Broken Wheel Bolt Adapter

[ddurham]

Just snapped the tool that comes with the car to remove the wheel bolts. Think it's called a "wheel bolt adapter." It's the standard one, not a specific lock pattern. 10 splines. Is this some kind of standard thing that I can buy at Sears, or is a Lotus only piece? Please let me now as I have a track day at Infineon on Friday.

[tesprit]

Originally Posted by ddurham

Just snapped the tool that comes with the car to remove the wheel bolts. Think it's called a "wheel bolt adapter." It's the standard one, not a specific lock pattern. 10 splines. Is this some kind of standard thing that I can buy at Sears, or is a Lotus only piece? Please let me now as I have a track day at Infineon on Friday.

It is a Lotus only piece. The good news is they are only about $10-15 from your local dealer.

[shinoo]

This has happened quite a bit with the locking key as well. The only reason to stick with these is if security is an issue for you. Otherwise we have a great wheel stud option for you to consider...BULLETstud
Makes wheel changes much easier.

[ddurham]

Got a new tool from Lotus but I still can't get one of the wheel bolts off. Tried an impact wrench. No go. If I use the breaker bar I'll just break the tool again. Any ideas (other then welding a nut onto the factory wheel bolt)?

[Frank Amoroso]

Originally Posted by ddurham

Got a new tool from Lotus but I still can't get one of the wheel bolts off. Tried an impact wrench. No go. If I use the breaker bar I'll just break the tool again. Any ideas (other then welding a nut onto the factory wheel bolt)?

Ugh, that's rough. I'd try some penetrating lubricant (from the front and the rear... Oy! Such double entendre opportunities!), then I'd get on the brakes hard enough to put a fair amount of heat into the hub / lugs. I bet she breaks free. Shoot, the heat alone may get you there. Good luck.