2008 Ford Taurus X Owner's Manual - Page 280

Roadside Emergencies If you are stowing the flat tire, remove the "L"-shaped bolt from the large wing nut used to secure the spare tire in the vehicle. With the 3rd row seat in the raised position, stand the flat tire in the rear of the vehicle with the tire's valve stem facing the rear of the vehicle. Fasten the flat tire to the vehicle by inserting the "L"-shaped bolt through one of the lug bolt holes in the wheel and turning clockwise into the threaded hole in the vehicle until the tire is secured. If you are stowing the temporary spare tire, place the tire over the jack and secure it with the large wing nut. WHEEL LUG NUT TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS Retighten the lug nuts to the specified torque at 100 miles (160 km) after any wheel disturbance (tire rotation, changing a flat tire, wheel removal, etc.). Wheel lug nut torque* lb.ft. N•m 1/2-20 UNF 100 135 * Torque specifications are for nut and bolt threads free of dirt and rust. Use only Ford recommended replacement fasteners. When a wheel is installed, always remove any corrosion, dirt or foreign materials present on the mounting surfaces of the wheel or the surface of the wheel hub, brake drum or brake disc that contacts the wheel. Ensure that any fasteners that attach the rotor to the hub are secured so they do not interfere with the mounting surfaces of the wheel. Installing wheels without correct metal-to-metal contact at the wheel mounting surfaces can cause the wheel nuts to loosen and the wheel to come off while the vehicle is in motion, resulting in loss of control. Bolt size 280 2008 Taurus X (219) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA (fus)