Alloy Wheel Bolt Keys

[tiberian]

ok guys i am sure this may have been covered many times, i have just bought a 2002 c5 diesel est, this evening i was checking the spare wheel and jack ect and noticed there wasnt a key for the wheel locks, what is the best way other than the correct key to get them off and is there anyone in leicester area who could assist if required?thank you.

[coastline taxis]

If they are the correct wheels for the car then the dealer will supply  a replacement key if not then sometimes we hammer a socket on anf they come of sometimes have to heat them and sometimes have to burn the stud off so its basicly down to luck.  sorry

[tiberian]

i have been thinking about this, before i do any hammering do you think it would be possible to make a key i had a xantia years ago that was scrapped and i still have one of the keys to it, could i blue tack the bolt and redrill the pins in the key?

[Johndouglas]

 could i blue tack the bolt and redrill the pins in the key?

That's ingenious - but very time consuming - and at the end of it, it may not work.  But if you do it and it works, come back and tell us about it.    As Steve suggests, Citroen will provide another key but be prepared for high cost.   Cheapest solution would be just to get four standard bolts.   Many tyre depots have got a tool to remove the lock bolts.

[tiberian]

hi just got your reply i got them out all i had to do was remove 2 of the pins that didnt line up, i used a piece of card to fit over the bolts and marked the holes first then put the key in a vice and hit them with a cold chisle until they snapped, you will have to clean out the hole on the key i used a counter sink bit , the pins are hardened and snap of quite easily this left 2 pins almost exactly in line, i decided on impact driver and socket to remove no problems :D  i hope this helps some other member in times of woe :D  :D

[qman3428]

I replaced mine with a set from a well known auction site, they have slots instead of holes and are much better than the OEM type.

[tiberian]

i have sinse copper greased them and put them back for the time being the modded key seems to work fine it at least buys me some time, this got me wondering  would this work with just 1 pin if it does would there be a market for it universal key lol

[Johndouglas]

 would this work with just 1 pin if it does would there be a market for it universal key lol

But won't that defeat the object of having locked on alloys.   The toe rags would just need to carry a universal key

[tiberian]

i was only joking but it makes you think if i can solve a simple problem in such a short space of time maybe its time to think of a better locking solution, anyway at least you guys have another alternative to an old problem

[DaveHerns]

I wouldn't rely on your modified key .One day you'll have a puncture and the key will slip on the bolt .Get some new bolts now , they're quite cheap on Ebay .Get the right type . there are flat seat and taper seat types

[tiberian]

this was never to be used and relied on just seemed a better option to things like drilling out the stud ect ect