996_North

I had a plan to remove my wheels to get them refinished over the winter. I can't seem to find the friggin wheel lock key. I figure I may have tossed it out accidentally while cleaning it.

Is the dealer the only place to get a replacement key? Is it somehow tied to the serial number or do I have to drive it in? Can any shop break the locking nut and just replace it with a normal lug?

Either way the car won't get moved until the spring at this point. Thoughts?
Thanks.

Imo000

Princess Auto sells a removal socket, comes in two sizes, buy both (~$10 each). Slightly tap it on and it will bite into the bolt as you are unscrewing it. I've used them in the past but not on a Porsche, they work well.

996_North

^^thanks. There is a Princess Auto near my office. I'll pop by and check that out!

John 996 TT Cab

There are a specific number of bolt locks. All dealers have the full set as well as most independents. Find out what yours is and order it from the parts department.

aviography

Phaff took mine off when I could not find the key after picking up the car and the seller couldn't remember where he had put it, the deal was I bought a set of regular lug nuts and Phaff took the locking ones off for my free of charge.

I then found the key a day later, it was on the lug wrench!

Jaak Lepson

The locks stop honest people. Took mine off as soon as I could. Imagine if you were at the side of the road and this happened ... what would you do? Guess flatbed it to a dealer/Indy.

If they want your rims ... a cheap tool from Princess Auto will remove them... honest people will not.

Aggravation ... who needs it and you are covered under insurance.

Pags993

Just another excuse for dealers to upcharge a $60 set of wheel locks for 3 to 4 times that amount upon delivery of the vehicle to the new owner.

If a thief wants your wheels they are as good as gone!

996_North

I assume I'll need to take the car to the dealership to do this, which won't happen until the spring. Too bad you can't take a picture of it and get one online.

Turbodan

do people steal wheels still? it used to happen all the time but I can't remember hearing of a single story in the last 20 years.
I would not use them on my Porsches as they are not as strong as the factory lugs. I also would not change a tire at the side of the road, that is why I have CAA.

Imo000

Whimp!

911 Rod

I also would not change a tire at the side of the road, that is why I have CAA.[/QUOTE]

Ha ha. I was changing a tire on the Turbo last fall on the side of the highway and a tow truck stopped. He said in all his years he has never seen a customer that was capable of changing a tire on a Porsche!

PPo

I agree with Imo000, get the removal socket... or use a drill...

Chuck the wheel locks... they are more hassle then it's worth.

69gaugeman

Wheel locks are the BEST way to keep an owner from getting his tires off. Anyone else it's a minor inconvenience. I leave my factory ones on the cayenne because I still have the key and it has a nice warm hiding spot in the Styrofoam tool tray. The 928 has no wheel locks.

canuck964

A high school friend of mine drives a tow truck (well now he owns a tow truck company).

He has always said to me that it would only take him a few more seconds to take off a lock nut (without the key) vs. a regular lug.

I don't have lock nuts on any of my cars anymore.

Phone a tow truck to take them off. They may be cheaper than the dealer.