What Size Are the Wheel Nuts on a 2017 Audi A4?
The wheel nuts (technically, wheel bolts) on a 2017 Audi A4 are typically M14 x 1.5 with a 17 mm hex head, but owners should always confirm this against their specific model, trim, and wheels before working on the car. This article explains what that specification means, why it can vary, and how to safely verify and work with the wheel fasteners on your Audi A4.
Contents
- Understanding Wheel Fasteners on the 2017 Audi A4
- The Typical Wheel Bolt Size for a 2017 Audi A4
- Breaking Down the Specification
- When the Wheel Bolt Size May Differ
- How to Confirm the Correct Size on Your Specific Car
- Torque Specifications and Safe Installation
- Practical Tips for Owners and DIY Mechanics
- Summary
Understanding Wheel Fasteners on the 2017 Audi A4
Unlike many Asian and American cars that use studs and nuts, the 2017 Audi A4—like most modern Audis—uses wheel bolts that screw directly into the hub. When people refer to “wheel nuts” on an Audi, they are almost always talking about these wheel bolts. Knowing the correct size and type is essential for safe wheel changes, correct torque, and avoiding damage to the hub or brake components.
The Typical Wheel Bolt Size for a 2017 Audi A4
For most 2017 Audi A4 models sold in Europe and North America, the standard factory wheel bolt specification is:
- M14 x 1.5 thread
- 17 mm hex head
- Conical (tapered) seat for OEM alloy wheels
- Overall bolt length typically around 27–28 mm of thread engagement for standard wheels
This specification reflects the majority of factory setups, but variations can exist due to wheel type, market, and any aftermarket modifications, so physical verification is still important.
Breaking Down the Specification
M14 x 1.5 Thread
The “M14 x 1.5” specification is a metric thread description. It tells you the diameter and thread pitch of the wheel bolt, both of which must match the hub to ensure proper engagement and safety.
The key elements of this specification are:
- M14 – Metric, 14 mm nominal diameter of the bolt shaft
- 1.5 – Thread pitch, meaning 1.5 mm between each thread
Using a bolt with the wrong diameter or pitch can strip the threads in the hub or prevent the bolt from tightening correctly, which is a major safety risk.
17 mm Hex Head
The hex head size determines what socket you need to remove or install the wheel bolts. On most 2017 Audi A4 models, this is 17 mm.
Knowing this size helps you prepare the correct tools:
- Standard 17 mm wheel brace or socket for roadside changes
- 17 mm impact socket if using a powered impact wrench in a workshop setting
Using the correct socket size prevents rounding off the bolt head, which can make wheel removal difficult and time-consuming.
Seat Type and Length Considerations
Wheel bolts do more than just hold the wheel—they must seat correctly in the wheel’s mounting holes, and they must have the right length to clamp securely without bottoming out in the hub.
The most relevant details for a 2017 Audi A4 are:
- Seat type – OEM Audi alloy wheels generally use a conical (tapered) seat bolt.
- Bolt length – Standard factory bolts are sized for the original wheels; spacers or aftermarket wheels often require different lengths.
Using the wrong seat type or length, especially with aftermarket wheels, can lead to poor clamping force or damage to the wheel mounting faces.
When the Wheel Bolt Size May Differ
While M14 x 1.5 with a 17 mm hex is the norm, not every 2017 Audi A4 will be identical in practice. Specific variants, markets, and wheel options can introduce small but important differences.
The main reasons your car might differ from the common specification include:
- Factory wheel options – Different OEM wheel designs (e.g., 17″, 18″, 19″ packages or S line trims) still generally use M14 x 1.5, but bolt length can vary slightly.
- Aftermarket wheels – Many non-OEM wheels require different seat profiles (e.g., ball vs. conical) or different lengths to accommodate thicker mounting pads.
- Wheel spacers – If spacers are fitted, longer bolts are required. The thread size and pitch remain M14 x 1.5, but length increases to match spacer thickness.
- Locking wheel bolts – Audi and aftermarket locking bolts keep the same thread spec but often have different head shapes and require a special key.
Because of these factors, relying purely on a generic spec can be risky if your car no longer has its original wheels or has been modified.
How to Confirm the Correct Size on Your Specific Car
To avoid mistakes, it is wise to verify the exact wheel bolt details on your own 2017 Audi A4, especially before ordering replacement bolts or changing wheels.
