Two part question on wheel nuts...

[pstruck]

Firstly:

I have discovered that the key/device for removing the locking wheel nuts (bolts actually) on my V8S is missing. Have contacted the previous owner and his garage. but to no avail.

Anyone have any cunning ideas as to how I could remove these. They are the type that uses a specially shaped socket which sleeves over the nut. The nut itself would be round in profile, but for several semi-circular cutouts around its circumference.

Have tried finding a suitable size socket... but no joy!

Secondly:

Assuming I do manage to get the old nuts off, anyone care to point me in the right direction for replacements? Are these Ford fitment standard threads?

[BERGS2]

Bad News Im afraid -

YOu can get replacements, but I think you need the code for the locking nut - if the previous owner doesnt have the key I guess they prob dont have this either....

take it to a local engineering firm?

[M@H]

..sounds like a bit of a problem there.

I remember the local Citroen garage trying once to convince me that they'd have to cut the wheels off the car if I lost the code and the key...

I suppose a BIG drill might work..?

Cheers,
Matt

[RichardR]

You could try going to somewhere like Halfords and looking to see if they had any of the same design. If so, you should be able to get the manufacturers name, and probably contact details, off the box and could then contact them directly and ask them what approach you should take.

I'm sure this must be a problem that people have to deal with fairly frequently...

[S3 Kieran]

Spot weld a socket to the locking nut?

[M@H]

S3 Kieran said:

Spot weld a socket to the locking nut?

I reckon the holes that the nuts locate into are too deep for this on the OZ 7 Spoke wheels.. ?

Cheers
Matt

[bridgdav]

Take the nut off and take it to halfords, they might be able to match a locking nut key to yours...

[Podie]

You have a couple of options...

1) Find the code and contact the manufacturer of the nuts
2) If they are FORD locking wheel nuts, garages have a master key if you can prove it is your car (V5 etc)

[DustyC]

Dont fret, there is a way. Will email you rather then let any thieving scrotes know though.

[Roy C]

The threads are (should be) 19mm / M12 x 1.5 (common Ford size).

Halfwitts currently sell McGard Locking Wheel Nuts
p/n 24157 for £30.

Edited to say "should be" in case it's been modified!

>> Edited by Roy C on Monday 15th March 15:01

[Ren Dao]

Don't do anything drastic just yet, still hunting around. Will e-mail you tomorrow. I take it no joy from Richard ?

[pstruck]

Hi Ren

Spoke to Richard and no joy. He said they tend to use their own master set as owners so often don't have them.

Don't worry if you can't find them/it, I'm sure a local garage or tyre place can help me out. Wouldn't want you to turn the whole place upside down looking!

[JSG]

I bought the locking nuts from David Gerald. They were a Ford item but the keys and the case they came in plus the receipt were all passed on to Ren.

I've just got back from a trip and seen your e-mail but I'll have a dig around tomorrow and see if I can find anything that may help.

[pstruck]

Thanks JSG

So there's one key for each wheel is there? I assumed one would have done the lot!
As I previously said, I'm sure a Ford dealer, or even a tyre centre somewhere will have a master key if all else fails.

[rogthegog]

I had this problem with a set of locking nuts purchased from Halfwitts but local service station removed wheel with some sort of master which they had with no problems.

Weren't able to re-tighten nut fully though - had to get replacement from Germany for that.

[cinnabar]

I'm affraid I have a similar problem! A paint shop 'mangled' my key! I wonder if it is same as yours?! The nut has four unequally spaced slots and is tapped all the way through (you can look through and see the end of the stud). The key is just a hex head with 'tangs' which locate in the semi-circular slots. It has '5A4' punched in the side but no one I've shown it to recognises the make. My proposed solution, if all else fails, is to get high tensile bolts screw them in to the nuts a few turns and weld them!

Best wishes

[Mike Hale]

Cinnabar

I have wheel nuts with a similar number on the key.
They come from Astrali, Anglian Road, Aldridge, West Midlands, WS9 8EP telephone [phone]. They were very helpful when I lost one of my locking nuts.

Mike

[cinnabar]

WOW !

Many thanks Mike

Could be a life saver!!!!

[pstruck]

Be interested to hear if you have any luck with that.