Porsche Wheel Locks

[ProjectM96]

Hello everyone,

When I got my car back in October, the PPI failed to mention that my wheel lock key was broken with a crack down the middle going 80% of the way down.

I had just replaced the inner tie rod Saturday and the mechanic said the old wheel lock key needs to be replaced. When he opened my wheel, the crack got worse. Now it is down 90% of the way.

So my question is, if I buy a Porsche wheel lock kit from PelicanParts or Porsche, will it be the same key as the one I already have? Can I use it to take the old wheel locks off? Or is it a different pattern?

What should I do if it is a different pattern?

[Iflylow]

It will be a different pattern. Cheapest-buy four locking lugs and replace all. Better- buy all new bolts, to ensure they match. They aren't too expensive through Pelican.

[Burg Boxster]

If you have stock/OEM wheels, I wouldn't be too concerned about theft and just replace w/ non-locking. To that point, each dealer has a master set of locks w/ all the possible combinations. I'm sure if you stopped by and purchased 4 plain non locking bolts and asked them to put on (probably have to pay 1/2 hr labor ) they would - being none the wiser about your broken lock (b/c they'd use their set to take off yours). Or they can use their set to test fit for the right code and order a replacement key (~$75 or so IIRC).

If you want a full set of locks w/ keys for a 986, PM me as I have a set from my Boxster in a garage cabinet not being used... will make you a heck of a deal on them plus USPS priority mail will have them on your doorstep before Friday.

[Lumpy05]

Burg Boxster has it right, your Porsche dealer can help ID the key you need.

I found that my boxster had no key for the locking wheel lugs, my dealer removed them with his "master" set and said I had a #2, I chose to replace with 4 standard lugs rather than order a key, I think the total was less than $50 for the lug nuts he charged my no labor. I just didnt see the theft threat being enough to worry about the extra hassle of locking nuts.

[Mark_T]

another offer for you: send me 4 standard lug bolts and I'll send you my 4 locking lugs plus the key

[ProjectM96]

If anyone is interested in knowing. I called the Porsche dealer.

They said $35 for a new key and $70-75 for a new set of wheel locks. And they said they will take the old ones off and replace them for free.

Not as bad as I thought.

[schnellman]

Get the dealer to take the old locks off and throw them as far as you can. Replace them with regular lug bolts and relax.

[thstone]

Cheaper and easier to get rid of the wheel locks and replace with standard lug bolts.

[ProjectM96]

Well I am saving up for light weight aftermarket rims so I will need the wheel locks anyways.

[fatmike]

It's been said. Just ditch 'em.


Wheel-locks and radio codes are part of the Porsche ownership learning curve...as if someone is going to steal that crap radio too! Just silly.




/

[ProjectM96]

Yeah maybe back then in the late 90's, people wanted the radio's or rims, but no one cares about the radio these days.

I have the sport package on my car with the 18 inch Turbo look wheels, TC, CC, Sportier front bumper. I know many VW/Audi guys want to put those Turbo look rims on their GTI/GLI's or A4's with adapters and spacers.

I also want to keep the wheel locks for the expensive rims I want to buy in the future.

[thstone]

P96 makes a good point about protecting nice aftermarket wheels with the locks.

In that case, cheapeset way forward is to spend $32 and buy four standard lug bolts and send them to Mark_T in exchange for his locking lugs and key.