Fastener torque reference for the Series 1 Mazda RX-8 (6-port, 231 PS) — engine, drivetrain, brakes, suspension and steering, with assembly notes.
A working reference of fastener torque ranges for the Series 1 Mazda RX-8 (6-port, 231 PS). All values are factory ranges in newton metres (Nm) unless marked otherwise. The Size column is the wrench/socket size in mm where I’ve recorded it.
Before you trust this page: this started life as my own garage notes. Values marked Estimated are not confirmed factory figures. Torque specs can differ by model year and market — always verify critical fasteners (anything structural, rotating, or safety-related) against the workshop manual for your exact car before final assembly. Unless noted otherwise, values assume clean, dry threads; oiled or thread-locked fasteners behave differently for the same reading.
General practice: torque suspension fasteners with bushings at normal ride height (not at full droop) so the bushings aren’t preloaded; tighten multi-bolt patterns in stages and in sequence; replace single-use items (lock washers, crush washers, sealing washers) rather than reusing them.
Core Engine Fasteners
Fastener
Torque (Nm)
Size (mm)
Notes
Tension bolts (through-bolts)
31.4–39.2
Tighten in 2–3 passes in the specified sequence.
Flywheel / counterweight locknut
392–490
54
Red Loctite; lock flywheel/counterweight with SST while tightening.
Oil pump sprocket / shaft locknut
31.4–46.1
Use new lock washer, then bend tabs after torque.
Front cover to housing bolts
18.6–25.5
Tighten in sequence after checking pulley boss height.
Pulley lock bolt (eccentric shaft front)
300–340
19
New O-ring + sealant on pulley seating face.
Oil pan upper block bolts
18.6–25.5
Apply sealant bead 2.5–6.5 mm around perimeter and specified bolt holes.
Oil pan bolts
8.8–11.8
Clean old sealant; apply continuous bead to mating surface.
Oil pan drain plug
29.4–39.2
Use new sealing washer.
Rear stationary gear stopper screw
3.2–4.7
Apply thread-locker; this retains the main bearing stop.
Engine Ancillaries
Fastener
Torque (Nm)
Size (mm)
Notes
Spark plugs
13–18
14
Do not over-tighten.
Intake manifold bolts
19–26
10/13
Tighten in criss-cross pattern.
Engine mount rubbers (LH/RH – captive-bolt & nut)
45–63
Tighten with engine settled in mounts.
Engine mount brackets to block (LH/RH)
37–52
17
–
Water pump body bolts
19–26
–
Water pump pulley bolts
8–11
–
Oil cooler bolts (core to bracket)
8–11
–
Oil cooler bracket bolts (bracket to chassis)
8–11
–
Oil cooler hose banjo bolts
54–69
Use new copper washers each side of banjo.
Alternator mounting bolt “A” (pivot)
38–51
–
Alternator locknut “B” (tensioner)
20–30
Set belt tension, then torque.
Starter motor bolts (M/T)
38–51
Manual transmission starter mounting.
Drivetrain
Fastener
Torque (Nm)
Size (mm)
Notes
Transmission installation bolts (gearbox to engine)
37–52
14
MT & AT. Two bolt lengths (55 mm & 90 mm).
PPF to differential – bolts/nuts #1 & #2
126–154
Rear diff side. Tighten in specified sequence to seat PPF fully into diff mount.
PPF to differential – bolt/nut #3
74.5–93.2
Rear diff side centre fastener. Tighten after #1 & #2, per manual sequence.
PPF to transmission – front nuts
126–154
Transmission side PPF studs. Tighten in specified order after setting dimension A (PPF height) to 55–57 mm, then re-check final dimension A = 48.4–56.4 mm.
Propeller shaft nuts
45–59
Applies to the four flange nuts (incl. at diff). Align marks on shaft and flange on reassembly.
Brakes & Wheels
Fastener
Torque (Nm)
Size (mm)
Notes
Front brake caliper body-to-slider bolts
22–31
Guide (slider) pins.
Front caliper to mounting bracket bolts
78–102
Main caliper carrier bolts.
Rear brake caliper body-to-slider bolts
22–31
Guide (slider) pins.
Rear caliper bracket to knuckle bolts
49–69
–
Wheel nuts
88–118
17
Tighten in star pattern on level ground.
Suspension – Dampers
Fastener
Torque (Nm)
Size (mm)
Notes
Front shock absorber upper nut
31–46
Tighten with vehicle at normal ride height if possible.
Rear shock absorber upper nut
31–46
Tighten with vehicle at normal ride height if possible.
Front shock absorber lower bolt & nut
78–103
–
Rear shock absorber lower bolt
88–119
–
Rear shock bracket bolts & nuts (to body)
37–52
–
Suspension – Arms & Links
Several values in this table are estimated, not confirmed factory figures — treat them as starting points and verify before final assembly. All arm/bushing fasteners: final torque at normal ride height.
Fastener
Torque (Nm)
Size (mm)
Notes
Front/rear upper control arm bolts (to subframe/body)
61
Estimated. Final torque at normal ride height.
Front/rear lower control arm bolts (to subframe/body)
68
Estimated. Final torque at normal ride height.
Ball joint nut (front lower arm to knuckle)
58
–
Tie-rod end nut (outer)
30
–
Strut / shock mounting bolt (to knuckle/arm)
56
Generic strut mounting spec.
Sway bar link nut
39
–
Stabiliser bar mounting bolts (bush brackets)
54
–
Coil spring mounting bolts
41
Estimated.
Rear suspension shackle / bushing bolts
41
Estimated.
Steering
Fastener
Torque (Nm)
Size (mm)
Notes
Steering gear / rack mounting bolts
88
–
Tie-rod inner nut (rack end)
69–98
–
Tie-rod locknut (outer)
37–49
Lock after setting toe.
Steering shaft nuts
16–23
–
Intermediate steering shaft bolt
18–27
–
Steering wheel locknut
39–49
Align wheel straight-ahead before tightening.
Spotted an error or have a confirmed factory value for one of the estimated entries? Get in touch — corrections welcome.