This guide is more specifically for the standard locking bolts used on Cinquecentos and Seicentos. This method may work for other types of locking bolts but you may need to use a bigger/smaller socket depending on the design of the locking bolt.
Tools needed -
Tools needed -
- 1x strong 18mm 12 sided socket
- 1x socket wrench/breaker bar
- 1x hammer
Removing the bolt
Step 1 - Locate the locking bolt on the wheel you wish to remove.
Usualy its a slightly different colour and almost certinatly a different shape. In most cases, the locking nut will have a little alloy casing on it to make it look like a normal bolt. This can be a little fiddly to remove but is easy enough using a screw driver to pop it off.
Step 2 - Rummage around in your tool box for/go out and buy an 18mm 12 sided socket.
Usualy wont cost much more than a few quid. Make sure its a thick walled socket. Using weaker sockets may split them when hammering them onto the bolt.
Step 3 - Place the 18mm socket onto the end of the locking bolt.
It wont push all the way on (that would be too easy...) but should sit on the end so that you dont have to hold it on for the next step.
Step 4 - Hammer the socket on.
Get a big fat hammer and whack the socket onto the bolt. It doesn't require much effort as the socket is only a minute bit smaller than the locking bolt.
Step 5 - Unbolt the locking bolt
Using a socket wrench or a breaker bar, simply unbolt the locking bolt! Fingers crossed you wont round the locking nut. If you do, repeat steps 1-5 using a 17mm socket instead.
Removing the bolt from the socket
Step 6 - Removing the bolt from the socket.
One you have unbolted the locking bolt from the wheel, you will be greeted with a sight such as this :
Woop, the bolt is out but, doh, the bolt is stuck in the socket
... Well, actually, it's not. Step 7 - "Finger Tighten" the bolt back into the wheel using the breaker bar/socket wrench.
Only "finger tight" becuase once you have freed the socket, you will need to be able to unto it with your fingers. Screw it all the way in and straighten your breaker bar at the pivot. If using a socket wrench, you will just have to make do the best you can. It might be a good idea to use an extention bar and use that instead.
With the bar straight, agressivly rock the bar backwards and forwards so that the socket rocks on the bolt head. After a few movements you will notice that the play in the movement gradually increases until you can easily pull the socket off of the bolt.
Step 8 - Undo the loosely tightened bolt from the wheel.
You should now have one unbolted locking bolt and one reusable 18mm socket
Also you might have hairy hands like me... But that isn't important.
