So I lost the key to my wheel lock.
 

Apparently after installing coilovers and putting wheels back on, I derped way too hard and took the car for a test drive with the key still seated on the last lug I torqued down. :ughdance:

I gotta have something figured out before Friday, as I'm having new tires mounted then. What's the best path to a solution here?

Doh.

The tire shop should be able to get them off for you. But make sure they do it without damaging the wheels. If you want to DIY, I've seen it done with the proper sized 12 pt socket hammered onto the wheel lock and then use a breaker bar on the socket. We bought a socket at Harbor Freight, damaged it to take off the wheel locks and then returned it. We were able to do all four locked lugs with the same socket. Regular socket, not an impact socket.

Wheel/tire shops have that type of key lying around because they're common, not all shops but most, just cross your fingers its the same key as yours. In which case you're good, you just have to buy their key or new lug nuts and key.

If it doesn't work that way, well you're in a pickle, but you can get this tool: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lug-Nut-Remo...048540&vxp=mtr.

You just have to buy new lug nuts as the tool destroys them.

-RyanG

if dat was a mcgard lock u can order a key if you kept the number.

if that was some jdm lug lock set with key, just get another set.

Thanks for the input guys. I'll post back once I get to this later this afternoon and let you know where I get.

yah, if those are nice wheels and the lug bores are narrow dont force any sockets in there cause you could potentially scuff the bores when u try to loosen them with your wrench. or at least masking tape the socket real good..

All good points. We had to adjust the socket a couple of times on one of the lugs to keep it straight and avoid scratching the lug bore.

Yeah I'm still rockin the OE Sport Package Rays on my 2013. Would really prefer not to jack things up on them.

So you have OEM locks then? Can you just go to a dealer or find a local forum member? Dealer should have all the keys. Local Z owner may or may not have the same key - not sure how many different ones there are, but I bet its not many.

It's pretty easy to remove them all things considered. I would worry more about the tire shop not taking their time and nicking something somehow. If you DIY, you will be much more careful than they will. I wouldn't expect you to run into any problems.

Check every where, you could have just misplaced it and not know about it. Look in glove compartment, under seats, behind seats and any other place you might think of.
Look here http://www.the370z.com/wheels-tires/...cks-issue.html since another Z enthusiast was having a similar issue as yours. There is even a good video on how to remove them with no damage to the wheels.
I hope you find it or this trick works for you. Good luck.

He specifically said he knows where he lost it: on the test drive. Although he might consider retracing his route to see if by some miracle he can find it.

I thought that I heard that there were only like seven different versions for the OEM locking lugs. Maybe the dealer has a set like others have posted.

Good Luck getting the locks off and let us know how they were removed...

I may try the dealer out here in a few. The only guy local to me never had wheel locks on his Z. I'm sure the dealer might try a "we'll remove the old ones and sell you new ones for $100" or something along those lines.

See if you can distract them enough to leave the key on the lock like you did and then drive off with it. Be careful and pull over down the road so you can get it and put it in your glovebox :icon17:

Well played sir. Well played.

bring mounting tape! tape the key to your wheelz when you drive off :icon17: :ugh2:

There are times in life when we think "I could have done it" or "I think I did.." or even times like "I know I did this" and so on. Then the reality is opposite of what we though off.
We all make mistakes and this is not a big deal. The poor guy lost his wheel lock and he is sure that such lock was still attached to the wheel when he took the vehicle for a test drive.
I read the part where he thinks the lock was attached thus he lost it during the test drive but just in case (as we all have done it) double check everything, perhaps Murphy was not so successful this time and the wheel lock is waiting to be found. Meanwhile I suggested other venues to solve his issue.
Cheers!!

:icon18:

True enough :tiphat:

Dealer referred me to McGard.

I had the card for my locks in my glove box (where I usually keep the key) and I was able to go to McGard's website and overnight a new key after registering the set with the car, etc.

So, $38 later, I will have a new key overnighted and all my other stuff can stay on schedule.

Thanks, dudes!

And nobody suggested this ....

awesome! by tomorrow night this would be old newz..the past. :tup:

Don't feel bad. I did the exact same thing last year.
Couldn't find the card with the number on it. Went to the dealer and had them remove them. Bought a new set of locks off of eBay, then found the card after I installed the new ones. :shakes head:

Well I'm SOL: Have looked everywhere for a key, not sure when it disappeared...

Mine is a 2014 w Stock Rays Wheels, this look familiar to anyone?

I've sent an email to McGard...hopefully they can help..

http://www.the370z.com/attachment.ph...1&d=1649460148

Arent keys available on ebay or amazon?

If you contact a local dealer they may be able to help.

If not another option is to try a local tire shop and have them removed and buy a new set.

I removed them myself so that's also option for you if you have the right thin walled socket and a small Thor hammer.

Yes,

But a few issues:

1) The part number or photo is rarely the correct one
2) The dealerships evidently put the locks on, and used various versions over the years

So just buying one from amazon = dice roll.

So lesson learned: Be aware of where your lock is, make sure it stays there...

I'll be calling McGard tomorrow to hopefully resolve; dealer isn't an option since they're 2 hours away and I discovered one of my tires needs to be replaced asap (got 2 new tires on the way)....

BTW: For those ordering new tires, be prepared for some shock... Mine were about $50 higher per tire

Look in the owners manual/glove box for the barcode from McGard. That should be in there. You can use that to go to McGard's website to have them overnight you a new key.

Hopefully it's in there somewhere - that will make your life much easier.

I lost my key and ordered a whole new set from Nissan. Key matched. I was out $50 and have an extra set of locks.

I like the idea above better. Wish I would have thought of that!

Nice work!

I ended up calling McGard and emailed photos - they got me a new lock in the mail in about 3-4 days..