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Problems with McGard wheel locks

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Old Jan 15, 2012 | 05:21 PM
  #1  
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Default Problems with McGard wheel locks

Upon delivery of my 2011 GS last May, I bought and installed Mcgard wheel locks, OEM part number 12498078. (equivalent of 24137 from their web site). When I took the wheels of to install my new carbotech pads, I noticed that the seats on the wheels where the Mcgards were located weere gauged, and so was the Mcgard lugs on all 4 wheels. It looks like the cones are not making full contact like my factory lugnuts do as those were fine. I spoke with Mcgard, the gentleman was helpfull although he does not know what is going on or why (unless I ship the wheel and the lugs to them...:-), offered to send me another OEM set but I do not know if that will solve the problem. Unfortunately on their site, they only list application up to 2008 Corvette. I wander if Corvette has changed the cone dimensions on later year wheels, or maybe on GS, Z06?

Having been target of one complete wheels and tires theft and car left on the hard ground, and second attempt on my 89 Z51 (broke the window to look for the key but I never left it in the car, ) I really want these things on but very worried that the wheels will be damaged on the long run. The specks on the lugnuts spose to be Cone seat M12x1.5thread.

Any help or suggestion will be much appreciated...
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Old Jan 15, 2012 | 06:07 PM
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FWIW, sometimes the lug seats on factory wheels with factory nuts, look kinda rough.

When you examine the McGard nuts and compare them to factory, how do they look?
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Old Jan 15, 2012 | 06:26 PM
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Originally Posted by Gearhead Jim
FWIW, sometimes the lug seats on factory wheels with factory nuts, look kinda rough.

When you examine the McGard nuts and compare them to factory, how do they look?
Factory lug nuts and thier seats are nice and smooth like they are making full and proper contact. On Mcgards, both seat and the lugnuts are scored. In comparison, the angle of the cones look the same, but I am going to dig out my old caliper and measure the diameters bottom and top. Either the cones of the Mcgards are slightly smaller or the thread on the Mcgards are little short, although torqued to 100ft-lbs like my other lugnuts, they are not seating in all the way. Maybe these are the wrong Mcgards for my year and model.

Funnily enough Mcgards small print says that, ultimately the customer is responsible for a proper fit, they absolutely take no responsibity for it..
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Old Jan 15, 2012 | 06:44 PM
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I've been looking at McGards for my 2008 split spokes. I'd like to hear how this resolves.
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Old Jan 15, 2012 | 06:52 PM
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Look at Gorilla locks and lugs? I think most around here use those. Just sayin'.
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Old Jan 15, 2012 | 06:59 PM
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The locks are a decent deterrent but if someone wants your wheels they'll get your wheels. Take a slightly oversized socket and a big hammer - hammer the socket on the nut - apply breaker bar and the lock is off. It IS that easy.
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Old Jan 15, 2012 | 07:04 PM
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I've got McGards on both the Z06 and the ZR1 with absolutely no problems!!

I also had them on my '05 coupe (now owned by my b-in-law).

I don't bother with locks - I have the regular lug nuts all around.

So, my experience is that the McGards seat perfectly on base wheels, Z06 wheels, and ZR1 wheels.

I'm sure they were clean when you installed them - you do need to make sure both the cone of the lug nut and the seat in the wheel are free of any dirt/grit when installing the lug nuts.

Bob
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Old Jan 15, 2012 | 07:06 PM
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Can you post some pics?
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Old Jan 15, 2012 | 08:59 PM
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I am very happy with my gorilla lugs. They have a black and a chrome version, but I think the chrome looks best for all wheel and body colors.
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Old Jan 15, 2012 | 09:51 PM
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I got the GM ones from dealer in May too and have had no problems. I too live in South Florida and you do need locks!
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Old Jan 16, 2012 | 01:19 PM
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I used Gorilla Locks on mine. Work perfect.
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Old Jan 16, 2012 | 02:16 PM
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They should fit?????
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Old Jan 16, 2012 | 04:11 PM
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Originally Posted by gsflyer2011
Upon delivery of my 2011 GS last May, I bought and installed Mcgard wheel locks, OEM part number 12498078. (equivalent of 24137 from their web site). When I took the wheels of to install my new carbotech pads, I noticed that the seats on the wheels where the Mcgards were located weere gauged, and so was the Mcgard lugs on all 4 wheels. It looks like the cones are not making full contact like my factory lugnuts do as those were fine. I spoke with Mcgard, the gentleman was helpfull although he does not know what is going on or why (unless I ship the wheel and the lugs to them...:-), offered to send me another OEM set but I do not know if that will solve the problem. Unfortunately on their site, they only list application up to 2008 Corvette. I wander if Corvette has changed the cone dimensions on later year wheels, or maybe on GS, Z06?

Having been target of one complete wheels and tires theft and car left on the hard ground, and second attempt on my 89 Z51 (broke the window to look for the key but I never left it in the car, ) I really want these things on but very worried that the wheels will be damaged on the long run. The specks on the lugnuts spose to be Cone seat M12x1.5thread.

Any help or suggestion will be much appreciated...

I installed the McGard #64012 (M12 x 1.5") on my '07 with no problems. The acorn style nut allows the use of 3/4" socket like the OEM's. Not sure what the problem might be, but, hope you get it resolved. Good luck!
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Old Jan 16, 2012 | 04:50 PM
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I have McGard #24137 locks on mine. I change over to a track set up several times a year, and just checked them in the basement look fine. Also have sets from other cars, and all the seats look pitted, so maybe just normal. I always order a spare key, and keep a copy of the code number, just in case. Some mention how easy it can be to remove these locks with the proper tools, but it's a noisy affair.
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