Locking wheel bolts. Crappy things

26th December 2012, 23:58

So i got a puncture on Christmas eve and couldbn't change my wheel because the wee indents on the head of the bolt that the key thing fits into were all chewed up (it had been in KwikFit a week or so ago). I had to abandon it about 15 miles from home since it was Christmas eve but I'll be going to it tomrrow with a buzz gun thingy- My hope it that I can use all my strength to push the key into the bolt to stop it slipping then the drill can do it's thing.

But if I still can't do it, then what? The locking bolts I have are like these http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CITROEN-SA...item2ec4b2e84b

Smash on a tight fitting socket? Is there anything else to do?

27th December 2012, 00:03

smash on a slightly smaller socket, preferably a 6 sided one then use a breaker bar and turn it. Then go buy decent locking nuts

27th December 2012, 00:18

You'd be better off using a 12 point socket. it'll have more grip than a hex socket since 12 point resembles a circle closer than a 6 point one

Use a fucking big hammer, 17 or 18mm are favourites to use. depends on the nut of course.

So basically, yeah, use the socket method

Those nuts do look like a bastard to remove imo.

27th December 2012, 00:22

Yep - its the only time you want a 12 point socket over a 6 point one really lol. More points to smash into the defunct locking wheel nut.

For normal every day use of course a 6 sided socket is a much better choice for grip.

Edit to clarify. - for a STUCK nut/bolt the 6 sided is the choice. The 12 sided is much easier to work with day to day.

27th December 2012, 00:43

sorry got that the wrong way round, you want a 12 sider. I used a 6 side one before doing some locking nuts on an old car and it got well and truly wedged in there! Or you can get some sockets that "bite" into the mullered head on the bolt, various comparies sell these removal sockets

27th December 2012, 01:39

Yeah I found some old multipoint sockets that my Dad had so I'll have a bash with them, don't matter too much if I fuck them up.

But once I get the bolt out and can get my spare wheel on.. what do I do? Put back in the fucked bolt with the socket still stuck on the end? Drive like a granny so the socket won't do too much damage if it flies off and hits my bodywork.

I'm either giong to buy four normal bolts or get a new set of locking bolts.. Not sure I want to risk going through this hassle again but I'd be a bit afraid to park in Glasgow if I didn't have locking bolts lol

27th December 2012, 01:48

well usually most people keep the bolts they have removed to replace with lockers, so have a look for them in the car if you havent already. If not driving steady on 3 bolts is ok for a get you home measure

27th December 2012, 03:05

No normal bolts lying around the car

I guess I'll just limp home on three bolts and get some new bolts as soon as.

27th December 2012, 07:57

You'll be fine with 3 bolts until you get a new set

27th December 2012, 08:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ben_SaxoForte

You'll be fine with 3 bolts until you get a new set

yeah. Idiots like Mikol drive with three bolts on every wheel!

27th December 2012, 12:56

fuckin right!

Driving on 3 studs is fine, GTI has done 1000 miles to FCS and back on 3 studs at the front, had it up to over a ton as well like that, and it was just fine

Didn't Mikol change to 4 stud? I know azza has on his ginger car - or is in the process of doing so

27th December 2012, 13:01

yeah i think mike has finally seen the error of his ways and upgraded to decent hubs/struts/wheels/brakes etc

27th December 2012, 13:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ross

yeah i think mike has finally seen the error of his ways and upgraded to decent hubs/struts/wheels/brakes etc

I never saw the point in 3 stud.

Stupid trying to drill a triangle, the only advantage I can think of is less wear on the tapping and drilling tools for manufacture per car.

27th December 2012, 13:41

"Weight saving" Mike always told me

27th December 2012, 14:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ross

"Weight saving" Mike always told me

Mike's head probably outweighs the effects

looks huge with that helmet on.

too far?

27th December 2012, 16:32

Savings though when you factor in the 4 bolts saved. Obviously the problems it causes to owners afterwards is not their problem haha

29th December 2012, 20:03

Hahaha Ross thankyou for bringing my attention to this thread

(no homo)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ross

yeah. Idiots like Mikol drive with three bolts on every wheel!

Oh I see. Now it's only on two wheels thankyouverymuch.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MartinObviously

fuckin right!

Driving on 3 studs is fine, GTI has done 1000 miles to FCS and back on 3 studs at the front, had it up to over a ton as well like that, and it was just fine

Didn't Mikol change to 4 stud? I know azza has on his ginger car - or is in the process of doing so

Matt wins - he did a 300 mile round trip on 2 stud after we stripped his bolt threads. Madman.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ross

yeah i think mike has finally seen the error of his ways and upgraded to decent hubs/struts/wheels/brakes etc

Hey, my brakes and suspension are actually the same. The joys of redrilled discs, they fit both!

Quote:

Originally Posted by MartinObviously

I never saw the point in 3 stud.

Stupid trying to drill a triangle, the only advantage I can think of is less wear on the tapping and drilling tools for manufacture per car.

Probably more to the point it saved Citroen an extra 10 pence per car.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ross

"Weight saving" Mike always told me

Quote:

Originally Posted by MartinObviously

Mike's head probably outweighs the effects

looks huge with that helmet on.

too far?

I am actually a 'large' size helmet.

You heard.