Can't Remove Wheel, Special Lugs?? (Full Version)

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Can't Remove Wheel, Special Lugs??

  

Quick232 -> Can't Remove Wheel, Special Lugs?? (4/24/2008 1:25:54 PM)

I have an '02 I bought used and it had aftermarket rims on it. Well I blew out a tire and I can't do anything about it because I can't get the wheel of. The lugs are not hexagonal. They are pretty much round with seven small round grooves around the lug. Does anyone know what type of lugs these are, or better yet where I can get a key to get them off? I am going to run to Discount Auto Parts right now to see if they can help but I figured I'd go ahead and post. Thanks.

*I attached 2 img's. First is the best close up I could get of one of the lugs, the second is the whole wheel with the tire I blew. Sidewall blew out on left in pic, rim is slightly bent upper right in pic. Hope that wheels ok to use still. (I went off the edge of the asphault and hit a perpendicular sidewalk. Ugh.

  
tncruiser -> RE: Can't Remove Wheel, Special Lugs?? (4/24/2008 2:44:49 PM)

if you cant find a key try beating a socket on
you will screw up the nut but you cant drive the car to a tire shop so yur kinda sol

Quick232 -> RE: Can't Remove Wheel, Special Lugs?? (4/24/2008 3:39:51 PM)

I somewhat tried getting different sockets to bite, unsuccessfully.

Parts store recommended going to Sears and getting a Gator Grip socket, which I didnt realize existed. Thought it was gonna solve my problem until I tried it. The pins gotted messed up and is was starting to mess up the lugs too. Ugh. Their other suggestion was these things for removing damaged nuts, but it would destroy the lugs. At this point I think I will try to return my busted Gator Grip and get the other thing and a new set of lugs so at least I'll have a key.

Jazzer The Cat -> RE: Can't Remove Wheel, Special Lugs?? (4/24/2008 5:58:13 PM)

They look to be Gorilla lugs and need a special key. I have been using them for over 20 years and are wonderful, IF you have the key. Look on the website to see if they look the like ***THIS***.

If so, is it possible to contact the previous owner? This person may have receipt for lugs so you can purchase a new keyed socket. The company will not just send you a key for two reasons. First, you may be lying to them and just want to rip off someones wheels (what they may think) Second, there are like 9 different patterns and wont know what ones you have (there are NO identifying numbers or anything on the lugs). Call them and maybe send some info to prove it is YOUR car, and maybe they can help.

           Good luck [sm=signs003.gif]

                                               Jazzer

.boB -> RE: Can't Remove Wheel, Special Lugs?? (4/24/2008 6:09:06 PM)

Have the car towed to a tire shop.  They have a special tool that will rip those off in a heart beat.  I'd suggest calling them first, to make sure they actually have one. 

Quick232 -> RE: Can't Remove Wheel, Special Lugs?? (4/24/2008 6:38:17 PM)

Well the damaged-nut-removers didnt fit bc they arent deep enough. Got a hand from my neighbor and tncruiser, i have to say, your method worked the best so far. We hammered a 17mm socket on there and after about half an hour got one nut off. I cant believe how hard the things are tightened.

Jazzer, my nuts (lol. ..ok grow up quick) look similar to Gorillas but they arent the same as any shown on that site. I got the car at a tiny used car place and actually ran into the original owner once but didnt get his info. I dont think the dealership would/could get me in contact with the seller. Idk I may be wrong.

.boB, I think thats what I'll be doing. My neighbor is getting one of those power ratchet things, I dont know what they're called. Im not sure how they work so Idk what he's planning on doin. His folks have one so he is gonna get that and we're gonna give it another try Saturday. But if that doesnt get it down Ill have to call up AAA.

I hate that tho, knowing how rediculously hard it is to change my wheels. I want to see if I can get all 20 nuts off and get a new set and key.

Thanks guys. Ill post when I get something done.

Jazzer The Cat -> RE: Can't Remove Wheel, Special Lugs?? (4/24/2008 8:02:43 PM)

Good luck [:)]

Sounds like when you are done, you will need a new set of lugs. I recommend getting the Gorillas and getting a set of 24 (set for a truck but 1/2"x20 thread size) That way, you will have an extra 4 in case you lose or damage some in future. I also recommend getting an extra wrench as well.

                                   Jazzer

  

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