Locking Wheel Nuts! Argh!!

[Deester]

I am trying to figure out a way of getting the locking wheel nuts off without the key!! I bought a second hand BMW for my girlfriend and it has 4 locking nuts and no key. Its not the type that looks like a regular nut but more sides, this one has three holes in the front of the nut. I guess the key plugs in then you just attach the spider to it and turn.

Any ideas on how to get these things off?

Thanks in advance,
Deester...

[pdv6]

This might sound silly, but have you tried going back to the garage/previous owner and asking for the key?

[SGirl]

Depends what kind they are. Some can be drilled out, some can be removed with a socket set and a bit of brute force! When I had this problem I took the car to my local tyre dealer, he had all four locking nuts off in 10 minutes.

Alternatively, if they're BMW nuts you could always try a BMW dealer. They might keep a set of keys in stock for just this kind of problem.

[raceboy]

Daft question, but it's not in the boot lid tool box is it?

[Deester]

I have searched the entire car, its nowhere to be found. The garage where I bought it insist it was included when I bought the car! I thought about the socket idea but the problem is the nuts are completely round...

[DimmaDan]

I was told in the absence of a key to use a cold chisel and a hammer.

[SGirl]

quote:
I thought about the socket idea but the problem is the nuts are completely round...

So were mine...

[domster]

These sound like Triloks to me.

There may be a way of finding the key number on them - have a look for any kind of code.

They are best removed, as they are (IMHO) the worst kind of locking wheel nuts. The holes on mine ended up 'ovalling' after being overtightened a few times by the monkeys at tyre fitting centres etc. Lo and behold, the ovalling caused serious slippage, and they had to be drilled off.

So if you can't get a key, drill them off. It takes a good half an hour per corner with a drill (pref air drill), and isn't too involved. And then never fit triloks again, as I'm not sure they are up to it...

[Deester]

Thanks for the info. I shall work on getting them off before i get a puncture...

Thanks again.
Deester

[plotloss]

1. Get either an exceptionally good socket or one you dont mind losing if the worst comes to the worst.

2. Find a socket slightly smaller (shouldnt be able to go on at all) than the outside edge of the locking nut. Then take lump hammer to socket and literally smash it over the nut.

3. Attach ratchet bar and remove.

Worked a treat on one of my Mini's.

Matt.

[Deester]

Wicked idea. Will give it a bash! Thanks.

[domster]

plotloss is right, but this technique didn't work with mine... I tried... and I even tried to make a new home-made three lug socket, and that didn't work either.

Give the socket-bashing technique a go, but if they are done up too tight this will not work. Drilling will be the only option.

Cheers
Domster

[GreenV8S]

I've got those trilocks too, no problem so far but I am careful with them, and insist the tyre monkeys do them up by hand. The 'bash a big socket over the whole thing' seems to be the best bet, but has anyone ever tried those multipurpose sockets that consist of lots of pins? Worth a try I would have thought? Especially if you reinforced them with liquid metal.

[simond001]

Simple solution is to get local welder to attach a piece of 3/4 inch bar to the nut, and then undo it!

you'll need to buy 4 new nuts, but it saves messing about!

[Paul V]

Sometime trilocks have an outer metal ring which spins, that will have to be removed (chisel off) before bashing a socket over it, use a multi-edge socket not the 6-sided ones, large hammer should remove them. You could always go to your local tyre centre and see if they will get them off for you, I used to do lots of these when work as a fitter.

[kevinday]

quote:
I was told in the absence of a key to use a cold chisel and a hammer.

What effect do you think that would have on the studs!

[rob.ellis]

i've had the problem twice on previous cars. The chisel method works, but is v dangerous to your wheels, one slip and you'll trash your wheels.

best method is as has been said - hammer a socket over the top.

[hertsbiker]

try looking under the rubber boot cover on the rear shock tower... that's where mine used to live.

[Deester]

Woo hoo, the wheel nuts are off! I am now no longer afriad to get a puncture!! Took the car to a garage and the mechanic had them all off in 5 minutes using the old hammer the socket over the locking nut technique!

[domster]

Nice one. Much easier and cheaper than drilling!