Wheel nuts

Post by **simon** » Tue Oct 25, 2005 6:55 pm

I have a small problem with my wheel nuts in that they're jammed on on the front wheels. Lotus supply a stupid star adaptor thing that snapped so I've still got a bit of that in one of the nuts. Now, I reckon I can drill out the snaped bit myself and I've ordered another 2 of the adaptors but I really don't think they'll be up to the job either.

Soooo, does anyone know where I can get a star bit that will fit? Ed reckoned it was a 13mm one and that it was impossible to get hold of and I'd need to get them drilled out but I'm not wanting to consider that yet! I've searched around and can find star bits but don't know the size name e.g.
http://www.machinemart.co.uk/product.asp?p=040221204

I reckon one of those might fit but not sure if any of them are the correct size. I went along to the tyre place in Carnoustie and the guy didn't seem keen, reckoned it was likely that he'd just damage the wheels (though he hasn't actually seen them yet).

Any suggestions? I also have to bear in mind that once I get the normal nuts off, the locking ones also have to come off :S

mac · Post by **mac** » Tue Oct 25, 2005 7:24 pm

Simon,

The guys at Jim Dickson's managed to remove mine. They used a large size allen key hammered in to the wheel nut and an air gun.

Cheers

Mac

gordon · Post by **gordon** » Tue Oct 25, 2005 8:44 pm

Yep, hammer something appropriate into the locking nut. I hammered a 17mm multihex onto my S1 nuts and they came off nae probs

Post by **simon** » Tue Oct 25, 2005 9:27 pm

Everyone assumes I'm on about the locking nut!
I have the tool for the locking nut and it might come off with an air gun, if not I can try hammering a socket onto it but it's the other 3 bolts on each wheel that are the problem.

Derek · Post by **Derek** » Tue Oct 25, 2005 10:13 pm

Si,

Might be worth a trip in to see these guys, since they are local to you - http://www.jp-coatech.com/coatech.htm

I know they are highly regarded in terms of wheel repairs, so they may have a solution in terms of wheel removal.

mac · Post by **mac** » Wed Oct 26, 2005 9:33 am

It's the splined nuts?

Bloody hell - I've never know a problem with those.

Perhaps a bit of perscussion would help - impact wrench or a like.

Bearing in mind that these are wheel bolts and not nuts you need to be very carefull that they don't snap in the hub.

For the fronts perhaps you can get the car on a jack and try and get some WD40 directed on the back of the hub.

Good luck.

Mac

Derek · Post by **Derek** » Wed Oct 26, 2005 10:52 am

Si - You're still underwarrenty are you not? Therein lies the solution, I think.

D

Post by **simon** » Wed Oct 26, 2005 6:35 pm

Unlikely as the wheels have been removed by other tyre fitters.

To make it clear, all 4 nuts on both front wheels are torqued on so much that when the guys from Wheels Around used a wrench and the adaptor tool supplied by Lotus, they couldn't shift them. The adaptor sheared off and left a bit in on of the nuts so that needs drilling out, I can probably do that myself but would rather not.

I'll maybe try giving Coatech a call and see what they say. If not, then I'll give Ronnie at Wheels Around a call as he said they should be able to get them off but it means a drive down to Auchterarder.

Post by **simon** » Thu Oct 27, 2005 7:08 pm

Well, emailed Lotus and got the following response:

"I am sorry to learn of your wheel bolt concern.

The standard 10 spline wheel bolt key is 70mm overall length, and of
10.9
grade. Please check that it is this tool which you were using.

The spline pattern is not unique, and you should be able to purchase a
10
spline tool (not Torx) at any good tool supplier, but you would need to
check the clearance in the wheel bore for both diameter and length,
which
are dependent on the particular wheel type on your car. Please measure
this
for yourself.

Overnight application of a penetrating fluid may help."

Now, I can't find a 10 spline tool anywhere online and I don't know where else to try. Any suggestions? I'm going to call Ronnie at Wheels Around tomorrow and ask him if he has the right bit for it.

Of course, Ed will be saying "I told you so" soon

Stephen · Post by **Stephen** » Thu Oct 27, 2005 7:28 pm

Si,
Give me a call in the morning to remind me to get you one if you need. My dad sells them and should be able to get them same day.
Alternatively get the best at snap on, link attached. Use an impact (air) gun as this will shock it loose a big bar puts too much torque into the bolt an is more likely to sheer it. Another thing is the one with the bit broken in it, try to pick it out as the broken bit will be harder than the bolt, it's likely to be as hard as the drill so drilling it will just waste the bolt.
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp ... ir=catalog

Post by **simon** » Thu Oct 27, 2005 9:08 pm

Pic here:

Post by **simon** » Thu Oct 27, 2005 9:11 pm

Looks like the company that make them are http://www.bimecc.it/
So if the Lotus adaptor snaps again, I'll get in touch with them.
Also, Mac, MMC said that Lotus don't do any other bolts for the S2 so I'll need to just find somewhere else that sells them.

Cheers

Si.

mac · Post by **mac** » Thu Oct 27, 2005 9:41 pm

I've used the OZ "normal" wheelnuts on the standard wheels but they are a bit on the tight side.

When I said about buying new bolts it was when I thought it was the locking one that had went pair shape.

Mac

Stephen · Post by **Stephen** » Thu Oct 27, 2005 10:04 pm

Si, just loked sorry but I thaught it was the 12 point spline. Bummer.
I still advise an air gun though.

DDtB · Post by **DDtB** » Thu Oct 27, 2005 10:07 pm

Si,

Does Lorraine know your posting pics of your nuts on the internet for all to see.....

mwahahahaha