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[XS222]

so i went to change my summer wheels over to my winter wheels, and while trying to remove the first wheel, i stripped out the wheel lock key. i dont know what to do now - i brought it down to the dealership to see if the tech could get it off with the master key but that didnt work either - he ended up stripping out his master key too. he even tried a bolt extractor, but since the wheel locks are on so tight, the extractor just kept spinning on the lock.

now im stuck with summer tires with no way to get them off until my tech can figure out a way to get the wheel locks off.

i'm pissed! cause the last person to touch the wheels and wheel locks, was town fair tire, and its pretty obvious they killed the lug bolts and wheel locks with an impact gun.

what the hell do i do now?!

EDIT: heres some pictures of the wheel lock - it has the spinning outer ring that prevents the undersized socket method

with the spinning ring still on the lock


with the spnning ring removed



any additional input would be great! thanks all!

[WingZeroX5]

i think a reputable wheel shop can weld onto the lock and break it off. If not, I'm sure they have some technique. Dealership isn't as skilled IMO

[cuban335i]

you have to get a socket (hex or the one with all the ridges) that's a little bit smaller than the outside of the bolt and hammer it on and then loosen it that way.

[Bakeme521]

Originally Posted by cuban335i

you have to get a socket (hex or the one with all the ridges) that's a little bit smaller than the outside of the bolt and hammer it on and then loosen it that way.

This^^

Go to sears and buy a 12 point deep-set socket that is just slightly smaller than the lock and beat it on with a hammer. Then take an impact wrench to get it off. If you have 4 wheels locks then you may have to buy 4 sockets. Once you beat it on there its pretty difficult to get off, even if you can get it off the socket isn't very usable after so buy the cheap ones.

[DriftDreamzSS]

Ive had to do this many times, if you have a vice it's quite easy to remove the lock from the 12 pt socket and be able to re use it.

[pruettfan]

I agree with the others. I also have used this technique several times. Just make sure you pound that thing on good because it sounds like it is torqued way too much. As a suggestion always re-torque your lugs whenever a tire shop works on your car, unless you watch them torque them properly. Better yet only take your car to a shop that torques properly.

[XS222]

awesome! thanks for the info guys! what size socket has worked for you in the past? and 12-point is the best, i assume?

EDIT: from the looks of it, 12 point IS the best

[EYE4SPEED]

Would this be the best way to steal wheels too?

[XS222]

Originally Posted by EYE4SPEED

Would this be the best way to steal wheels too?

i guess it would be, if the wheel locks didnt have the washer on the outside of the lock...


Bakeme521, DriftDreamzSS, pruettfan, does this technique work even though the wheel-locks have the outter protector washer??

i imagine if i hammer on the socket, and try to get it off, the washer will just spin and keep the lock from coming off.

please correct me if i'm wrong...i'm at an absolute loss right now, and i NEED to get my winters on

thanks!

[fdriller9]

Originally Posted by XS222

i guess it would be, if the wheel locks didnt have the washer on the outside of the lock...


Bakeme521, DriftDreamzSS, pruettfan, does this technique work even though the wheel-locks have the outter protector washer??

i imagine if i hammer on the socket, and try to get it off, the washer will just spin and keep the lock from coming off.

please correct me if i'm wrong...i'm at an absolute loss right now, and i NEED to get my winters on

thanks!

I just heard about these washer type wheel locks and want a set....too bad I just bought a pair of RAD locks.

The washer is there to prevent people from hammering on an over-sized socket. It will make it harder for a thief to get them off but you can only make a material so strong, so thin.

I would imagine jamming a flat head screw driver in between the washer and bolt would easily break/allow you to pry the washer off.

[bimmertt]

Originally Posted by EYE4SPEED

Would this be the best way to steal wheels too?

yes, if you want to make a lot of noise and bring attention to yourself.

btw, who torqued the wheel locks?

[XS222]

Originally Posted by bimmertt

yes, if you want to make a lot of noise and bring attention to yourself.

btw, who torqued the wheel locks?

town fair tire

[philsteroni]

Smack the locknut with a socket that has a slightly smaller diameter. This will help loosen the locknut treads which were probably over/under torqued and accumulated corrosion in the treads. It looks like you mechanic already tried a turbo socket (socket that has teeth and grabs smaller bolts from it edges). Your only solution after these steps would to be to find a welder and get him to weld on another size 17 wheel lug head onto your seized locknut, and use that lug to remove your locknut.

[XS222]

finally got it.

team of 3 guys, an air chisel, and 2 sockets later, we got it off. jackpot!