What can be done when a locking wheel nut (for alloys) is lost?

Question

My friend has a Ford Fiesta with alloy wheels and has lost the locking wheel nut. The garage says they will have to smash the wheels off and replace them (expensive!). Is there another way?

Answer 1

i bought a car last year and got a flat luckilly in my driveway as I never had alloys before ,A guy from the garage came out and drilled at it and also had a good wrench with him in no way did he wreck my wheel all i needed was a new set of alloy lock pins ,also was told if i had old box the nut was in it has a code you are able to get a match made up.
ask your mate to try somewhere else as sounds like they are trying to pull a fast one on her.

I had my car under less than a week when it happened when the first bolt was removed and i had a new wheel on i was able to drive to the garage and they removed the other 3 and replaced them with a new set and the locking nut is kept very safe (i just didn't get one with my car in first place)
no wheels wrecked or needed changed just a punture fixed

Answer 2

Ford Alloy Wheel Nuts

Answer 3

Dsclimb is exactly right but drilling into the nut with the wheel on would be beyond someone without a reasonable amount of skill, due to the position and accuracy needed

"Smash the wheel off"????!! Don't leave your car with the people who said that.
Can't you get a replacement key? That would save a whole lot of grief, don't forget the key is for all 4 wheels.

Answer 4

If they still have the wee plastic box that the 4 nut's came in then there is a unique code for that nut key in the box, the makers can send out a new one, but usually cheaper going to a decent garage where they can drill them out. Think some one is takeing the pee and trying to flog a set of new alloys.

Answer 5

Find the size impact(black)socket that will fit the locking nut .No find the one the next size smaller ,use an extension so as not to damage the wheel,and beat the smaller socket on the nut. This will help to loosen the nut from the vibration and once the socket goes on the nut you should be able to remove it with a ratchet.Don't use an impact!!!! I have done this trick close to a hundred times and it hasn't failed me yet.Good luck

Answer 6

the best way to do it is : go to a motor factor shop and buy a locking wheel nut removal socket make sure you got the wright size for the fiesta. the socket itself as got a reverse thread inside as you screw it on it release the wheel nut. this is the cheapest way to do it ,no drilling or struggling.

Answer 7

I have used a torch to burn them off. I'm assuming that you lost the key to the locks? Ford dealers should have a set of master keys that they can use to remove the nut. I lost my key when I had the tires rotated. Actually, I didn't lose it the dealer did, but they had a replacement to get it off, and then they put a whole new set on for me with a new key.

Answer 8

They could drill it out, with a slightly smaller drill than the nut diameter, then re-threaded it (taps and dyes) but this is well beyond the average grease monkey in tyre centres.

If you are lucky you can use a narrow angle grinder, to cut a slot across the top of it, insert a wide screw driver blade type piece of metal into the slot, then hope it comes loose.

Answer 9

What a load of crap, offered as advice. None of these things work with the modern spinning ring nuts. And the thought of some idiot let loose on my wheels with a hammer and chisel,,,,,,,

Watch this, he says it all; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AG3viJeX6l8

Answer 10

Any good mechanical repair shop should have a universal wheel lock kit that they can use to remove the locks for you. They probably not charge you either.