Buick LaCrosse 2017-2019 Body Panel & Frame Bolt Torque Specifications
Buick LaCrosse 2017-2019

Buick LaCrosse 2017-2019 Body & Frame Bolt Torque Specifications

This page provides detailed torque specifications for body bolts on the 2017-2019 Buick LaCrosse, including specific locations and fastener sizes.

Updated

Important Information

Safety guidelines and reference information for proper torque application

Quick Reference Guide
ft-lbs → Nm
× 1.356
ft-lbs → kg-m
× 0.138
Nm → ft-lbs
× 0.738
in-lbs → ft-lbs
× 0.083

Common Torque Patterns

Star Pattern

Used for wheels and other circular bolt patterns

Star Pattern torque pattern diagram showing proper bolt tightening sequence
Cross Pattern

Used for gaskets and cover plates

Cross Pattern torque pattern diagram showing proper bolt tightening sequence
Sequential Pattern

Used for head bolts and other critical components

Sequential Pattern torque pattern diagram showing proper bolt tightening sequence

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Over-tightening

Exceeding the specified torque value can stretch or break fasteners, damage threads, or crack components.

Prevention:

Always use a calibrated torque wrench and follow specifications exactly.

Incorrect Torque Sequence

Tightening bolts in the wrong order can cause uneven pressure distribution and potential leaks or damage.

Prevention:

Follow the manufacturer's specified torque sequence pattern.

Dirty Threads

Dirt, rust, or old thread locker can affect torque readings and proper fastener tension.

Prevention:

Clean and inspect all threads before assembly. Use new thread locker if specified.

Reusing TTY Bolts

Torque-to-yield bolts are designed to stretch and must not be reused.

Prevention:

Always replace TTY bolts with new ones. They are single-use only.

Dry vs. Lubricated

Not accounting for whether torque specs are for dry or lubricated fasteners can lead to incorrect tension.

Prevention:

Check if specs are for dry or lubricated threads. Use specified lubricant when required.

Recommended Tools

Torque Wrench (1/4" Drive)

Range: 2-25 ft-lbs
Small fasteners, delicate components

Torque Wrench (3/8" Drive)

Range: 10-100 ft-lbs
Most common automotive fasteners

Torque Wrench (1/2" Drive)

Range: 30-250 ft-lbs
Large fasteners, wheels

Angle Gauge

Torque-to-yield (TTY) bolts

Torque Wrench Care

  • Calibrate annually or after 5,000 clicks
  • Store at lowest setting
  • Keep clean and lubricated

Search Specifications

Search by component name, bolt size, or description

Torque Calculator

Convert between different torque units

Wheels

Torque specifications for components related to wheel and tire installation and maintenance.

1

Wheel Lug Nuts

M14 x 1.5
Torque Value
100 ft-lbs (136 N·m)
Important Notes
Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern. Ensure lug nuts are properly seated before applying final torque.

Fuel System

Torque specifications for components related to the vehicle's fuel system.

1

Fuel Tank Strap Bolts

M10 x 1.5
Torque Value
26 ft-lbs (35 N·m)
Important Notes
Ensure proper alignment of the fuel tank straps before tightening the bolts. Do not overtighten.
2

Fuel Filler Neck Bolts

M6 x 1.0
Torque Value
18 ft-lbs (25 N·m)
Important Notes
Ensure the filler neck is properly seated against the body panel before tightening. Do not overtighten.

Body Panels

Torque specifications for various body panels, such as fenders, bumpers, and trim.

