Lug nut help
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 22,141
Likes: 4,156
From: Kannapolis NC
The proper adaptor for those nuts should be in your car, obviously. May have been removed, but may still be there. Do a search. Include under the carpet in the rear floor just in front of the rear storage compartment, There is a small indentation in the floor that is designed to hold the adaptor out of sight. If it's not there, or you can't find it in the car, you have some issues. You might check with a Chevy dealer or tire store to see if they might be able to identify which adaptor you need. Otherwise it's going to take some muscle and damage of the nut to get it out.
Only other option I can think of is contact the previous owner and ask where he stored it. It's small, just slightly bigger than a lug nut and fits onto the nut and then the lug wrench or socket fits over that.
Only other option I can think of is contact the previous owner and ask where he stored it. It's small, just slightly bigger than a lug nut and fits onto the nut and then the lug wrench or socket fits over that.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
From: Virginia
The proper adaptor for those nuts should be in your car, obviously. May have been removed, but may still be there. Do a search. Include under the carpet in the rear floor just in front of the rear storage compartment, There is a small indentation in the floor that is designed to hold the adaptor out of sight. If it's not there, or you can't find it in the car, you have some issues. You might check with a Chevy dealer or tire store to see if they might be able to identify which adaptor you need. Otherwise it's going to take some muscle and damage of the nut to get it out.
Only other option I can think of is contact the previous owner and ask where he stored it. It's small, just slightly bigger than a lug nut and fits onto the nut and then the lug wrench or socket fits over that.
Only other option I can think of is contact the previous owner and ask where he stored it. It's small, just slightly bigger than a lug nut and fits onto the nut and then the lug wrench or socket fits over that.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 22,141
Likes: 4,156
From: Kannapolis NC
Nothing wrong with the design, it's a protection against having your wheels stolen. GM states in the manual to make sure you keep it with the car. You can see the indentation forward of the storage (sort of between) where the adaptor should fit. If the indentation is there, but no adaptor and you can't find it under the seat, in the glove box, console, storage compartments, bag with the owner's manual, etc, you need to start checking the dealer or tire stores. You can get a socket that just almost fits over it and hammer it on the nut with a big hammer and then take out the lock nut and replace it with a regular since you don't seem enamored with the locking nut system. My first stop would be a chevy dealer and ask for help. Some tire stores have ways to get them off also.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 6,774
Likes: 361
From: Midland TX
Yes I read where it is "hidden" in there somewhere, but wasn't able to find it. When you say in front of the rear storage compartment, do you mean towards the front of the car, or rear of the car? I lifted the carpet between the middle and side compartments, but didnt see anything. Sadly the car was purchased from a dealership, so no way to contact previous owners. What a bummer, and poor design!
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
From: Virginia
Nothing wrong with the design, it's a protection against having your wheels stolen. GM states in the manual to make sure you keep it with the car. You can see the indentation forward of the storage (sort of between) where the adaptor should fit. If the indentation is there, but no adaptor and you can't find it under the seat, in the glove box, console, storage compartments, bag with the owner's manual, etc, you need to start checking the dealer or tire stores. You can get a socket that just almost fits over it and hammer it on the nut with a big hammer and then take out the lock nut and replace it with a regular since you don't seem enamored with the locking nut system. My first stop would be a chevy dealer and ask for help. Some tire stores have ways to get them off also.
There was a bag, nothing but the cigarette lighter. I only looked to the sides of the center compartment, not in front. I will check again tomorrow, thanks.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 66
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From: Virginia
Would anyone be willing to take a picture of this indentation? If you're bored
Thanks!
Last edited by bud2938; Apr 3, 2014 at 12:08 AM.
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Good luck getting those locking lugs off. Hopefully either the dealer or a good tire shop will have the key socket or can get them off some other way without damaging the wheels.
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Drifting
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,936
Likes: 13
From: Redding California
First pic with just driver-side compartment lid removed. Second pic (albeit blurred) with left side and center compartment lid removed.
Bud, there you go. Pictures taken leaning over into the rear of the vehicle into the hatch area. You would never spot the indentation unless there was a socket wrench in there, and even then you would have to be looking for it. Hope it's there for you
.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,814
Likes: 414
From: Pittsburgh suburbs Pa.
Sears Craftsman makes a tool set for removing rounded off bolt and nuts . It works like an easy-out except it grips on the outside. They look like a set of sockets but have hardened beveled spiral teeth on the inside. I use them all of the time , they work great.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 30,284
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From: Bonita Springs, Florida
Works great. 3 double sided sockets for only $50. Just look at what Snap-on charges for theirs.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 714
Likes: 104
From: Springfield Ohio
They are easy to remove and won't deter any respectable thief. Drive a slightly smaller socket onto the nut and it will come right off. Most thieves have the correct tool and won't need this method but the 16 yr. old next door might use it.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 705
Likes: 6
From: Endicott New York
Oldtimer
When I bought my 99 coupe 5 years ago there was a card from GM in the owners manual that had the code number for the special keyed socket for my car, and instructions on how to get another one. Fortunately the previous owner had saved it.
Race Director
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 15,752
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From: Phoenix area, AZ
I'd take it back to the dealer and make him remove it at no charge, plus try to make him provide a new set as a replacement at his cost. The lug nut key should have come with the car, used or not.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
From: Virginia
Wow you guys are the best! Thanks a million Red! Gonna cross my fingers and go check right now.
Sadly, I dont recall seeing it there
But I guess I can figure something out based on all the help! I just hate tearing stuff up. The dealership is an hour away or I would go back. Didnt see anything in the manual or glove box, so it must be lost forever :/
Sadly, I dont recall seeing it there
But I guess I can figure something out based on all the help! I just hate tearing stuff up. The dealership is an hour away or I would go back. Didnt see anything in the manual or glove box, so it must be lost forever :/
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 809
Likes: 7
From: greer/upstate sc
Mine was still in the car in the rear compartment but the locking lugs were not..I think you should be able to order one from dealership,may be vin specific..they may also take them off for you..then just go to discount tire and replace them..