The most reliable ways to confirm size and type are:
- Owner’s manual – Check the wheel and tire section; many Audi manuals specify bolt dimensions and torque.
- Existing bolt measurement – Remove a bolt and measure:
- Thread diameter (should be 14 mm)
- Thread pitch (1.5 mm, using a thread gauge if available)
- Length from seat to end of threads
- Hex head size (usually 17 mm)
- VIN-based dealer lookup – An Audi dealer can identify the correct OEM spec for your car using the VIN.
- Wheel manufacturer’s data – For aftermarket wheels, the maker will specify correct bolt seat type and length.
Confirming these details takes only a few minutes and can prevent serious safety issues or expensive damage to hubs and wheels.
Torque Specifications and Safe Installation
Knowing the bolt size is only part of safe wheel installation. Correct torque, clean threads, and proper tightening sequence ensure that the wheels stay secure and do not warp the brake components.
Key points to observe when tightening the wheel bolts on a 2017 Audi A4 include:
- Typical torque spec – For many Audi A4 models of this era, the wheel bolt torque is around 120 Nm (about 89 lb-ft). Always confirm in your owner’s manual or with a dealer for your exact model and wheel.
- Tightening pattern – Tighten bolts in a star or criss-cross pattern to ensure the wheel sits flat on the hub.
- Use of anti-seize or lubricants – Audi generally specifies clean, dry threads; adding lubricants can alter effective torque and is usually not recommended unless explicitly specified.
- Re-check torque – Especially after wheel changes or if wheels were removed recently, re-check torque after a short driving distance (for example, 50–100 km).
Following these steps helps maintain even clamping force and reduces the risk of loose wheels, brake judder, or warped discs.
Practical Tips for Owners and DIY Mechanics
Whether you are changing to winter tires, working on brakes, or just preparing a roadside toolkit, a few practical habits can make dealing with your Audi’s wheel bolts safer and easier.
Useful practices to keep in mind include:
- Keep a 17 mm socket or wheel brace in the car, along with the factory locking bolt key if fitted.
- Use a torque wrench instead of guessing; overtightening can damage threads or warp brake components.
- Inspect bolt heads for rounding or corrosion and replace damaged bolts promptly.
- If using wheel spacers or aftermarket wheels, buy bolts from a reputable supplier who specifies compatibility with Audi hubs.
These measures help ensure that even routine wheel removal and refitting are done correctly and safely, prolonging the life of your wheels, hubs, and braking system.
Summary
On a 2017 Audi A4, the wheel fasteners commonly referred to as “wheel nuts” are actually wheel bolts, and in most standard configurations they are M14 x 1.5 bolts with a 17 mm hex head, designed to work with conical-seat OEM alloy wheels. While this specification applies to the majority of stock vehicles, aftermarket wheels, spacers, and regional variations can change bolt length or seat requirements. For safety, owners should confirm the exact dimensions and torque setting in the owner’s manual or through an Audi dealer, measure an existing bolt if needed, and always use correct tools and tightening procedures when removing or refitting wheels.
What size are Audi A4 wheel nuts?
The lug bolt size for an Audi A4 is M14 x 1.5, and they use a 17mm hex head. It’s crucial to also confirm the correct length and seat type (radius or ball) for your specific model year and wheels before purchasing, as using the wrong length can cause damage.
- Thread Size: M14 x 1.5
- Hex Size: 17mm
- Important: Always verify your vehicle’s specific OEM bolt length and seat type (radius or ball) to ensure proper fit and prevent damage.
Is Dot 4 for an Audi A4 2015?
StopTech DOT 4 Racing Brake Fluid is available in two formulations depending on the operating temperature of your vehicle: STR600 and STR660. It is engineered to give street and strip vehicles the best in braking performance.
What size are the lug nuts on a 2017 Audi A4?
The 2017 Audi A4 uses lug bolts with an M14 x 1.5 thread size and a 17mm hex head. These are bolts, not nuts, and have a ball seat style to match the wheel.
- Thread Size: M14 x 1.5
- Hex Size: 17mm
- Type: Bolt with a ball seat, not a lug nut
What size lug nuts on Audi?
Audi/Volkswagen 40mm (14mm Diameter) Lug Bolts (Qty: 10) – Raceland.


