Missing locking lug key
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 1,381
Likes: 15
From: Lusby MD
Missing locking lug key
Hey. This is not exactly a C5 question, but my newly purchased 98 Z28 has a set of C5 rims on it. Unfortunately, the car didn't come with the anti theft lugnut key, nor any code number for a replacement. I had this problem a few years ago with a Ford Probe and the dealer had a set of master keys. I haven't found a GM dealer yet who has something similar for GM locks. Other than trying to have someone bust them off with a socket, are there any other suggestions?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,364
Likes: 1
From: Rugby North Dakota
Originally Posted by 69L71
Hey. This is not exactly a C5 question, but my newly purchased 98 Z28 has a set of C5 rims on it. Unfortunately, the car didn't come with the anti theft lugnut key, nor any code number for a replacement. I had this problem a few years ago with a Ford Probe and the dealer had a set of master keys. I haven't found a GM dealer yet who has something similar for GM locks. Other than trying to have someone bust them off with a socket, are there any other suggestions?
Racer
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 394
Likes: 0
From: Lawrenceburg IN
Same issue
I had roughly the same issue about a month ago with my C5. I wanted to take the wheels off and realized that I didn't have the lug key. GM dealers (for whatever reason) don't stock master sets and none of the tire places I took it too would risk busting it off for fear of harming the rim itself. I got lucky and had the serial number so I could order a new one from Amcor, but without that I'm not sure what you can do. The guys at Auto Zone thought you might be able to get it loose with (and they weren't sure if it was something from gator grip or not) a universal lugnut remover. Whether this mystery product actually exhists I don't know, but you could always ask. Good luck!
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 11,138
Likes: 11
From: Fremont CA
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-'18-'19-'20
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Most big wheel shops can get it off without a problem. They will be toast when done though - not that it matters without a key. I left my Camaro at Midas one time for a brake job. They called be a couple hours later and I was 100 miles away. Forgot to leave the key. I authorized them to remove them. Cost was one hour labor, but they got them off without damaging anything other than the locks. Call around - you'll find someone. 
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 11,138
Likes: 11
From: Fremont CA
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-'18-'19-'20
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Where did you get the car? If it was from a dealership, I would push them to take care of it or pay to have it taken care of. If it was a private party, they may still have the key 
Team Owner
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 23,682
Likes: 9
From: Flagstaff Az.
lug locks
You can try sockets until you get one that just is a little to small to go on, then pound in on with a hammer. I have had to take two off this way. Just apply the torque slowly and pushing in on the socket.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 58,551
Likes: 95
From: The warm part of Anger Island
St. Jude Donor '09
If you can't get the stealership or private party to take care of it, try the socket trick like mentioned above. I have seen it to where this doesn't work, though. Maybe take it to a mechanic and have them chisel and crack the lug. You might have to get a new stud too if you go this route. Make sure the MECH is someone you trust so they don't screw up your rims if you do this method.
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Race Director
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 11,138
Likes: 11
From: Fremont CA
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-'18-'19-'20
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Originally Posted by tiojames
You can try sockets until you get one that just is a little to small to go on, then pound in on with a hammer. I have had to take two off this way. Just apply the torque slowly and pushing in on the socket.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 11,138
Likes: 11
From: Fremont CA
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-'18-'19-'20
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Originally Posted by kalister1
I have heard of people welding nuts onto the lock to get it off.
That actually works great if you have the equipment.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 8,506
Likes: 5
From: West Michigan crew Mich
CI 7-8-9 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '07-'08 & '12
I had this problem last night and someone on the forum said to use a 21mm socket tap it on with a hammer. It worked great it did not harm the lock or wheel or socket. I found the 12 point worked and the six point did not. Tap it on and use torque wrench or breaker bar you will be good to go
Racer
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 333
Likes: 1
From: Mendota Heights MN
try calling another dealership. I had this problem on my Camaro, and was eventually able to find a dealer that had the masters, and was able to get the right socket. It was definitely worth the extra work. Make sure you work thru the parts department -- not service.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 2,558
Likes: 0
From: rochester n y
throw the locks away !
I take it you mean the locking lug nut with the pattern in the center. If thats the type, years ago a friend of mine had that style locks on his wheels, he came home one night and all his tires were gone. Turns out that the type easy to steal. All you need it a ice pick, knock the center(pattern) out and jam any style lug nut key in there..... off just like that. Hope this helps.Save the Wave.Oh yea... the cop told us the crooks trick.>George
