Locking wheel bolts, No key!

Joshy

Joshy

Joshy

Soldato
Joined
15 Jun 2009
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London
I've just realized that my newly purchased Soarer did not come with a locking wheel nut key :mad:.

I need to get the wheels whipped off for some new shiny brake new pads ASAP but not having the key is really a stumbling block.

Are those locking wheel bolt remover tools I'm seeing actually any good? I don't mind spending a few quid on some more tools but not if they aren't going to work.

Is it maybe something that the average tyre shop could sort out for me.

I THINK it may just be a basic Toyota locking bolt as the car is still on the alloys that it rolled out of the factory on. Any chance Toyota/Lexus would be able to help (baring mind this is an import so dealer support isn't great)?

The wheel nuts are recessed quite far into the alloy which I imagine may be a problem?

Thoughts appreciated :)
 
Got the same issue with mine, except I've lost it. Getting a garage to rip it off and using and after market product is the most cost effective...
 
iv seen people hammer an old socket onto these to remove them, you would have to get new ones afterwards, either that or take it to toyota and see about getting a key for them
 
well first thing you should do is to have a look at the locking bolts and see if they've got a moving part on the outside.

If they don't then cheapo sockets of approximate size + massive hammer are your friend. If you want to get a bit more upmarket you can have a look at these:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Laser-3291-...B360/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1313954719&sr=8-1

The AA uses these boys, which works even if you've got a moving ring outside the locking bolt.

However, due to the soft compound and the way it works it was useless on my Astra that had probably been tightened by a spanner monkey with an impact gun. You could get yourself AA cover and call out the man on the round after you deflate a tyre and say "this just happened, need to put spare on please". If it works, slipping him a £20 note might convince him to undo the other ones as well. ;)

I suppose the toyota dealership is worth a punt as well, or why not have a look on ebay to see if you can find the universal key.


If they all fail drilling might be your option although it will be slow and painful. And you would use up a few drills as well while probably damaging your alloys in the process. Welding a nut on top of the security bolt is also an option, although if they are deep you obviously risk damaging the alloy as well.
 
So..

You've bought another Soarer. Which already needs new brake pads, of which the owner has the lost the locking wheel nut key.

Fox is gonna rip you something terrible over this ...

On topic, i used an old socket set, and a hammer, and lots of brute force.

Worked fine.
 
Lopéz said:
Can you get a nut welded on to the bolt?
Click to expand...

Would have been my first thought but the nut is recessed deeply into the wheel. Not a chance of welding anything onto it

MrLOL said:
So..

You've bought another Soarer. Which already needs new brake pads, of which the owner has the lost the locking wheel nut key.

Fox is gonna rip you something terrible over this ...
Click to expand...

I know Fox can sometimes be pedantic but do you really think he is going to rip into me for the sake of a set of £30 rear pads and a half an hour of my lunch break to fit them? :D.
 
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If there standard wheels/locking nuts i'd give toyota a try.

Failing that, got a pic?

The last set I had to get off had 3 little holes in and the locking nut socket had 3 'pins' that would fit in the holes. Managed to use a 'punch' in one of the holes at an angle and hammer them around until they were finger loose.

This worked on 3 but mangled the 4th! Had to drill through on one side and 'split' the nut.
 
Batf1nk said:
Failing that, got a pic?
Click to expand...

Actually

IMG_20110821_164936.jpg


As you can see, far too recessed in the wheel to you what you are suggesting :(
 
They internal or external drive? Cant quite make it out in the pic.

Either way, looks like hammering a cheap socket over them might work.
 
External drive.

I'll give the socket and hammer idea a crack. To be honest I didn't even think about it :o.
 
that should be fine for the "cheap sockets and big hammer" method.
Le: beaten to it. :o
But it is the cheapest and most likely to work idea imo.
 
MrLOL said:
So..

You've bought another Soarer. Which already needs new brake pads, of which the owner has the lost the locking wheel nut key.

Fox is gonna rip you something terrible over this ...

On topic, i used an old socket set, and a hammer, and lots of brute force.

Worked fine.
Click to expand...

A car if bought 2nd hand may well need new brake pads, purchased private or from a trader..i sold my car needing new pads and discs at the front...people usually run these things down before selling them or sell them to avoid paying £to get it since100% spot on surely?
 
I believe MrLOL's comment was more regarding Joshy buying a money pit whilst not being in the best of financial situations, rather than the car simply needing new pads.

I'm a firm believer in learning the hard way, but in this case I feel it is pure folly.
 
naefeart said:
I believe MrLOL's comment was more regarding Joshy buying a money pit whilst not being in the best of financial situations, rather than the car simply needing new pads.

I'm a firm believer in learning the hard way, but in this case I feel it is pure folly.
Click to expand...

People are acting as if I've committed financial suicide.

Lets put this into perspective a little bit. I've bought a £600 car.
 
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