Who got rid of their locking lugs - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

1olddude · 02-28-2013, 10:29 PM

After doing all my spring service jobs I went to put my wheels back on and apparently my locking lug key was not made to handle 97 ft. Pnd of torque as it split in half while tightening the first locking nut. Now I am thinking I may just go buy four regular lug nuts and replace the lockers but first I have to go get a nut removing tool to get the old one off. Good weather is coming so I want to get it done quick. I have read that the Lt-400-25 tool is the one I need. Anyone confirm this? How many of you have done away with your locking nuts all together? Hope I can get that tool in the morning so I can take the car for a drive. Wish me luck.

rem503 · 03-01-2013, 01:43 AM

I'm thinking about getting rid of the locking bolts too but what I would really love to do is replace the electronic ignition switch and door locks so I could use a simple house key. It's ridiculous to have to spend so much on a new key.

I'm irritated by these electronic safety measures that cause the owners more costs and problems than the thieves. We love these terrific cars but in reality the older ones (like mine) aren't all that valuable.

I'm turning into a miserable old dude more every day. lol.

mountainman · 03-01-2013, 02:27 AM

Got rid of my locking nuts on all my porsches after a flat on a trip and no socket for the locking nuts. I normally do not drive in places to worry about theft and anyway I have insurance so I don't need the hassel of keeping up with another tool for each car.

j.fro · 03-01-2013, 02:47 AM

Replaced all 20 with wheel studs
Wheel changes are much faster, and no worries about dropping the wheel on the brake calipers.

Spinnaker · 03-01-2013, 02:59 AM

Got rid of mine last spring. Now I have to paint the other 16 to match.

schnellman · 03-01-2013, 04:04 AM

One of the first things I did was get rid of those things. I've got OEM wheels and no one out there wants them -- thank goodness.

Mark_T · 03-01-2013, 05:43 AM

Got rid of mine. Anyone want 'em?

Stroked & Blown · 03-01-2013, 05:53 AM

I got rid of them when I run my Carrera lights w/ spacers, and want to ditch the locking lugs for my regular wheels.

It looks regular OEM bolts go for $7 - 8 each.
Anyone know of a better price for an OEM or equivalent quality bolt?

Bryan topping · 03-01-2013, 06:34 AM

Mine didn't have them & I decided not to replace them since I figured the whole car would get stolen rather than just the wheels. Either way, that's what I buy insurance for. Sure it would be a inconvenience if something where to happen but I had locks on my previous 2 cars & they where more trouble than they were worth.

Vista glass · 03-01-2013, 07:40 AM

Get rid of those wretched bits of metal. The sockets and the lugs go bad and you are hosed for sure,never at a good time. Tire shop employees ruin them all the time .I searched here for threads with various methods for removing the aggravating attachers and was successful in getting them off without damage or a lot of expense. I threw the despicable devices into a well so no one will ever be troubled by them again. I did paint during the switchover and it does make a difference.

Joe B · 03-01-2013, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stroked & Blown

I got rid of them when I run my Carrera lights w/ spacers, and want to ditch the locking lugs for my regular wheels.

It looks regular OEM bolts go for $7 - 8 each.
Anyone know of a better price for an OEM or equivalent quality bolt?

I found a used set in fine condition, 20 bolts (no locking bolts) for $40 including shipping!

Johnny Danger · 03-01-2013, 02:53 PM

Got rid of them !

1olddude · 03-01-2013, 03:44 PM

Just got back from the dealer and they gave me a "discount" on 4 normal lugs, $10 each, but it was well worth it. Came home and got my trusty lock nut monster removal tool and took out the four stupid lugs and replaced them with normal ones. Then I shined up the car and went for a little ride. It's been a while but we finally had a beautiful day.

com3dorm3 · 03-01-2013, 07:03 PM

+1 for studs conversion - no lock

thstone · 03-01-2013, 09:04 PM

I hated those stupid things. Glad to get them off the car.

schnellman · 03-02-2013, 04:15 AM

Since we're talking about lug bolts, here's a question I'd like some of you guys in the know to answer for me. Is it important that the bolts be made of two pieces so that the shoulder can turn free from the bolt itself? The stainless bolts I have looked at are one piece, and I have been told that is a bad thing for the wheels, and for removal. What say ye?

Brockmeister · 03-02-2013, 07:10 AM

I replaced mine last fall. I had a flat and when I wen to change the tire, I had a bear of a time removing it. That evening, I ordered 4 new bolts from Suncoast.

steved0x · 03-02-2013, 07:56 AM

I ordered 4 of them from Amazon, $7 and change each and free shipping, the brand was Febi. When I get them I'll report back on how they were.

Allen K. Littlefield · 03-02-2013, 12:27 PM

Long gone. I replaced them with chrome ones when I added the 15mm spacers. Love the look.

AKL

Soetekouw · 04-11-2013, 05:53 AM

Replaced them when I bought the car in 2007 (and on all my other cars, too). I was always worried about losing the 'key.' Now I don't worry anymore. Most useless things, ever. Why would someone be deterred from stealing just my rims when they can slit open the top and steal the entire car.