Wheels Lock - no key
 

91 C2 Targa - this is fairly recent purchase so this is the first time it has come up, the wheels are locked on and I can't locate the key. Lost somewhere between the PPI and the new tires (the result of the PPI). Will/can the dealer (or pelican) sell a replacemnent key? Has anyone drilled these things out?

Thanks in Advance

I had a Ford Mustang with the locking lug nuts. I also had no key, I went to the dealer and there were only so many different variations. I just had to try them all until I found one that worked. I then ordered a new key and prayed I didn't get a flat until it came in.

I would think the dealer shoudl be able to help you.

Bill

I don't understand the wheel locks. If your leave your car out for someone to steal the wheels, won't they just steal the car? When I get the chance, I'm going to remove the wheel lcoks on the Boxster. I'll just put them in a plastic baggie in the trunk for future use, if any.

If they are the style that does not have a cap spins, that needs to removed first....meaning that it just takes a special socket...find a donor set of CHEAP sockets....smack one on that fits tight....give it a few more smacks and then use a breaker bar......

I lost wheels on my car before (Acura Integra) so I can understand the wheel lock thing. I also have lost almost all of the wheel locks on my car, so now I make it a habit to get 2 keys, one in the car, one in my tool box.

This eliminates what you are going through.

Drive to Porsche, ask for a master set, they will try all 30 combinations to find the right one, order it, pay $25 bucks. Buy 2.

Try to hammer an impact socket on there - these are pretty tuff. Remember, a lot of these studs will simply break off with a smack of a good hammer, but that's for the car thieves. That good smack can also do amazing things to your wheels.

I took my 86 Carrera in for the 60K service a few weeks ago and got a phone call later asking where the key was for the locking wheel nuts (remove rear wheels to do valve adjustments). Problem was addressed quite simply, they just picked the locks doing no damage in about 30 minutes. Assume you should be able to find someone locally to do the same.

Ed
Chicago

On my '86, they just came off with a good tug. I think they must have been worn out.

There is a way to pick that lock easily, my mechanic always used to do it when i forgot to leeave him the key

I would recommend going to a qualified local locksmith, he can pick the lock off and then fit a key to it. By removing one, he can then fit the existing key and your problem is solved for the entire set. If for some reason he doesn't stock the keyblanks to fit it, send the undamaged removed cylinder to me and we can fit a key to it. Good luck Phil

Are we talking locking lug nuts or something else? In the case of lug nuts in a pinch you can weld another nut onto the locking lug. Use an open regular nut and weld inside the hole. Like I said this is and "in a pinch" solution and not recommended unless you're absolutely stuck.

Zeke, don't do anything rash. They may not want to steal all your wheels, usually just one after they have kerbed one. It's very easy to steal one wheel very quickly without a jack. Ask me how I know......
I have also seen it done to avoid buying new rubber, just steal one off of each parked Boxster they see until they have a full new set.

they are easily removed (without welding!) with centre punch to break up the centre portion - aim said punch in the joint between inner and outer - i did mine.

you will have to buy new ones though!

Well... actually one of the 914 guys just lost a set of 4 lug Fuchs from outside a repair shop. Put some serious dents in the vehicle too, as neatness didn't count. So, the answer is no. I guess it's the mind set difference between grand theft auto, and petty larceny. The wheels once stolen, become far more anonymous than an entire car.

are they pcar locks? my locks come with a registration card, and all i have to do is hand over some preprinted id card to the dealer and they will sell me a new key. if not, i have taken lugs off with cheapo china sockets hammered on. not pretty, but effective.

I think your locks are they key type with a real lock cylinder rather than the mcguard-type.

This means that all of the comments about picking the lock and such apply, but the comments about smashing a socket onto the nut do not.

I have a '92 968 which really ought to have the same wheel locks as yours. My owner's manual specifically says that the dealer cannot get you another key.

Thus: try to pick them first, and maybe dickster's punch approach next.

lugs with a key? forget my approach!

IMO, ALL wheel locks are not worth the hassle. The old-style ones with the actual key/tumbler setup are worthless, and can be "bypassed" in a matter of seconds with a screwdriver or pliers. The new ones do make it harder for thieves to take, but they also (can) make it harder for you remove the wheels yourself! Over time, the lock "lobes" will round, making them extremely prone to stripping. Or even if they don't round, they can't take the torque that factory alloy lugs can. If seized, or put on with "gorilla" torque, they WILL shear (ask me how I know). Do a search here for "wheel locks + dremel" or "wheel locks + hole saw" and you will see what I mean.

What if I don't want to worry about my $1700 wheels + tires when I'm downtown (or wherever)? Porsche wheels don't fit many cars, but you wouldn't believe how dumb thieves are....

I agree that wheel locks suck, but having wheels stolen really sucks. It probably comes down to where you park the car.

If your lock nuts are like mine you are screwed. You will need to drill them off. See my thread. I had the same problem


lock nuts