1

Fender Bolts (Larger)

M8 x 1.25
Torque Value
18 ft-lbs (25 N·m)
Important Notes
Tighten in a crisscross pattern to ensure even pressure and alignment. Estimated value.
2

Fender Bolts (Smaller)

M6 x 1.0
Torque Value
7 ft-lbs (10 N·m)
Important Notes
Tighten in a crisscross pattern to ensure even pressure and alignment. Estimated value.
3

Bumper Cover Mounting Bolts/Fasteners

M6 x 1.0
Torque Value
9 ft-lbs (12 N·m)
Important Notes
Tighten bolts evenly, working from center outwards. Ensure clips are properly engaged. Estimated value.
4

Grille Mounting Bolts/Fasteners

M6 x 1.0
Torque Value
7 ft-lbs (10 N·m)
Important Notes
Tighten bolts evenly to secure grille properly. Estimated value.
5

Tail Light Assembly Bolts/Fasteners

M6 x 1.0
Torque Value
7 ft-lbs (10 N·m)
Important Notes
Tighten bolts evenly to secure the tail light assembly without over-tightening. Estimated Value.
6

Headlight Assembly Bolts/Fasteners

M6 x 1.0
Torque Value
7 ft-lbs (10 N·m)
Important Notes
Tighten bolts evenly to secure the headlight assembly without over-tightening. Estimated Value.
7

Body Side Molding Bolts/Clips

M6 x 1.0
Torque Value
7 ft-lbs (10 N·m)
Important Notes
Ensure clips are properly engaged. Tighten bolts evenly. Estimated value.

Doors

Torque specifications for door hinges, latches, and related components.

1

Door Hinge Bolts

M8 x 1.25
Torque Value
22 ft-lbs (30 N·m)
Important Notes
Tighten bolts evenly, ensuring proper door alignment. Check for proper door operation after tightening. Estimated value.
2

Door Latch/Striker Bolts

M6 x 1.0
Torque Value
18 ft-lbs (25 N·m)
Important Notes
Ensure the latch and striker are aligned properly. Check for smooth latching operation after tightening. Estimated value.

Hood

Torque specifications for hood hinges, latches and related components.

1

Hood Hinge Bolts

M8 x 1.25
Torque Value
18 ft-lbs (25 N·m)
Important Notes
Tighten bolts evenly, ensuring proper hood alignment and operation. Estimated Value.
2

Hood Latch/Striker Bolts

M6 x 1.0
Torque Value
18 ft-lbs (25 N·m)
Important Notes
Ensure proper latch alignment and smooth operation. Check for secure latching. Estimated value.

Trunk

Torque specifications for trunk lid hinges and related components

1

Trunk Lid Hinge Bolts

M8 x 1.25
Torque Value
18 ft-lbs (25 N·m)
Important Notes
Tighten evenly to ensure proper trunk lid alignment. Check for smooth opening/closing. Estimated value.

Interior

Torque specifications for interior components such as seats.

1

Seat Mounting Bolts

M10 x 1.5
Torque Value
37 ft-lbs (50 N·m)
Important Notes
Tighten all bolts evenly to ensure the seat is securely mounted. This is a critical safety component, so ensure proper torque. Confirm with a specific service manual to confirm correct spec. Estimated Value.

Troubleshooting Guide

Common issues, diagnostic steps, and prevention guidelines

Common Issues

Bolt stretching, stripped threads, uneven torque patterns

Loose Components

Symptoms:
  • Rattling or vibration noises
  • Visible movement in components
  • Uneven panel gaps
Solutions:
  • Clean threads and mounting surfaces
  • Replace damaged fasteners
  • Apply proper torque in sequence
  • Use thread locker if specified

Stripped Fasteners

Symptoms:
  • Unable to achieve proper torque
  • Fastener spins freely
  • Visible thread damage
Solutions:
  • Use thread repair kit if appropriate
  • Install thread insert (HeliCoil)
  • Replace component if threaded hole is damaged
  • Upgrade to higher grade fastener if recommended

Overtightened Components

Symptoms:
  • Cracked or deformed parts
  • Broken fasteners
  • Compressed gaskets or seals
Solutions:
  • Replace damaged components
  • Use new fasteners
  • Follow proper torque sequence
  • Verify correct torque specifications

Diagnostic Steps

Visual inspection, torque verification, thread assessment

1

Visual Inspection

Inspect the affected area for any visible signs of damage or wear

  • Check for cracks or deformation
  • Look for signs of excessive wear
  • Verify proper fastener installation
2

