Technical Security Wheel Bolts

[hmm]

My 2000 Multipla failed her MOT on two counts - cracked front number plate and front nearside tyre fitted wrong way round - by 'professionals' when I had new tyres last year. Both easily remedied, and MOT was regained within an hour or two. However....

Tyre fitters agreed to correct their mistake and reverse the tyre for free, but in the process the splines on my security wheel nut tools (yeah, both of them) got stripped and distorted (the wheel bolts did too). They managed to get the offending front nearside wheel off, but only after hammering on a 17mm socket and using the mother of all wrenches . I managed to get the security bolts off the rear wheels with the removal tool, but neither I nor the tyre men could undo the front offside one.

They suggested I try bashing on an 8-sided 17mm socket.

Anyone any other ideas? Even if I don't get a puncture, the wheel will have to come off soon as I think I need new bearings, suspension bushings etc.

Help!

 

[dave]

did you notice if they did your wheels up with a torque wrench or impact gun?

 

[hmm]

Dave,

The tyres were fitted last year, I can't remember how they were done up. This time though the bloke SAID he'd tried to use the torque wrench as he always uses one, not a gun, to fit and remove security bolts.

Is he right?

 

[dave]

should always use a torque wrench to tighten all wheel bolts, if he used a gun last time then that will be why they wouldn't come off.

they should also have a special removal tool that is like a cup with a left hand thread is made to remove the locking bolts with out the key

 

[Phil_]

One idea is to take it to a garage and get them to drill the bolt out if all else fails. It'll mean you having to buy a new locking nut but they're not too much money.

 

[hmm]

should always use a torque wrench to tighten all wheel bolts, if he used a gun last time then that will be why they wouldn't come off.

they should also have a special removal tool that is like a cup with a left hand thread is made to remove the locking bolts with out the key

Dave - they didn't suggest using such a special remover so I assume they don't have one. Maybe I'll take it to a different tyre place - do you think KwikFit will have one?

Phil- might have to drill out if all else fails. Also there's a possibility we might be selling our Multipla in the near future (but we're based just outside London).

 

[dave]

you could buy a remover your self for about £10 from a motor factors

 

[hmm]

Thanks Dave - having the Multi serviced tomorrow (local mobile guy with good reputation) so will see if he can help.

 

[hmm]

My mechanic managed to get the stripped bolt out, using the tool dave described.

 

[dave]

all the wheel nickers have them tools as well, so its not realy worth paying out for locking bolts