XC90 Locking Wheel bolts stuck on :(

[mattman]

Trying to change the front tyres on my MY2004 XC90 recently only to find the last person who put them on appears to have overtightened the locking nut - so much so that nobody can get it off!

Already mashed one locking wheel nut key - luckily I found that they are replaced FOC under warranty by the makers McGard in Germany after Volvo themselves weren't interested other than trying to sell me a whole new set.

However, even with the new key, the front nearside is still stuck and all we've been able to do is mash the new key as well. Now booked in to have it drilled out (i don't want to know how!) before sending away for another replacement!

So, if you need a new locking wheel nut key - send off to Germany!!

[morgrp]

Get a local garage to remove them and do away with them altogether and fit standard nuts, Locking effing wheel nuts are the bane of my life I frequently have to remove them and I always replace with standard nuts - no one is going to steel a set of 2004 XC90 alloys these days. If you're that worried, I often fit a slightly different looking standard nut to the other 4 to give the impression that locking nuts are being used but essentially, the locking wheel nuts are as bad as the useless tts who insist on over torquing them - they should never be torqued up the same as the other 4 bolts on the wheels - they are far too weak.

[AndrewCrown]

I agree with Morgrp

We had exactly the same issue with our Range Rover.. We managed to get ther dealer to get them off and fitted normal ones.. I've done this with all my cars..

I'm not sure wheels get stolen like they used to...

[soprano]

Completely agree with the above advice. I've binned my McGard locking nuts having ruined 5(!) of their keys sent from Germany and only managing to get two off.

My best advice is to find a local garage who use the Dynomec kit, they will be off in minutes. Dynomec are based in Yorkshire and will guarantee getting them off for 10 quid a wheel. Otherwise if you call them they will give you the details of local garages to you who carry the kit. They were extremely helpful when I called.

It could save you a lot of money and/or time as the proper drilling out process is a huge PITA. There is a video on YouTube where the chap takes something like 6 hours per wheel!

ETA the AA and RAC both carry the kit. Might be worth a go?

[martinrpeachey]

13/16" socket, lots of tape and a fking big hammer.
5 minutes a wheel.

[mattman]

Agree with you guys - garage finally got it out by welding to the remains of the nut and it's now out. Have purchased some standard wheel nuts off ebay and now waiting for the 2nd new locking key so I can take the others off.

[vonhoolio]

fairly common I'm afraid. It happened on my v70 and on my xc90. The guys in the Lincoln dealership had a load of spare mashed up keys for this very reason. They can be a pig to get off with them so deep in the alloy recess.