Torque Verification

Verify the torque applied to the fasteners

  • Check the torque wrench calibration
  • Verify the torque specification
  • Compare the applied torque to the specification
3

Thread Assessment

Assess the condition of the threads

  • Check for signs of thread damage
  • Verify the thread type and size
  • Check for proper thread engagement

Prevention Guidelines

Best practices, maintenance tips, tool care

Best Practices

  • Always follow the recommended torque specification
  • Use the correct type and size of fasteners
  • Verify the torque wrench calibration regularly

Maintenance Tips

  • Regularly inspect the affected area for signs of wear or damage
  • Replace damaged or worn-out components promptly
  • Keep the work area clean and organized

Tool Care

  • Regularly clean and maintain the torque wrench
  • Store the torque wrench in a dry and secure location
  • Verify the torque wrench calibration before each use

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about torque specifications

Q1

Why is it important to use the correct torque specifications for body bolts?

Using the correct torque ensures proper clamping force, which prevents loosening due to vibration, maintains structural integrity, and avoids damage to the bolt or the components being fastened. Over-torquing can strip threads or crush components, while under-torquing can lead to loosening and potential separation, such as a bumper cover coming loose while driving.

Q2

What happens if I overtighten a body bolt?

Overtightening can strip the threads in the bolt hole, damage the bolt itself (such as stretching it past its yield point), or crush the components being fastened. This often results in requiring repair work like retapping the threads, replacing bolts, or purchasing new body panels.

Q3

What happens if I undertighten a body bolt?

Undertightened body bolts can loosen over time due to vibration, resulting in rattles, misalignment of body panels, and potential safety issues like bumpers or lights becoming loose. Example: Loose bumper cover bolts can cause a plastic bumper cover to start to detach and create aerodynamic drag and possibly damage more components

Q4

Do I need to replace body bolts after removal?

While not always required, it's recommended to inspect body bolts for damage, rust, or stretching after removal. If any signs of wear are present, replacing them is advised to ensure proper fastening. For critical areas, replacing a bolt can be considered routine maintenance for reassembly to help ensure performance

Q5

Can I use threadlocker on body bolts?

Threadlocker can be used on body bolts, especially in areas prone to vibration. Ensure you use a low-to-medium strength threadlocker. A high-strength thread locker can make bolts difficult to remove later. Ensure all surfaces are clean and free of contaminants before applying thread locker

Environmental Considerations

Temperature, humidity, and seasonal effects on torque specifications

Temperature Effects

Includes: High Heat, Cold Weather, Thermal Cycling

Temperature can significantly impact torque values and fastener behavior

Cold Weather

Effects:
  • Increased material brittleness
  • Higher torque required due to thread contraction
  • Reduced thread lubricant effectiveness
Recommendations:
  • Allow components to warm to room temperature when possible
  • Consider using winter-grade thread lubricants
  • Check torque values more frequently during winter months

Hot Weather

Effects:
  • Thermal expansion of components
  • Decreased friction in threads
  • Accelerated lubricant breakdown
Recommendations:
  • Check torque when components are at normal operating temperature
  • Use temperature-resistant thread lockers
  • Consider re-torquing after heat cycles

Humidity and Corrosion

Covers: Rust Prevention, Salt Exposure, Moisture Control

Moisture and corrosion can affect fastener integrity and torque values

High Humidity

Effects:
  • Accelerated corrosion formation
  • Reduced friction coefficient
  • Potential thread seizing
Prevention:
  • Use corrosion-resistant fasteners
  • Apply appropriate anti-seize compounds
  • Maintain proper protective coatings

Salt Exposure

Effects:
  • Rapid corrosion development
  • Thread damage
  • Seized fasteners
Prevention:
  • Regular underbody washing
  • Use of sacrificial anodes where appropriate
  • Application of protective coatings

