I've not been here for a while as my CX-5 is fairly trouble free. However, during routine maintenance, I went to Costco for a free tire rotation. It's free so they are one of the few places I let work on my car. This time however, they couldn't find the locking lug nut removal tool. Since the wheels have not been off since the last time they rotated the tires, I'm assuming the technician last time didn't put the lock key back where it belongs.

N\My question is, has anybody else have this happen and how did you remove the locking lug nuts. The dealer will sell me a new set, but that doesn't get the old ones off. I'm trying to find an extractor socket to hold on a nut about 3/4 of an inch wide. My car is nearly 10 years old but looks a year or two. I can get them off, I just would prefer to do it gently. Locks will NOT be going back on.

 

Had s similar problem with a friends Nissan sedan. Most dealers should have a full 'master key' set for wheel locks. I had the locking nuts taken off, pain in the ***. You may have to have a dealer or different tire dealer rotate the tires this time.
My 2¢

 

Discount tire offered to remove the locks for $10 each. If I was still working, I'd probably do that. Social security only spreads so far. If I'm going to spend that much money, I'll buy the tool myself. That way I'll have it next time. I have removal tools for boogered up lug nuts. Those are all too big for these little nut locks.

 

Theres so many different designs around but shop around at a few tyre shops. You may have to but a full set. I have got them off in the past (butchers method) by hammering a tight fitting socket over them but if the nuts are too tight it may not work.

 

After the dealer rotated them one time right as I was leaving town, and the ride "felt funny", I hand tighten them myself. I got 125 miles down the road and pulled over to check the nuts and the front wheels were about to fall off.

I'm working on a truck I recently got and I had to use a 3.4 drive breaker bar 4 feet long with a 4 foot cheater pipe on the end and standing on it and bouncing up and down to break two lug nuts loose. I make certain my lug nuts are properly torqued.

 

I make certain my lug nuts are properly torqued.Excellent. So many people have no idea. I torque every wheel nut I put on and have never had an incident either way. Tyre shops often use torque bars with their rattle guns but It's all dependant on correct air pressure. You can't go past a torque wrench. I believe Snapon sell a kit that fit's most lock nuts so shop around someone should be able to help.

 

After 60+ years of putting tires on and off, I go by the German Gudentite method. I've found several removal kits. Before I spend money on one, I want to make sure it will work.

 

Properly torque procedure as well the proper torque value on wheels is one of the most important safety procedure anyone can do. Yet so many do it incorrectly, even mechanics that know better.

As for the lock removal 10 bucks per lock removal is a good deal . That is pretty much the going rate from CA to Hawaii.

 

Checking my maintenance records, the lock tool disappeared after brake work. The same shop that quoted me $40 to remove the locks also is the one who lost the tool.

I found a tool at Autozone for $20 to remove the lock nut. It's a reverse thread socket you use an impact with to spin the lock off. It's 13/16 and fits just right.

 

I know those sockets. I bought a set and their great for removing old rusty rounded exhaust nuts/bolts. Hey that place should have the right tool (if they didn't throw it out) excuse the pun.