DrEvyl

iTrader: (5)

Been at this for a week or so, want to see if I can get some other ideas.

Anyway, I discovered that when I bought my Formula back they did not include the key to the wheel locks with the car. I've attempted to get it off using a few tools that are supposed to remove them, but have failed. I also took it to two different tire shops, and they couldn't get them off, either. Part of the issue is how tight the space is... I could probably get them off pretty easily if there was more room... but it's super tight and I'm trying not to damage the wheels.

I dunno if anyone has any suggestions... but I'd really like to get my wheels off so I can install my new shocks / springs.

Here's some pictures of the wheel locks.

thunderstruck507

iTrader: (18)

tough call...

wonder if you could dremel a slot in the end and try to crack it with a chisel or basically turn it into a flat head screw?

I hate wheel locks


what about one of those "gator grip" sockets that use lock pins to conform to the bolt they are used on, if a couple pins line up in those slots it might be enough grip to loosen it

like this:

DrEvyl

iTrader: (5)

I'd be too concerned with damaging the wheel. I already took a chip out of one of the rear wheels trying to get them off. The pictures are a little misleading in the sense of how deep that hole is - it's probably 2" deep.

Slim chance that would work on the front wheels... wouldn't work on the rear. The rear wheels have longer studs on them.

You and me both. wheel locks

Probably the most viable option so far... I'd have to find one of these things, and try it. Not sure who sells them locally... I will have to look around.

thunderstruck507

iTrader: (18)

Walmart stocks them here

The only other idea I have would involve being able to grind the chrome off and weld a bolt or nut to the lock which doesn't have a high chance of success.

Sucks man..

DrEvyl

iTrader: (5)

Yeah, no way I could weld something on... it's too deep in there and the rear wheel studs stick out of the lock nut about 3/4" or so... not to mention that I don't have a welder. LOL

I usually avoid Walmart like the plague.. but maybe I'll have to try that out.

JDEP162

different senario mine were exposed more, but to sell my old camaro had to remove 4 of them, ended up buying a deepwell socket 13/16 maybe? pounded it on the lock and then was able to breaker bar it right off. i bought a craftsman socket as they have a lifetime replacement.

ramairetransam

iTrader: (18)

do you happen to have any idea what brand the wheel nuts are ? have you checked online for different wheel lock sockets?

hardbones

Check with a Snap On or Mac tool vendor, they maked knurled sockets just for removing wheel locks. Its kinda like a female "easy-out". Hammer it on the lock and take it off. It will destroy the lock but if you dont have the key it doesnt matter. Most of my techs have one since half the cars traded that have wheel locks on them never come with the key.

Rockhound

You might try to drill the stud out, but wheel studs are pretty hard and then you'd have to replace the 4 wheel studs. I drilled some out for a customer when I worked in the dealership, but it was a real pain.

Snap on has a "turbo socket" in the master lock lug removal kit that you hammer on the lugs and then has a punch to remove the nut from the socket. As you try to remove the nut, it tightens itself down. It's in a kit, but I don't know if you can purchase it by itself.

DrEvyl

iTrader: (5)

No idea what brand they are... they were put on the car by the previous owner, and there's no paperwork whatsoever regarding them. After talking to the dealer it may be a case that THEY took it out and forgot to give it to me when I bought it back.

I have looked online for sockets, yes.. I've tried two different ones so far. The things ain't cheap and once you use it you're stuck with it.. so I am a little hesitant to keep trying them.

DrEvyl

iTrader: (5)

I've seen a lot of these... problem that I've been running into is that many of them don't fit inside the hole in the wheel. A lot of them have a small opening, but then the back end of it is considerably wider. So the ones I've found wouldn't fit far enough inside the hole to reach the lug. I haven't looked at Snap-On or Mac specifically, but I'll check them out.

DrEvyl

iTrader: (5)

At this point I am basically stuck with having to do whatever it takes. I'm trying to avoid this option at all costs, though...

themealonwheels

iTrader: (20)

For the rear, could you possibly pull the axle out with the wheel on it? I'm thinking that would involve disconnecting the brake line and caliper from the backing plate, then pulling the axle off with the wheel, rotor and caliper. When it's off, maybe you could cut the stud from behind to avoid damage to the wheel... maybe?

For the front, disconnect the caliper from the spindle, disconnect the brake line and unbolt the hub to gain access to the back of the studs to cut them there... again, maybe? I've never tried this, but your wheels are big and you may be able to get enough access.

Dang, I feel your pain. Good luck, man.

Rockhound

You might want to talk to the dealer again if they sold you a car without the key to get the wheels off. See if they can help you out a little bit as this situation you're in is of no fault of your own.....

Blowerman

Good advice. They make a socket just for that purpose. Easier that way.
You can't get the axle out with the wheel on.

hardbones

If the dealer wont help find a local wheel & tire shop, they are equipted to deal with things like that on a daily basis. It might cost $20 but it will be worth not screwing up your wheels.

DrEvyl

iTrader: (5)

Well, right now my only viable option is over $400... so I have no problem with spending $20.

silverWS.6

iTrader: (1)

Do this, I had a wheel lock break on me and I couldn't get the locks off my truck. The holes were very similar to your wheels and after I was quoted like $200 to get them off I took matters into my own hands. Go to Harbor Freight or some cheap tool store and buy a 12 point 1/2 inch socket that'll be just a little smaller than the width of the lock then hammer it on while making sure it goes on straight and doesn't damage your wheel. Then use your ratchet to remove the socket and wheel lock with it. It'll be impossible to remove so get 4 sockets and don't use your nice sockets like I did for the first one...

JDEP162

yeah i had good luck with it, watched a youtube video and copied. good point on the 12 point socket forgot to say that, and when i got one off, put socket in a vice, and arod through it and pounded the wheel lock out, used same socket for all 4. the last one is still in the socket tho! hate those freaking locks!
edit:heres some pics of the socket i used, 21mm 12pt craftsman. worked well

JDEP162

trying load pic...