Bought a used Outback and it did not come with the tool to remove the locking lug nut. I bugged the salesman twice and got nothing (surprise). Did a search here and found nothing. I see several on Amazon but the pattern appears to be proprietary. Subaru wants $150 for a set with the locking socket, but there's no guarantee that it will fit the existing lugs. I could take a pair of channel locks to the locked lug, or pound a socket onto it. Just wondering if someone here has a source for the key.
Locking Lug Nut
- Thread starter JPlante4
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Drag. Maybe go over the salesman’s head and ask the head of sales how to resolve the issue. Stopping by the dealer might help if you have the time. Also maybe try to visually match the lock on Amazon or eBay. Hope you get it figured out.
After using locking nuts for years, finally gave it up for a bad idea. Changing a tire by the side of the road is enough a blister, without the locking lug issue. We live in a pretty safe area, and the cars are always garaged overnight.
Not sure how many thefts they actually save, though there are exceptions. My late step-dad was a big deal at GM powertrain. As a perk, a bunch of the execs were taken on a train excursion. When they got back, his Cutlass was sitting on blocks. Someone made him a cartoon of the event.
Dan
Not sure how many thefts they actually save, though there are exceptions. My late step-dad was a big deal at GM powertrain. As a perk, a bunch of the execs were taken on a train excursion. When they got back, his Cutlass was sitting on blocks. Someone made him a cartoon of the event.
Dan
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If they protrude enough take an angle grinder with a metal cutoff disk to them and make two parallel sides that you can fit a wrench on it. Replace with an ordinary lug nut. No way channel locks will move that.
Not a chance either of those will work. Not sure of the Subaru standard, but most call for about 100'lbs. You will have to either find a key, or take a grinder to split it. How recessed is the nut?
I'd be all over the dealer for a fix; they should have access to various key patterns (assuming a factory part).
Alternately, is it possible to determine who made the lock?
Someone here may be able to recognize it.
Dan
ETA-maybe drop it off at the dealer for service, and demand a tire rotation?
ETA2-having reread your post, where did you buy your car? A Subie dealer, or a used car lot? If the latter, you will likely have to solve the problem yourself.
D
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The thieves got all the best parts.
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Must depend on where you live, because in my 65 years never even heard of tires being stolen. Gas, yes. Stereos used to be hot tickets. Anything of value left in sight. But never tires.
The rub, stealing tires/wheels is incompatibility in size/bolt patterns. There are valuable things that are less specific, catalytic convertors for instance.
Dan
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Bought a used Outback that was a dealer loaner. Dealer had equipped it with factory wheel locks. looked high and low for the key. Finally found it in a black velvet drawstring bag in the glove box. It was hard to see because the color blended in with the glovebox interior. If the salesman was no help, and the wheel locks are original equipment, you might try another dealer if one is nearby. Failing that, Subaru of America might be able to help IF the wheel locks were installed as a factory option. Might be traceable through vin number, but only if the car was delivered to the original owner with the locks installed.
One last thing to try: I recently had my car inspected at the dealer. When I told the service advisor where to find my wheel locks, he told me they don't need mine, the dealership uses a master key for Subaru manufactured locks. If the locks are Subaru made, the service department should be able to remove them via master key. You would then have the option to replace with regular lug nuts or a new set of locks which have a key. Again, this will only work if the locks are Subaru items. Aftermarket installation with the Subaru locks should also allow removal. One plus: if the master key will work, it minimizes the potential for damage to wheels and wheel studs.
One last thing to try: I recently had my car inspected at the dealer. When I told the service advisor where to find my wheel locks, he told me they don't need mine, the dealership uses a master key for Subaru manufactured locks. If the locks are Subaru made, the service department should be able to remove them via master key. You would then have the option to replace with regular lug nuts or a new set of locks which have a key. Again, this will only work if the locks are Subaru items. Aftermarket installation with the Subaru locks should also allow removal. One plus: if the master key will work, it minimizes the potential for damage to wheels and wheel studs.
I'm sure more than 1 car has been dropped off for service/tire rotation, without the proper key. It makes sense the dealer should have a master.
Dan