I have a 997 Carrera S with the 19" Carrera Classic wheels. Would I be wise to invest in one of the aftermarket 19 mm "soft sockets" with the nylon insert? Or, just buy a six-point, 1/2 inch drive version from Craftsman? The lug nuts are the same color as the wheels but I'm not sure if they're anodized or painted. They are recessed so minor damage wouldn't be seen. I always used a soft socket on my 911SC but gave it to the new owner when I sold the car.

Thanks for any advice,

Al

 

I use an aluminum alloy socket with a large ratchet (no air impact gun) and torque wrench and have had no problems. A wheel hanger or two is also a good idea as these wheels and tires are large and not the easiest to handle.

 

when I had my 308 I always used a plastic bag over the lugs. Gave good grip with the socket but prevented the nicking of the edges. Have not taken a shot at the P car yet but I will probably try it.

Do those plastic lined socket have enough bite? I would be curious if anyone has used them.

 

The soft socket with the nylon insert work just fine - be sure to use a manual torque wrench and never use an impact gun with this type of socket.

 

The lug nuts are steel, I use a 6 point 19mm standard socket and have never had a problem with any
damage to the nuts, they are recessed and even if there were some slight marks on them from the socket they would never be seen, although I have never noticed any using the standard socket

 

I use this set from Griots Garage. http://www.griotsgarage.com/catalog.jsp?&SKU=10208

 

Where do you get those wheel hanger rods?

 

I purchased mine from my local dealer and as Porsche parts go they aren't expensive. I also got my aluminum alloy lug bolt socket from the dealer at the same time. It was a little pricey but it is a high quality tool that works well and should last a shade tree mechanic like me a life time.

 

Don't waste your money on the wheel hangers offered by Performance Products (brass) and just get these from Porsche--aluminum and light. The Griot Garage set is nice and small enough to fit inside the deep recesses of the rear wheels.

 

Most 997 nuts in the UK are rusty by year 2 - there's a thriving after market in stainless nuts here.

 

Those look like the two I bought from Sunset last week. Under $14 for the pair.

 

If porsche is using same quality bolts they did with the 996, don't bother because they will be rusty very soon anyway!!!!!

 

That's what I use as well.

 

For wheel hanger rods,
I bought 2 bolts , 4" long ( 14 x 1.5 mm ) at a local Mill supply store .
They cost $ 0.95 each .
Cut off the bolt heads with a hacksaw and wrap some electrical tape
over the shaft to prevent scratching the wheels .
Good enough for as often as I remove the wheels.

 

Remember to keep theses wheel hangers in your trunk. (There is a place for them within the 'tool kit' when pushed in from the left end). If you're in the middle of no where and need to pull off a wheel you'll be happy you have them. If it's not a Porsche dealership/shop no one else would have them around.