Locking lug nuts, lost key

[jb92563]

I bought my Boxster and the previous owner could not find the Locking lug nut key socket.

What can I do?

Are they on the car when new and perhaps I can get a new key socket if they re related to the VIN?

Can I buy a replacement socket if I don't know their code?

Can a tire dealer remove them some how?

What is the best way so as not to damage the rims?

Ideas?

[thstone]

The only way to get a replacement key is at a dealer. They can figure out which key you need.

Alternatively, they can be removed without the key but you might have to use a bit of elbow grease.

Many owners remove them and replace with plain lug bolts becausae they tend to be a PITA.

[Spinnaker]

Check out this thread, you might get some ideas.

http://986forum.com/forums/general-discussions/32465-these-oe-porsche-locking-nuts.html

[j.fro]

Once you've got this sorted out, if you want a new set of locks with a key, please email me.

[jcb986]

Go to the dealer, they have a have a set of keys. Have them remove them and replace with standard lugs. How many times have you heard of someone stealing wheels and tires, especially a Porsche. They steal the whole car.

[schnellman]

The dealer or a good tire shop can get them off. Then throw them away. You don't need them.

[jb92563]

That link was very enlightening thanks, I might try the modified socket idea if it looks feasible.

Actually I need new rear tires anyway so I'll call the tire shop and see if they have the tools to do it.

Getting the tire sale will be dependent on them being able to remove the locks so they should be well motivated.

I was wondering why they locked the rims too, since it would be better to take the whole car if they wanted to steal something.

I'll replace these with regular lugs, any suggestions on where I could pick up 4.

Maybe I can get some shiny imitation chrome plastic lug caps for all 4 wheels too.

[schnellman]

When I bought my box I bought four new lug bolts from Pelican Parts and threw away the locking bolts. I think you'll find most guys here like the folks at Pelican Parts -- and their prices. They have the lug bolts you're looking for.

[jb92563]

I removed the locking lugs today with the LT-4300 ($43) tool set I just bought online.

The set includes the lock remover and the damaged regular lug remover.

Really all you need is the LT-400-25 tool ($28) to remove the locking lugs.

I took a video that I will post monday showing how quick and easy it is with this tool. Literally the same time it takes to remove a regular lug, less than a minute.

I just used a regular 3/8 socket wrench with a short ~1" long 1/2" to 3/8 adapter since the socket has a 1/2" drive in the center (double ended socket)

I got the wrench horizontal and stood and bounced on it to unscrew the bolt, no air tools or breaker bar required.

I replaced the locking bolts with regular ones and don't need the set anymore so if someone wants to buy it I'll pass it along for $30 plus shipping for the set.

The locking bolts do not even get damaged and I suppose someone could get a replacement key and use them again.

[jb92563]

Here is the video using LT-400-25 tool to remove a locking lugnut.

It was a lot easier and quicker than I imagined and at $28 this is all you need to remove 19mm & 3/4" locking lug nuts. Not even worth wasting the time to talk to the Porsche dealer on the phone to ask what they might charge for 4 removals.

I did all 4 in under 10 minutes including making the video.

So if you think your wheels are safe from someone that has come equiped to take them...dream on!

CIMG3470 - YouTube

Three of them came off just as quick in the video but 1 did require a little extra effort to get locked on without slipping. A few taps with a hammer locked that one on as well but the other just grabbed the lug on their own without help.

As I mentioned the tool did not even damage the lug and did not touch the rim at all in the process.

So no more gripping about lost keys. Just buy this tool and do it yourself quickly and easily and then pass it on to the next lost key victim.