Wheel Lock Question
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Instructor
Joined: Aug 2007
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From: Camas, WA
Wheel Lock Question
Yesterday as I was installing wheel locks on each wheel. The keyed lock nut felt heavier than the wheel nut I had just taken off. We have a fairly accurate digital kitchen scale so I weighed both. The keyed nut was about 25 grams heavier than the one that had been removed.
It would seem to me this is not a big deal at 60 mph, but what about at the higher speeds the Corvette is capable of reaching. Has anyone ever noticed a wheel balance problem after installing wheel locks?
It would seem to me this is not a big deal at 60 mph, but what about at the higher speeds the Corvette is capable of reaching. Has anyone ever noticed a wheel balance problem after installing wheel locks?
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2005
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From: Phila Suburbs 2023 C8 & 2013 650ix
As said before because it's so close to the center of rotation you won't feel it. But for a better system check out this full set of 20 locking lugs.
http://www.sfxperformance.com/parts/GOR71604N.htm
For the vette it's part #71633N. All the same weight and a thief has to deal with 5 per wheel.
http://www.sfxperformance.com/parts/GOR71604N.htm
For the vette it's part #71633N. All the same weight and a thief has to deal with 5 per wheel.
Last edited by Walt White Coupe; Nov 12, 2007 at 08:24 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Northern Virginia
I always mount my wheel locks opposite the valve stem and tire pressure sensor. In my mind to offset the different weights. I know, call me crazy
I think on my prior Porsche they were specific where to mount the wheel lock and cover for the same reason.
I think on my prior Porsche they were specific where to mount the wheel lock and cover for the same reason.
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Honestly, it shouldn't matter.
But to be brutally honest? Wheel locks are only an inconvenience to the owner, dealers, and the tire store guys. A thief coming after your wheels will be gone in 5 minutes with all 4 wheels and leave your locking lug nuts on the curb for you to use again. IMHO, they are a waste of time and effort.
Elmer
But to be brutally honest? Wheel locks are only an inconvenience to the owner, dealers, and the tire store guys. A thief coming after your wheels will be gone in 5 minutes with all 4 wheels and leave your locking lug nuts on the curb for you to use again. IMHO, they are a waste of time and effort.
Elmer
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From: Scenic (and snowy) New Hampshire
Honestly, it shouldn't matter.
But to be brutally honest? Wheel locks are only an inconvenience to the owner, dealers, and the tire store guys. A thief coming after your wheels will be gone in 5 minutes with all 4 wheels and leave your locking lug nuts on the curb for you to use again. IMHO, they are a waste of time and effort.
Elmer
But to be brutally honest? Wheel locks are only an inconvenience to the owner, dealers, and the tire store guys. A thief coming after your wheels will be gone in 5 minutes with all 4 wheels and leave your locking lug nuts on the curb for you to use again. IMHO, they are a waste of time and effort.
Elmer
Lost my key to McGard set and tire shop took it off faster than if I had a key.
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Instructor
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From: Henderson Nevada
Honestly, it shouldn't matter.
But to be brutally honest? Wheel locks are only an inconvenience to the owner, dealers, and the tire store guys. A thief coming after your wheels will be gone in 5 minutes with all 4 wheels and leave your locking lug nuts on the curb for you to use again. IMHO, they are a waste of time and effort.
Elmer
But to be brutally honest? Wheel locks are only an inconvenience to the owner, dealers, and the tire store guys. A thief coming after your wheels will be gone in 5 minutes with all 4 wheels and leave your locking lug nuts on the curb for you to use again. IMHO, they are a waste of time and effort.
Elmer
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From: Jacksonville Florida BWO Dayton, Cincinnati, Bloomsbury NJ, Cincinnati
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Please no flames but I have to ask this question. How does the "average" thief get the wheel locks off so easily? Thinking of installing some locking lugs but if they aren't a deterrent may as well not bother. I do think its nice that they are considerate enough to leave the locking lugs.
They can have their own set of "keys" or an old set of sockets. The sockets are placed over the locking lug nuts and hit with a heavy hammer and jammed in place. They then connect a ratchet drive and spin off the locking lug nut.
Done.
Elmer
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: severn md
Yesterday as I was installing wheel locks on each wheel. The keyed lock nut felt heavier than the wheel nut I had just taken off. We have a fairly accurate digital kitchen scale so I weighed both. The keyed nut was about 25 grams heavier than the one that had been removed.
It would seem to me this is not a big deal at 60 mph, but what about at the higher speeds the Corvette is capable of reaching. Has anyone ever noticed a wheel balance problem after installing wheel locks?
It would seem to me this is not a big deal at 60 mph, but what about at the higher speeds the Corvette is capable of reaching. Has anyone ever noticed a wheel balance problem after installing wheel locks?
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Joined: Jun 2001
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From: Jacksonville Florida BWO Dayton, Cincinnati, Bloomsbury NJ, Cincinnati
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Le Mans Master
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I am also ridiculed for using the club, however last summer the heavily alarmed Mustang parked next to me was stolen and my Vette wasn't. I attribute it to visual presence of the club. Those lock lugs just may be the difference of my wheels being there tomorrow morning
Melting Slicks
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From: Florida
AL
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From: Phila Suburbs 2023 C8 & 2013 650ix
A number of people have had their wheels stolen in their driveway. The last thing a thief wants to do is make noise. With five Gorilla locks on each wheel don't you think they would think twice about driving the socket on with a heavy hammer 20 times. They won't stop everyone but to say they are useless is just wrong.