Volkswagen Volkswagen Passat 2015-present Drivetrain Bolt Torque Specifications & Fastener Values
Volkswagen Volkswagen Passat 2015-present

Volkswagen Volkswagen Passat 2015-present Drivetrain Bolt Torque Specifications

Comprehensive torque specifications for the drivetrain bolts of the 2015-Present Volkswagen Passat, including engine, transmission, and axle components.

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

Engine block and crankshaft

Components that secure the engine block and crankshaft, ensuring proper alignment and preventing damage.

1

Flywheel Bolts

M10 x 1.5
Torque Value
15 ft-lbs (20 N·m)
Important Notes
Proper torque ensures the flywheel is properly seated and aligned.
2

Main Bearing Bolts

M12 x 1.75
Torque Value
33 ft-lbs (45 N·m)
Important Notes
Proper torque ensures the bearings are properly seated and aligned.

Crankshaft and connecting rods

Components that secure the crankshaft and connecting rods, ensuring proper alignment and preventing damage.

1

Connecting Rod Nuts

M10 x 1.5
Torque Value
23 ft-lbs (31 N·m)
Important Notes
Proper torque ensures the rods are properly seated and aligned.
2

Crankshaft Pulley/Harmonic Balancer Bolt

M14 x 2.0
Torque Value
81 ft-lbs (110 N·m)
Important Notes
Proper torque ensures the pulley/balancer is properly seated and aligned.

Transmission and mounting

Components that secure the transmission and mounting, ensuring proper alignment and preventing damage.

1

Transmission Mounting Bolts

M12 x 1.75
Torque Value
37 ft-lbs (50 N·m)
Important Notes
Proper torque ensures the transmission is properly aligned and supported.
2

Engine Block to Transmission Bellhousing Bolts

M12 x 1.75
Torque Value
37 ft-lbs (50 N·m)
Important Notes
Proper torque ensures the engine and transmission are properly aligned and supported.

Drive axle and half shaft

Components that secure the drive axle and half shaft, ensuring proper alignment and preventing damage.

1

Drive Axle/Half Shaft Bolts

M14 x 2.0
Torque Value
59 ft-lbs (80 N·m)
Important Notes
Proper torque ensures the axles are properly seated and aligned.
2

CV Joint/Axle Nut

M16 x 2.5
Torque Value
148 ft-lbs (200 N·m)
Important Notes
Proper torque ensures the joint is properly seated and aligned.

Propeller/drive shaft and differential

Components that secure the propeller/drive shaft and differential, ensuring proper alignment and preventing damage.

1

Propeller/Drive Shaft Bolts

M12 x 1.75
Torque Value
37 ft-lbs (50 N·m)
Important Notes
Proper torque ensures the shaft is properly seated and aligned.
2

Differential Drain/Fill Plug

M10 x 1.5
Torque Value
33 ft-lbs (45 N·m)
Important Notes
Proper torque ensures the plug is properly seated and sealed.

Transfer case and crossmember

Components that secure the transfer case and crossmember, ensuring proper alignment and preventing damage.

1

Transfer Case Drain/Fill Plug

M10 x 1.5
Torque Value
33 ft-lbs (45 N·m)
Important Notes
Proper torque ensures the plug is properly seated and sealed.
2

Transmission Crossmember Bolts

M12 x 1.75
Torque Value
37 ft-lbs (50 N·m)
Important Notes
Proper torque ensures the transmission is properly supported and aligned.

Drive shaft center bearing

Components that secure the drive shaft center bearing, ensuring proper alignment and preventing damage.

1

Drive Shaft Center Bearing Bolts

M10 x 1.5
Torque Value
18 ft-lbs (25 N·m)
Important Notes
Proper torque ensures the bearing is properly seated and aligned.

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

What is the torque specification for the drive axle bolts on a 2015-Present Volkswagen Passat?

The torque specification for the drive axle bolts on a 2015-Present Volkswagen Passat is typically 200 Nm (147 lb-ft) plus an additional 180-degree turn. Always refer to the vehicle's service manual for the exact specifications, as they may vary slightly depending on the engine and drivetrain configuration.

Q2

How often should I check the torque on drivetrain components?

It is recommended to check the torque on drivetrain components, such as drive axle bolts and transmission mounting bolts, during routine maintenance intervals or after any major service involving the drivetrain. For example, after replacing a CV joint or performing transmission work, recheck the torque to ensure proper tightness and safety.

Q3

Can I reuse the drive axle bolts, or should they be replaced?

Drive axle bolts on the Volkswagen Passat are typically designed for single use and should be replaced after removal. Reusing old bolts can lead to improper torque application and potential failure, as the bolts may have stretched or weakened during their initial installation.

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

Digital Torque Wrench

A precision tool for applying accurate torque to drivetrain bolts.

  • Adjustable torque settings
  • Digital display for precise readings
Learn more

Torque Angle Gauge

Used to measure the angle of rotation when applying torque-to-yield bolts.

  • Magnetic base for easy attachment
  • Clear angle markings
Learn more

Socket Set

A set of sockets for various bolt sizes in the drivetrain system.

  • Includes metric sizes
  • Durable chrome vanadium construction
Learn more
Service Procedures

Drivetrain Bolt Torque Application

Detailed steps for applying the correct torque to drivetrain bolts on a 2015-Present Volkswagen Passat.

  • Ensure the vehicle is on a flat surface and the parking brake is engaged.
  • Locate the drivetrain bolts requiring torque application.
  • Set the digital torque wrench to the specified torque value (refer to the vehicle's service manual).
  • Apply torque to each bolt in a crisscross pattern to ensure even distribution.
  • For torque-to-yield bolts, use the torque angle gauge to achieve the specified rotation angle after reaching the initial torque value.
  • Double-check all bolts to ensure they meet the required torque specifications.
View full procedure
Technical Service Bulletins

Drivetrain Bolt Torque Specification Update

2020-05-15

Updated torque specifications for drivetrain bolts on 2015-Present Volkswagen Passat models.

2015-2023 Volkswagen Passat

Resolution: Refer to the updated torque specifications in the service manual and ensure all bolts are torqued to the new values during service.

Drivetrain Bolt Loosening Issue

2018-09-10

Reports of drivetrain bolts loosening over time on certain 2015-Present Volkswagen Passat models.

2015-2019 Volkswagen Passat

Resolution: Inspect drivetrain bolts during routine maintenance and re-torque to the specified values if necessary. Apply thread locker if recommended by the manufacturer.

About the Author

Expert automotive knowledge and experience

Alan Montanye - Automotive Technical Specialist
ASE

Alan Montanye

Automotive Technical Specialist

ASE Master Certified Technician with over a decade of hands-on experience in automotive repair and diagnostics.

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