Torque Miata lug nuts to 65 to 87 ft-lb (about 76) in a star pattern. And yes, mostly 4x100, with one exception:
- NA (1989-97), NB (1999-2005) and ND (2016 on): 4x100mm, with 12x1.5 studs.
- NC (2006-15): 5x114.3mm. Wheels do not swap between an NC and the others, so confirm the pattern and the hub bore before you order.
How I do it:
- Snug by hand first, then torque in a diagonal star sequence, not around the circle. The star pulls the wheel down square against the hub. On the 4-lug cars the star is just an X across the four nuts.
- In stages. Run all nuts to about half torque in the star, then finish each to full spec in the same order. That seats the wheel evenly and avoids warping a rotor by clamping it crooked.
- No impact gun for final torque. Snug with one if you like, but set final torque with a click wrench. Impact guns overshoot wildly and stretch studs or crack alloy wheels.
- Re-check after 50 miles on new or just-refitted wheels. Fresh mounting surfaces settle and nuts can lose a little clamp load.
- Skip anti-seize on the studs unless you deliberately reduce the torque to compensate. A dry, clean stud is what the 65 to 87 ft-lb spec assumes. A light wire-brush of rusty threads is fine.