So recently I readjusted the ride height in the rear. Long story short I think I may have left the wheel lock keys on the lugs while mounted and driven off. Problem is, one set is OEM and the other is from Pep Boys because the place that mounted my tires last didn't put on the wheel locks and I didn't notice till a month after.

I'm in a tough situation now because I'm running on wires and need to replace the tires tonight or tomorrow, but how can I get the wheels off if I don't have the lock keys? I'm hoping I misplaced them somewhere in the garage but I can't check till later this evening, until then I need to resort to a backup plan.

 

I lost mine as well they got a new one thru the vin, also some techs have a master set at the dealer.

 

Dealer can remove them. Most tire shops have an array of keys as well

 

How much does the dealer charge? I'm searching google as well for different solutions. I read about the master lock and also about tire shops having something.

 

Hmmm...i'm considering hammering a deep socket that is slightly smaller and using a breaker bar....not sure if that's too logical but I've read that it's worked for people. Hopefully it's in the garage

 

Some dealers will do it for free if they are nice. I wouldnt try hammering a lug on if you can avoid it, you may damage your wheel.

 

yeah, i was trying to avoid that...but even if i get the oem one's off through the dealer, i need help with the other two since they are from pep boys. I think a tire shop is my best bet at the moment. Thanks for the input.

 

Hmmm, would this work? It's called a Gator Grip. Of course, I'd use a breaker bar with it and not some puny hand ratchet.

 

If they came from pep boys, they are most likely just spline lugs or gorilla locks. Both are EXTREMELY common and every single tire shop will have the key. Only ones you need to worry about are rare locking lugs like Rays or Volk Formulas ect.

 

+1

Don't go hammering anything just yet

 

I believe they are McGuard locks..same brand as OEM just different design key.

 

Just go to a local Discount Tire and ask them to check. Chances are in your favor.

 

So I tried that Gator Grip....wouldn't even fit on my lugs. I called several places and I got quotes from $40 - 80. I went to my mechanic and he's charging 20 bucks but I can't have him do it since I'd have to drop the car off early in the morning and miss several hours of work. The place I'm getting my tires from is charging $40, guess that's what I gotta deal with. That's nearly a full tank of gas wasted for my own carelessness

 

You're not the first.

 

Hmmmm...maybe I'll give the dealer a shot. It was too late yesterday, I'll see if I can go to the local dealer here during lunch, maybe they'll be nice and charge me less than 40. We'll see. I was trying the hammer solution at first but didn't have the correct size socket.