Heads up on Z Roadster wheel locks

Hi-Step'n370Z

Just got back from the Nissan dealer. I wanted to buy a set of wheel locks for my Roadster wheels, you know, the ones that many of you apparently hate.

Well, a heads up to those who do have and like the Roadster wheel. Nissan does not make wheel locks for them, you have to buy after market locks.

The only real problem I have with that, other than getting an exact fit and look, is because of something that happened to me once. I brought my car in for an oil change, and asked them to do a tire rotation. I did ask to have the tech tighten the locks with a torque wrench, or at least by hand. The tech instead just hammered them with an air gun and shattered the key to pieces - AFTER the lock was tightened back on. Lucky for me that they were factory locks, and the parts dept. had an index of keys, so they could remove the locks, put the regular lugs back on, and ordered me a new key.

With the after markets, you don't have this luxury, so either you remove them at home, and install/torque them yourself after returning home, or order a second key just in case it gets broken. And KEEP the key number in case you have to order a new key for whatever reason. If an emergency happens, like a flat repair, I suggest you remove the lock yourself, and then replace it later. Don't trust any "tech" to handle them properly, especially with the after market locks.

SoCal 370Z

Actually, the Nissan lugs are just re-box of a manufacturer other than Nissan. There are special lug/lock removers that can take off busted locking lugs; locking lugs are simply a deterrent...nothing more.

If you did not get a set of locking lugs that match the standard lug that came with your roadster I would not install it. It must have the same profile (and other features, such as a washer) as the one that one that came with your factory Nissan wheels.

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Hi-Step'n370Z

SoCal370Z

Quote "Actually, the Nissan lugs are just re-box of a manufacturer other than Nissan."

That I kind of figured, but knew they were matched right for the wheel.


Quote "There are special lug/lock removers that can take off busted locking lugs"

That I did NOT know! Is that something most dealers/auto mechanics would have at hand?

Quote "If you did not get a set of locking lugs that match the standard lug that came with your roadster I would not install it. It must have the same profile (and other features, such as a washer) as the one that one that came with your factory Nissan wheels."

I did not get locks with the car, and the Nissan parts said they are not available for the Roadster wheels, only for the coupe wheels.

I can't help but wonder over the fact that I can not buy proper locks for my wheels! How can a manufacturer sell wheels that the owner can't buy proper locks for? Those wheels are expensive, and the tires are not cheap either.

Learn something new every day! Thanks SoCal370Z
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