never use oil or grease on studs or nuts. If you do, the nuts might come loose. (PDF p.364)
• Threads: Never use oil or grease on bolts or nuts because the nuts might come loose. (PDF p.341)

What changed between generations

For most of its run the Malibu has used one figure, and only one generation differs:

• 5th generation (N-body, 1997–2003): the 2000 manual gives 100 lb-ft (140 N·m), both in the specifications and in the tire-change caution ⁠¹.
• 6th generation (Epsilon, 2004–2007): 2006 manual, 100 lb ft (140 N·m) ⁠⁴.
• 7th generation (2008–2012): 2009 manual, 100 lb ft (140 N·m) ⁠⁵.
• 8th generation (Epsilon II, 2013–2015): 2013 manual, 110 lb ft (150 N·m), for all models including eAssist ⁠³.
• 9th generation (E2XX, 2016 on): 2017 manual, 100 lb ft (140 N·m) ⁠².

If you own a 2013–2015 Malibu, use the 8th-generation value rather than the 100 ft-lb that the rest of the Malibu line shares. GM’s 100 lb ft is printed with 140 N·m, a pairing GM uses across its cars. It is not a straight conversion, so quote both numbers as printed.

The 2000 manual is unusually direct. Its flat-tire step says to “have the nuts tightened with a torque wrench to 100 lb-ft (140 N·m)” ⁠¹.

Re-check and thread condition

GM gives no re-torque mileage in these manuals. Newer editions say “the wheel nuts should be tightened with a torque wrench to the proper torque specification after replacing” ⁠². The thread warning is “Never use oil or grease on bolts or nuts because the nuts might come loose” ⁠⁵. Older manuals word it “studs or nuts” ⁠¹. Tighten in a star pattern and finish with a torque wrench (lug nut tightening guide).

Years we have not checked

We checked one manual per generation. The 2014–2015 manuals and the 2016 Malibu Limited were not checked, and the late 9th-generation years (2019–2025) were not checked one by one. The 9th-generation figure comes from the 2017 manual. No Malibu owner’s manual lists an oil drain plug or brake caliper torque.

Sources

1. 1
   Chevrolet, 2000 Chevrolet Malibu Owner's ManualChecked 21 Oct 2026
2. 2
   Chevrolet, 2017 Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (23461930B)Checked 21 Oct 2026
3. 3
   Chevrolet, 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Owner ManualChecked 21 Oct 2026
4. 4
   Chevrolet, 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Owner ManualChecked 21 Oct 2026
5. 5
   Chevrolet, 2009 Chevrolet Malibu Owner ManualChecked 21 Oct 2026

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