Be advised that the lock for the locking lug nuts is weak and will break if too tight. Had to go to my Ford dealer and get them removed. Didn`t replace but just put on regular nuts. Don`t want this happening on the road !

 

When I get a new car, the first thing I do is scrap the locking lugs. I have good insurance. I can't even imagine screwing with those things at night , along side the road in the rain.

 

What exactly happened? First hand experience?

 

I always use anti seize on mine and torque it to spec no problem but did have a problem with one of the stock lugs threads just came out of it.. apro thief would have a tool like we have in the junk yard that would fit them anyhow but slows them down. A trick if you buy a car and dont have the puzzle key is just weld a bead on it then a socket can grab it.

 

I was removing the locking lug nut with the included tool and the tool broke, the inside of it just crumpled ! The service rep at the Ford dealer where I went to get it fixed said it was a common problem and to just put on regular lug nuts.

 

First thing I do is order me an extra one...

 

That's why I use Gorilla Lug Nuts!

 

Yup, I'm in the same boat with Art. Got new tires put on the other month and the tool broke taking off the third wheel. The guys said that the locking nuts should only be torqued to 100 ft-lb but they were closer to 150 ft/lb. I knew I shouldn't have let the ford dealer rotate my tires for me. They got the last two off by using a tool that had a really close pattern as mine and hammering it on to the locking nuts. Luckily I had the spare lugs in the car from when I put the locking ones on. I'm just leaving the regular lugs on now.

 

I was doing the GT brake upgrade, finally !

 

Ours came with the locking lug nuts (in a bag, in the trunk). I wanted to put them on, but something held me back. Now I am glad I hesitated. If and when I decide to get custom wheels, I'll go the extra mile and buy some McGard or other aftermarket locking lug nuts.

 

are rousch lug nuts any different. I just ordered those.

 

The factory wheel locks are made by McGard and are the same qaulity as the aftermarket McGard locking lugs.

Usually the problem is over-tightening as people have mentioned and going to the dealer is no guarantee that they are not contibuting to the problem (case in point; I was talking to a young subaru tech that had just come from the company's tech school and had no idea that subie wheels are usually torqued to 72 ft/lbs.)

 

I have those too and haven't had a problem yet. Really good lug nuts.

 

JMO, but locking lug nuts are really a waste of good money. If someone wants your wheel, they will get a lug that is close to fitting, and then get a hammer and smash it till its on....then they put in the wrench and turn. Wheel off and gone. Yeah, the socket is now a waste, but most just buy the cheap ones since they know how they plan on using it.

When I bought my razors, I planned on getting locking ones too. One discussion with a mechanic friend of mine and I opted not to waste the money. Screw it, thats what insurance is for anyway.

Sorry you had the problem though.


Andretti

 

The five regular nuts cost me almost $60 no wonder Ford is making money !

 

Dad I just did the same thing when putting on my fanblades! The key broke off when I was tightening them up, first time I've ever used it. Can you get a new one at Ford?

 

Factory locking lugs? There should be a serial number contained in the vinyl wheel lock envelop. The paper with the serial number should have the manufacturers contact info on it. Cheaper than going to the dealer if you have time to wait for the new wheel lock tool to arrive in the mail. If not, the dealer may have a master set on hand to remove the locking lugs.

 

what he said !

though I got the Ford dealer to remove them and replaced with standard lugs

 

For those with broken keys, contact McGard they will send you a set of new locks, with a key at no cost, or a new key if you have the number. I had a two part key for a VW SLC Corrado. The key broke in half. McGard sent the new locks with a one piece key. I use the locks, and always do my own wheel work, with a torque wrench. Torque them to specs, drive 50 miles, loosen them and torque them again. Never lost a wheel or broke a one piece key and then I can actually get the lugs off, unlike when the gorillas at the tire store or dealer put them on.

 

Nothing but standard chrome McGard lugs for me. I hate locking lugs and I'd never leave my pony in a place were I need them anyway!

Tim