Stripped wheel locks
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 138
Likes: 0
From: Eagle River Alaska
Stripped wheel locks
My wheel lock on my rear tire is stripped out and I tried everything I can think of to get it off so I can take the tire off. And no luck... I need some suggestions...
I've tried to get a small chisel and peck at it to try and spin it off, didn't work.
I tried drilling through the center to get an e-z out in there but the steel is too hard to be drilled
Any help or sugestions on what else I can try to get this off with are needed.
I've tried to get a small chisel and peck at it to try and spin it off, didn't work.
I tried drilling through the center to get an e-z out in there but the steel is too hard to be drilled
Any help or sugestions on what else I can try to get this off with are needed.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 9,884
Likes: 3
From: Magnolia Mississippi
St. Jude '03-'04-'05-'06-'07
Try some PBBlaster on it for 24 hrs soaking, then try to heat it up with torch, depending on what kind of lock lug, if sorta nut head, you could try to beat a smaller size socket on it and try to break loose after heating.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 419
Likes: 1
From: Kelso WA
A pipe wrench might work if you can get it on the nut. All the ones I've seen removed were with the socket pounded on deal as referenced above. Last resort is take all the rest off that wheel and drive like you stole it till it breaks the stud off, then replace the stud. Do this in an empty parking lot so you don't hurt someone else.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 193
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From: woodinville washington
i had the same problem on a different car, hammer a deep socket one size too small onto it, then impact it off, you'll have to use at least a craftsman socket as cheaper ones will crack.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 46,295
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From: Northern, VA
St. Jude Donor '15
"In honor of jpee"
Sad to say, but the hammering on of a socket is the way wheel thieves get the wheels off. (some, that is. some know where the wheel lock key is in a car, and use that method. don't ask me how I know....)
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,845
Likes: 30
Originally Posted by yellow dragon
i had the same problem on a different car, hammer a deep socket one size too small onto it, then impact it off, you'll have to use at least a craftsman socket as cheaper ones will crack.
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 138
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From: Eagle River Alaska
Mig welding would probably work as a last resort, I had to do that to another car once because the oil plug was toast.
This is the lock for the rim cap, i con't even get to my lugs...
Here is a picture of my dilemma.
This is the lock for the rim cap, i con't even get to my lugs...
Here is a picture of my dilemma.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,845
Likes: 30
Originally Posted by James Paradiso
Mig welding would probably work as a last resort, I had to do that to another car once because the oil plug was toast.
This is the lock for the rim cap, i con't even get to my lugs...
Here is a picture of my dilemma.
This is the lock for the rim cap, i con't even get to my lugs...
Here is a picture of my dilemma.
......drill it out then extract the remaining piece!...i think if you drill and then tap and insert a reverse screw/bolt (i think i said that right), you may be able to unscrew it ......
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 138
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From: Eagle River Alaska
The first time I tried drilling a holf in the center to tap in my reverse drill bit but I went through 2 new drill bits and that little dimplet in the center is as far as I got in!!! 
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 17,640
Likes: 1
From: Lenoir City TN
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11
If that is that stainless crap get a cobalt drill bit and keep plenty of oil on it while drilling then use an easy-out. (It will take time and drill slow)As Agent86 said I have done the the Mig welding trick, but that only works if you have a welder or access to one. Just thought of something, got a dremel? Use the attachment that has the fiber reinforced cutting wheel and cut a line down the center. The wheel is the perfect thickness for a standard screwdriver, then see if you can get it to unscrew.
Bob
Bob
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,845
Likes: 30
Originally Posted by James Paradiso
The first time I tried drilling a holf in the center to tap in my reverse drill bit but I went through 2 new drill bits and that little dimplet in the center is as far as I got in!!!
Last edited by Da Mail Man; Oct 19, 2006 at 08:12 PM.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 663
Likes: 1
Chevy was able to get those off for me when I had the tools stripped by NTB tire technicians.
Chevy also ordered a new Mcgard original set of locks for me. Now I never let anyone touch the tool or those bolts + I take the covers off before sending it in for any work where those wheels are concerned.
Chevy also ordered a new Mcgard original set of locks for me. Now I never let anyone touch the tool or those bolts + I take the covers off before sending it in for any work where those wheels are concerned.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,845
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Originally Posted by rspreng86
If that is that stainless crap get a cobalt drill bit and keep plenty of oil on it while drilling then use an easy-out. (It will take time and drill slow)As Agent86 said I have done the the Mig welding trick, but that only works if you have a welder or access to one. Just thought of something, got a dremel? Use the attachment that has the fiber reinforced cutting wheel and cut a line down the center. The wheel is the perfect thickness for a standard screwdriver, then see if you can get it to unscrew.
Bob
Bob
)....
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 9,715
Likes: 27
From: Kempner Texas
When I bought my 96 several weeks ago, it had locks but no "key".
Since I had to drive the car from Houston to Dallas I didn't want to run the risk of having a flat on the way and unable to remove the wheel.
So I had the detail shop remove all four locks.
All he did was use a tight fitting socket and an impact gun and they came right off. Took him less than 10 minutes to remove all four.
So much for the alleged security they provide.
Jake
Since I had to drive the car from Houston to Dallas I didn't want to run the risk of having a flat on the way and unable to remove the wheel.
So I had the detail shop remove all four locks.
All he did was use a tight fitting socket and an impact gun and they came right off. Took him less than 10 minutes to remove all four.
So much for the alleged security they provide.
Jake
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 17,640
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From: Lenoir City TN
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11
Originally Posted by Da Mail Man
...(ya beat me to this as i had too many spelling errors to correct!...grin.... )....
).... When you do get it off make sure you put a little anti-seize on all the threads before installing. When I worked at the tire shop I saw that these screws are subject to corrosion over time.
Bob
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,845
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Originally Posted by rspreng86
No problem
When you do get it off make sure you put a little anti-seize on all the threads before installing. When I worked at the tire shop I saw that these screws are subject to corrosion over time.
Bob
When you do get it off make sure you put a little anti-seize on all the threads before installing. When I worked at the tire shop I saw that these screws are subject to corrosion over time.
Bob
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
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From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
Go to an auto parts store and buy a stud nut remover made by GEM. It is a 1/2" drive socket with a left hand cutting thread that threads onto the outside of the lug nut and when it bottoms out allows you to apply removal torque to the nut. I saw a set of 2 at BIG LOTS for $3 tonight.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,845
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Originally Posted by jfb
Go to an auto parts store and buy a stud nut remover made by GEM. It is a 1/2" drive socket with a left hand cutting thread that threads onto the outside of the lug nut and when it bottoms out allows you to apply removal torque to the nut. I saw a set of 2 at BIG LOTS for $3 tonight.