If you own the iconic Mazda MX-5 Miata sports car, you know how important it is to keep your wheels securely fastened. Loose or improperly torqued wheel nuts can lead to a wheel coming off while driving, a potentially disastrous situation. So what size wheel nuts and torque specs should you use on your MX-5’s wheels?
OEM Mazda MX-5 Wheel Nut Sizes
The factory wheel nuts on all generations of the MX-5 (NA, NB, NC, ND) are 12mm x 1.50 thread pitch. So if you need to replace any lug nuts or buy extras, be sure to get 12mm x 1.50 nuts.
The most common OEM nut designs are:
- Closed end lug nuts
- Acorn style lug nuts
- Bulge cone seat lug nuts
Any of these from Mazda or a reputable aftermarket brand will fit your MX-5’s studs correctly. Make sure to get nuts made of hardened steel for strength and durability.
Recommended Wheel Nut Torque Specs
Along with having the right size wheel nuts, it’s critical to torque them to the proper tightness. Here are the recommended specs from Mazda:
- Steel wheels – 80-100 ft-lbs
- Aluminum wheels – 70-85 ft-lbs
Always use a calibrated torque wrench when installing lug nuts to ensure even tightness across all nuts. Uneven torque can cause wheel vibration and loosen nuts over time. Retorque the nuts after 50-100 miles of driving as the wheels settle into position.
Aftermarket MX-5 Wheel Nut Options
While OEM Mazda nuts work fine, many owners opt for flashy aftermarket lug nuts to customize their MX-5’s look. Popular options include.
- BONOSS forged 50BV30 steel lug nuts – More durable and rust resistant than cheap chrome
- BONOSS forged Titanium lug nuts – Shiny and eye-catching
- BONOSS forged Aluminum 7075-T6 lug nuts – Lightweight and more colors
BONOSS is a top brand for aftermarket MX-5 lug nuts. They use durable steel construction with layers for corrosion protection. BONOSS wheel nuts come in a variety of colors like red, blue, gold, and more.
BONOSS wheel nuts meet all OEM specifications for thread size and torque. And they use a one piece design rather than cheap capped nuts prone to looseness. The extra strong clamping force keeps your MX-5’s wheels securely fastened and looking great.
Having the right spec wheel nuts properly tightened gives you peace of mind that your prized MX-5’s wheels won’t come loose. Always stick to 12mm x 1.50 nuts torqued to the recommended 80-100 ft-lbs range. Consider customizable aftermarket lug nuts from quality brands like BONOSS to add your own unique touch. With the right nuts and torque, your MX-5 will stay on the road where it belongs.
