Job card glossary

How tightening figures are written on a job card and what each part of them means.

Nm (newton-metre)

The metric torque unit and AutoBro's primary figure. 1 Nm = 0.7376 lb-ft. Metric vehicles are specified in Nm by the manufacturer, so it is always the reference value.

lb-ft (pound-foot)

Imperial equivalent shown alongside Nm for imperial torque wrenches. Do not confuse it with lb-in (pound-inch); 1 lb-ft = 12 lb-in. Small fasteners (sensors, covers, clips) are often specified in lb-in — using lb-ft there will strip the thread.

Torque + angle (torque-to-yield)

Written as e.g. "40 Nm + 90°". Tighten to the seating torque, then rotate the extra angle with an angle gauge. Fasteners specified this way (head bolts, main bearing bolts, some suspension bolts) stretch permanently and are single-use — always replace them.

Tightening sequence

The numbered order and number of stages for multi-bolt joints (heads, manifolds, sumps, wheels). Sequence and staging matter as much as the final figure: out-of-sequence tightening warps mating faces and blows gaskets.

Dry vs lubricated

Torque figures assume clean, dry threads unless the spec says lubricated or thread-locked. Oiled threads reach the same clamp load at roughly 15-25% less torque, so applying a dry figure to an oiled bolt over-stretches it.

Wheel nut / lug torque

Always applied in a star pattern, and re-checked after roughly 50-100 km of driving on a freshly fitted wheel.

How AutoBro states the exact tool you need, not just 'a socket'.

Drive size (1/4", 3/8", 1/2")

The square drive on the socket that your ratchet or torque wrench plugs into. 1/4" for low-torque work, 3/8" for general work, 1/2" for suspension, wheels and crank bolts.

Metric vs AF sockets

Metric sockets are given in millimetres across the flats (10 mm, 17 mm). AF ("across flats") imperial sockets are in inches (1/2", 9/16"). They are close but not interchangeable — a 13 mm on a 1/2" bolt rounds the head.

6-point vs 12-point

6-point grips more flank area and is preferred for tight or corroded fasteners. 12-point allows finer engagement angles and is required on some OEM 12-point (bi-hex) bolt heads.

Torx (T), external Torx (E), Torx Plus

T-numbers are internal star drives (T30, T45). E-numbers are external star sockets (E10, E12). Torx Plus is a slightly different profile — standard Torx will fit loosely and round it out.

Hex / Allen and spline (XZN, Ribe)

Hex keys are stated in mm or inches. Spline drives (12-point XZN, Ribe) are common on German drivetrain and suspension bolts and need the correct bit type, not a Torx substitute.

Special / OEM tools

Where a job genuinely needs a manufacturer tool (timing locking kits, injector pullers, hub pullers, spring compressors), the job card names it and states the safe aftermarket equivalent where one exists.

Torque wrench range

Use a wrench whose specified figure lands in roughly the middle 20-80% of its range. A 1/2" 40-200 Nm wrench cannot accurately set 12 Nm.

What the different numbers on a part line mean.

OEM part number

The manufacturer's own number for the part as fitted at the factory (e.g. Toyota 90915-YZZE1). It is the most precise identifier and the safest thing to quote to a dealer.

OE supplier number

The number used by the company that actually built the part for the manufacturer (Bosch, Denso, Mahle, Sachs). Usually the identical part in different packaging, and often cheaper.

Aftermarket / cross-reference number

An equivalent part from another brand, matched by dimension and function. Quality varies by brand, so AutoBro shows the OEM number alongside so you can confirm the match.

Superseded number

A part number that has been replaced by a newer revision. The old number may still be listed by sellers. Ordering a superseded number can get you an earlier, sometimes faulty, revision.

Interchange / kit contents

Some numbers are for a kit (filter + seals, belt + tensioner + idlers) and some for a single component. The job card states quantity and what the number covers so you do not buy a bare part when the seals are single-use.

How AutoBro decides whether a part actually fits your vehicle.

VIN-level fitment

When you decode a VIN, matching uses the exact build: engine code, trim, body, drive type, transmission and plant. This is the strongest match AutoBro can make.

Model-level fitment

Without a VIN, matching is year/make/model/engine only. That is usually right but cannot resolve mid-year changes, market variants or optional equipment.

Build-date split

Manufacturers change parts mid-model-year (e.g. "up to 08/2017" vs "from 09/2017"). If a listing shows a build-date split, check the plate or VIN date before ordering.

Market / region variant

The same model name can differ between Australian, European, Japanese and North American markets — different emissions hardware, brakes and even suspension geometry. A source for another market is not automatically valid for yours.

Engine code

The most common cause of a wrong part. Two identical-looking vehicles with different engine codes can take different filters, belts, sensors and torque values.

Fitment confidence note

Each part line carries AutoBro's fitment statement. If it says fitment was not confirmed for your build, treat the number as a lead and verify with a dealer parts desk using your VIN.

Reading the fluid rows on a job card.

Specification vs viscosity

Viscosity (0W-20, 75W-90) is the grade. The specification (e.g. ACEA C3, API SP, Dexron VI, a manufacturer approval number) is the performance standard. Both must match — right viscosity with the wrong spec can damage DPFs, wet clutches and gearboxes.

Service fill vs dry fill

Service fill is what goes in during a normal drain and refill. Dry fill is total system capacity after a rebuild. Always fill to the service figure, then verify on the dipstick or level plug.

Check method

Some units have no dipstick and are checked at a level plug at a specified fluid temperature. The job card notes when temperature-dependent checking applies.

The same tiering used in diagnostics also applies to job card data.

Verified

Directly supported by a retrieved source, and that source is linked. AutoBro downgrades anything claimed as verified without a matching source.

Likely

Sound engineering reasoning for that system, but no model-specific source found. Confirm before acting on a number.

Unverified

Plausible but unconfirmed. Treat purely as a lead.

Field-reported

Trade knowledge contributed from real jobs (such as hidden secondary filters). Useful and often correct, but never counted as factory-verified.

Safety flag

Mandatory warnings on high-risk systems: fuel, brakes, steering, springs, SRS/airbags, hybrid and EV high voltage, and anything under a raised vehicle.