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I’ve had a couple CL equipt cars and yes they are more difficult to deal with than regular wheel hubs , i personally have all the required tools to remove wheels in my garage but that requires intent and initiative to acquire , not the casual tool list that might just happen to be laying around the average garage.
However… THIS is a new product that could greatly simplify anyones experience with CL life…
Here's the updated HYTORC CL tool - they've changed it so it doesn't need the special nut. You should be able to buy one now, from the obsessed garage guy.
I just watched this and posted it in the other, longer GTS config thread, and feel it would be helpful here as well. This guy does a great job of showing the proces, slowly, methodically removing a CL wheel, plugging a cup2 (*gasp*!), then reinstalling it. He has a couple different bars - a breaker bar, and a torque wrench. If you buy/assemble a little tire plugging kit to keep in in your frunk along side the bar, you can probably patch your tire on the go, should the need arise.
I swapped for my winter wheels two weeks ago. It was the first time for me dealing with center locks and I was a bit apprehensive. But it ended up being a total breeze and just as fast as a five lug setup once you get the hang of it. All I bought this torque multiplier wrench and it works very well.
Some 3rd party (ie not Porsche) tire repair places will NOT service CL wheels. That’s a fact.
So, if you have a tire emergency out in the middle of the sticks, good chance you might have difficulty finding somebody nearby that will touch it.
This ^ - and trust me, I'm wiling to race changing my 5 lug tires with someone who has center locks Watching Matt's video and how close that bar comes to the side of the car. Yikes. See @dhirm5 post above.
This ^ - and trust me, I'm wiling to race changing my 5 lug tires with someone who has center locks Watching Matt's video and how close that bar comes to the side of the car. Yikes. See @dhirm5 post above.
Damn my post got turned against me . At the end of the day, I think it's all much ado about nothing. We learn a couple new things, and we're richer for it.
This ^ - and trust me, I'm wiling to race changing my 5 lug tires with someone who has center locks Watching Matt's video and how close that bar comes to the side of the car. Yikes. See @dhirm5 post above.
Damn my post got turned against me . At the end of the day, I think it's all much ado about nothing. We learn a couple new things, and we're richer for it.
I think if you are a person who is around a Porsche shop (or near) then cool. But for the weekend warrior they are kind of a pain. Of course, with the right tools and experience, fine - but I don't think I'd trust Discount Tire to go changing my wheels there (and I do trust them) - and the local Porsche dealer only wants $250 to swap wheels (ahem, I sort of expect a little something "special" when someone charges me that much for swapping my wheels).
Short story, the OP asked "Are they anymore difficult than wheels with lugs should you blow a tire etc.?" and I think that's been answered. The fact is, center lock wheels look cool as chit, but they are more difficult to change than wheels with lugs should you blow a tire.
I think if you are a person who is around a Porsche shop (or near) then cool. But for the weekend warrior they are kind of a pain. Of course, with the right tools and experience, fine - but I don't think I'd trust Discount Tire to go changing my wheels there (and I do trust them) - and the local Porsche dealer only wants $250 to swap wheels (ahem, I sort of expect a little something "special" when someone charges me that much for swapping my wheels).
Short story, the OP asked "Are they anymore difficult than wheels with lugs should you blow a tire etc.?" and I think that's been answered. The fact is, center lock wheels look cool as chit, but they are more difficult to change than wheels with lugs should you blow a tire.
Thank you! This is a weekend car and exactly my worry.
If I get a nail in my tire it’s easily resolved with standard wheels.
Sounds like it’s much more of a chore and flat bed to dealer with CL wheels
I just watched this and posted it in the other, longer GTS config thread, and feel it would be helpful here as well. This guy does a great job of showing the proces, slowly, methodically removing a CL wheel, plugging a cup2 (*gasp*!), then reinstalling it. He has a couple different bars - a breaker bar, and a torque wrench. If you buy/assemble a little tire plugging kit to keep in in your frunk along side the bar, you can probably patch your tire on the go, should the need arise.
I cannot imagine doing that on the side of the road.
I think if you are a person who is around a Porsche shop (or near) then cool. But for the weekend warrior they are kind of a pain. Of course, with the right tools and experience, fine - but I don't think I'd trust Discount Tire to go changing my wheels there (and I do trust them) - and the local Porsche dealer only wants $250 to swap wheels (ahem, I sort of expect a little something "special" when someone charges me that much for swapping my wheels).
Short story, the OP asked "Are they anymore difficult than wheels with lugs should you blow a tire etc.?" and I think that's been answered. The fact is, center lock wheels look cool as chit, but they are more difficult to change than wheels with lugs should you blow a tire.
Yep, you are spot on.
Someone asks a simple question, and people answer a different question. Classic.
The short answer to the OP’s question is: yes, it is more difficult than changing a wheel with lug nuts.
11-28-2021, 03:40 PM
GTS Center Locking Wheels Question
Watching Matt's video and how close that bar comes to the side of the car. Yikes. See @dhirm5 post above.