Seasonal Maintenance

Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter maintenance schedules

Spring

  • Inspect for winter damage
  • Clean and protect exposed fasteners
  • Check torque on critical components

Summer

  • Monitor heat-affected components
  • Check expansion-related loosening
  • Inspect cooling system mounts

Fall

  • Prepare for winter conditions
  • Apply corrosion protection
  • Verify all fasteners are properly torqued

Winter

  • More frequent inspection of critical fasteners
  • Check for salt damage
  • Monitor suspension component torque

Related Resources

Tools, service procedures, and technical bulletins

Recommended Tools

Torque Wrench (1/2 inch drive)

A 1/2 inch drive torque wrench is essential for accurately tightening larger body bolts to the specified torque values.

  • Click-type mechanism
  • Torque range suitable for body bolts (e.g., 20-150 ft-lbs)
Learn more

Torque Wrench (3/8 inch drive)

A 3/8 inch drive torque wrench is useful for smaller body fasteners and hard to reach locations.

  • Click-type mechanism
  • Torque range suitable for smaller body bolts (e.g., 5-80 ft-lbs)
Learn more

Socket Set (Metric)

A comprehensive set of metric sockets is required to fit the various sizes of body bolts.

  • 10mm to 21mm sockets
  • 6-point sockets for optimal grip
Learn more

Socket Extensions

Various length extensions will be necessary to reach recessed or hard to access bolt locations.

  • 3 inch, 6 inch, and 10 inch extensions
  • 1/2 inch and 3/8 inch drive options
Learn more
Service Procedures

Front Bumper Cover Bolt Torque Procedure

This procedure outlines the correct tightening sequence and torque specifications for bolts securing the front bumper cover.

  • 1. Identify all mounting bolts securing the front bumper cover.
  • 2. Hand-tighten all bolts in the designated sequence (generally from center outwards) to ensure proper alignment.
  • 3. Using a torque wrench, tighten all bolts to the specified torque (typically 7-10 ft-lbs for smaller bolts and up to 20 ft-lbs for larger ones) according to the service manual.
  • 4. Double-check all torque values.
View full procedure

Door Hinge Bolt Torque Procedure

This procedure details the tightening sequence and torque requirements for door hinge bolts.

  • 1. Open the door and support it with an appropriate jack to prevent sagging or misalignment.
  • 2. Identify the bolts securing the door hinges to the door frame and the door itself.
  • 3. Hand-tighten all bolts in the specified sequence to ensure correct door alignment.
  • 4. Using a torque wrench, tighten bolts to the specified torque (typically 20-25 ft-lbs for body-side bolts and up to 30 ft-lbs for door-side bolts).
  • 5. Verify smooth door operation and re-check torque specifications after operating the door a few times.
View full procedure

Fender Mounting Bolt Torque Procedure

This procedure provides guidance on tightening the bolts that secure the vehicle's fenders.

  • 1. Identify all the bolts securing the fender to the body.
  • 2. Loosely install all bolts by hand.
  • 3. Align the fender to ensure correct panel gaps and overall fitment.
  • 4. Using a torque wrench, tighten all bolts to the specified torque (typically 10-15 ft-lbs).
  • 5. Recheck the fender's position and all torque values after installation.
View full procedure
Technical Service Bulletins

Potential for Loose Body Bolts After Assembly

2018-05-10

Some 2017-2018 Lacrosse models may experience loose body bolts due to improper initial torque at the assembly plant. This can lead to rattles and panel misalignment.

2017-2018

Resolution: Inspect all accessible body bolts and verify they are tightened to the correct torque specifications as outlined in the service manual.

Revised Torque Specification for Front Bumper Mounting Bolts

2019-01-15

A revised torque specification has been issued for the front bumper cover mounting bolts on the 2019 Lacrosse models. The original torque value may lead to premature failure of the fasteners.

2019

Resolution: Refer to the updated service manual for the latest torque specification and apply it to the front bumper cover mounting bolts.

About the Author

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Alan Montanye - Automotive Technical Specialist
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Alan Montanye

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