[elisesile]

WHAT THE F*** DO I DO NOW???

Other side is already loose but not off and the tool broke in one of the wheel bolts OBVIOUSLY OVER TIGHTENED BY SOME JACKASS MECHANIC USING AN IMPACT WRENCH.

 

[RoadDad]

Simple: There are what 700 Elise/Exige in your area?

1. Drill a hole into the center of the stuck tool piece (not too deep to not damage the wheel).
2. Put in a screw slightly larger than the drilled hole.
3. Grab screw with vice grips.
4. Wiggle vice grips around to "unstick" stuck tool piece.
5. Borrow a tool from a local.
6. Buy a new one (tool), lose the local's tool into your bag or switch to BMW lugs.
7. Find out where the mechanic is and give him both pieces of the broken tool (in any manner and in any location which you feel appropriate -- gently into his hand, violently into his gullet, etc).
8. Never let another [email protected]$$ mechanic use an impact wrench to tighten anything on your car.

Good luck with getting this taken care of .

 

[elisesile]

Thanks.

I'm going to open a nice bottle of wine, watch F1 and cool down. Tomorrow will follow your advice.

If I knew who that mechanic is I would have a VERY special place for him to recieve the broken pieces.

 

[RoadDad]

Shooting some Kroil or PB Blaster around the bolt will help it break loose when you go to try taking it out again. Kroil supposedly works better but I've never had a problem with the PB Blaster working and it is easier for me to find.

 

[lotus69f2]

If that doesn't work you could try an extractor tool like this one Irwin Industrial Tools 52425 Hanson Spiral Flute Screw Extractors 4 Piece Set (Bulk)

 

[Addictedto]

Drill a hole in the center of the broken piece all the way through to the bottom but stop just as it gets to the lug. Then thread the hole with a tap. Put the appropriate bolt into the threaded hole and tighten. The bolt will push the broken piece out. When you get or borrow a new tool, put a large punch or metal rod in the center of the lugs and hit repeatedly with a large hammer. Then try to remove the lug, if it doesn't come free, repeat with the punch and hammer. The vibration will help to loosen the lug and eventually it will loosen.

 

[RoadDad]

beating the sh*t out of your lug with a metal rod certainly could work if you're planning on changing out to BMW lugs or buying new lotus bolts. otherwise, I'd try some PBB or Kroil :shrug:.

 

[elisesile]

Will do all of the above. Advice much appreciated.

Already checked out the BMW bolts online and will pick some up at the local dealer on Monday. No more messing about with these special Lotus tools. (After buying another one to get the g** d*** remaining bolts out.)

Anyone know how much the tool costs and if it is available anywhere other than a dealer?

 

[Dietsch Werks]

Might try a magnet, Probably not lock in too tight - Rob.

 

[lotus69f2]

You also might want to consider that the lugnut is crossthreaded rather than overtightened.

 

[elisesile]

You also might want to consider that the lugnut is crossthreaded rather than overtightened.

Great! My evening is just getting better and better! :crazyeyes

 

[Addictedto]

beating the sh*t out of your lug with a metal rod certainly could work if you're planning on changing out to BMW lugs or buying new lotus bolts. otherwise, I'd try some PBB or Kroil :shrug:.

NOT beating the **** out of the lugs. Just setting up vibration the same as an impact gun does. Thats why impact guns work to remove frozen bolts, get it, IMPACT gun. The lugs shouldn't be damaged if its done right.
Just trying to give good constructive help from someone who's been there.

 

[VisualEchos]

Is the tool that bad, or are the lugs the weak link?

 

[turbophil]

I broke a total of 4 (or was it 5) of those lug keys trying to remove my wheels the first time. Dealer cranked them on way too tight obviously. The keys are cheap and plentiful through Lotus garage (or they were anyway- not sure anymore).... Since then, I switched to lug studs rather than those chinsey bolts to eliminate the chance of something like that ever happening again...

So don't sweat it.

You'll be able to get out using the techniques suggested. The metal is soft so drilling and tapping it will be easy and then use a slide hammer to pop it out if it's really stuck in there...

Best,

Phil

 

[RacyTracy]

Metal experts: Is there a way to have the original lug nut tool hardened?

 

[Patricko]

BTW those tools are only about $10 from your Lotus dealer, buy an extra...

 

[Patricko]

Metal experts: Is there a way to have the original lug nut tool hardened?

I think they may be designed to fail to stop over torquing

 

[elisesile]

I was at least able to get the loosened bolts out this morning. Used a 3/8" extension with small nails stuck in around it. Probably won't work on the ones not already loosened, but at least I'm not completely stuck until I get a new key. Plan to pick up BMW studs Monday, no more silly Lotus tools.

Thanks for all the help!

 

[Patricko]

BTW Lotus did advise against the BMW bolts and I am not sure why.

I do remember hearing about one person running the BMW bolts and having a rear wheel fall off on the track and causing around $5K or more in damage...

 

[Rhythmaker]

I feel your pain, same thing happened to me too a few weeks ago. I did post it on here for help and someone did come through and let me borrow one to at least tighten back the ones that i already loosened.

I just drilled into the center of the stuck piece and it popped right out...

If your like me and impatient as hell, then you dont want to wait on getting one from Lotus so head out to an O'Reilly Auto Parts store, I found a replacement part there:

Dorman Tuner Wheel Locks - M12 1.25
Part number 711-425
$12.99

O'Reilly Auto Parts - Results for Shopping Search

I went ahead and bought 3...

sad part is. I bought an impact wrech and STILL cant get the 2 stubborn lugs loose. Pain in the ...:wallbang: