If Things couldn't go more wrong I tried to remove my front wheels to get them re balanced. My problem however is that all my wheel locks have decided to not come off anymore.. one mechanic told me that he could remove them by hammer and chisel. Should I go this route? would a nut splitter work ..? Has anyone found a easy way to get them off..
Dave.

 

No way to the hammer and chissel -

Use Penetrating fluid and or Heat them up with a Torch - Don't use the two together or you'll go BOOOM.

 

I found the use of a solvent, like WD40, or the like, to work. They get frozen from the water, etc that they get running. Hold the outside while turning the key. I finally took mine off and they are now in a box on the workshop desk. I wouldn't try the hammer and chisle route.

 

Actually a pointed punch and large hammer will explode the brittle center of the "lock" rather easily with no damage to the wheel or stud unless you miss the punch with the hammer !

 

Thanks for the ideas guys. I will try the method that you suggested Jim. I had dropped off to the store to pick up a rental sliding hammer and was going to knock it directly out with that but will try the simplist approach first that requires no drilling first.. Thanks again . Dave.

 

Dave,
Most tire dealers won't do this - liability?-
, but, simply go to a garage and have them use an impact air wrench with a heavy duty socket.
Spins right off. I had no thread/stud damage, then again ... the original lug nuts were aluminum.
You can do it with a 1/2", or, 3/4" breakerbar and a impact socket though I have broken a new 1/2" Craftsman breakerbar in the past -that was an introduction to some new pains in the shoulder, wrist, and finger joints.
Easy!
BTW a PO had heard about the drill method ....
he/she did not drill the lock mechanism out. the method used was - true story - to drill all the way thru the rim (forged aluminum)just outside the locking lugnut, OH JOY, there were 5 or 6 1/8" holes laughing at me.
Check your pads while you have the wheel off and do a little housekeeping -mask and goggles-.

 

There is a special socket mechanics can buy that is used to remove wheel locks. It is hammered over the lock and is then unscrewed using an impact gun or breaker bar, the way a normal lug is removed. I'm not sure as to what locks you have but its worth a try.

 

I had problems with my locks one time and when the mechanic used an impact wrench to try and remove the lock it simply snapped off, but the locks were made to break off, and what you are left with is a tiny flat piece of metal which he had to chisel off very carefully. These locks are made to break off otherwise what good are they if the common criminal can just break them off. Sal

 

FWIW-
When you replace the lugs use anti-seize compound. If you want locking lugs get the new Porsche type which have a special socket rather than a key mechanism.

 

Had the Porsche lugs (no key) just special mating socket and they also locked up and needed 3 hors labor to remove. I now view it as a convertible -never lock the doors - and if they really want the wheels let em have them and spare the rest of the wheel assembly.

 

Deb-
That's what anti-seize is for. At $5 for a multi-year supply, 'try it you'll like it'!
As a sailor you should appreciate the need for thread lubrication.

 

One other thing is not to use an impact wrench when installing these lock lugs. They should be tightned manually. Sal

 

I lost the key to my Porsche locking lugs...

Scared, I brought the car to Zotz Garage in Winter Park, Florida. Scared...for my wallet! Thought this was going to get expen$ive...

Like Tresa said- there is a special socket that they can "pound" on- it has teeth and literally cuts into the lock lug. They then use a standard lug wrench to take it right off. Hmm...

Normy!
'85 S2 5 Speed

 

You haven't told us why the locks will not come off. In the case of older style worn Porsche locks the outside barrel of the tumbler turns while turning the key which will not allow the lock mechanism to function. Hence the key just keeps turning with no effect.

If this is the case, the removal is very simple as I have found with my locks. Just prohibit the outside barrel from turning and the lock comes right off exposing the lug nut underneath. Carefully applying Locktite red or blue to penetrate between the barrel and outer casing solves the problem for future removal.

Hate to see you go through all the other solutions if this is the true problem. Good luck.