[85percent]

I have a 2005 Lotus Elise, and for the past two years I've been able to take my wheels off with a key I used to have. It was in a little blue bag which recently dissapeared from my car. I figured ok no big deal I'll call Lotus of Newport to see if they can order me one since I desperately need to get my wheels off for new tires. Newport Lotus said there are around 30 different kinds of Lotus lug nut keys available. So he looked up my VIN and said my particular car never should have had lug nut locks.

I bought my car with them on, so I have no clue what to do now since I don't even know where to look for the right key. Please look at the picture I drew of what the key should look like. Does anyone know what it is, or where I can buy one?

 

[Seb]

You can't buy another key.

There are locking nut removal tools out there. Most tire places carry them.

 

[Dragon]

Chisel and a hammer will get them to turn enough you can use your fingers... However if you slip etc you'll have a nice ding in your wheel and it will destroy the bolts... Is it all of them, or just one per wheel?

 

[Mr. Know]

Sure you are not just referring to the standard "Wheel Bolt Adaptor"? (#7 below)

 

[Seb]

If they are indeed locks as specified, you shouldn't try and get them off with a chisel. One slip and there goes your wheels.

 

[knucklehead]

If you go to a autostore and buy the cheapest socket set one will probably be just smaller than the your lug. Even better a pot metal X type four sided lug wrench . Place the socket over the lug and hit a few times hard with a mallet just far enough for the socket to stick. Carefully use a breakerbar to loosen the lug. Voila.

 

[Dragon]

If they are indeed locks as specified, you shouldn't try and get them off with a chisel. One slip and there goes your wheels.

Meh, I've done it quite a few times and only dinged up one wheel.. :shrug: but yes the chisel and hammer should be done as a last resort...

This type of socket may get it off as well: Gator Grip

 

[craracer]

If I'm not mistaken, the outer perimeter of the lug is rounded. So, unfortunately that wouldn't work with this application.

 

[Seb]

You underestimate JB weld.

 

[craracer]

rotfl
I've seen many a race bike held together with the stuff.

 

[Sh4rkattk]

Do all 4 lugs on one wheel use the same key? Or do you use that key on just one lug each wheel. If all 4 lugs are the same, its the standard key that every lotus uses and can be bought.

 

[Amarao]

Damaged Bolt/Nut Remover Set

 

[Dragon]

Just to clarify does it look like the one on the left??? If so then it's the stock lug bolt and a tool from any Elise or Exige will fit...

http://www.sandsmuseum.com/cars/elise/experience/modifications/lugnuts/lugnuts2.jpg

 

[Baysailor]

Can you take and post a picture of your wheel/bolts?

 

[40mmBrakes]

If all else fails, you can also place something (large nut?) up against it and tack weld it to the wheel nut. Then use a regular socket on the welded-on part. Protect the wheel by placing a cookie sheet with a hole the size of the nut over it while welding.

 

[SirLotus]

Check these out.
All Drive
Michael

 

[85percent]

Sure you are not just referring to the standard "Wheel Bolt Adaptor"? (#7 below)

yea its not the standard locking bolt. I wish it were. lucky me. :wallbang:




this lock is just one bolt per wheel, the other three on each wheel are normal.

 

[85percent]

Damaged Bolt/Nut Remover Set

yea its something that would need to go on the inside, I believe this kit is for stripped bolts that should have grip on the outside.

 

[85percent]

Check these out.
All Drive
Michael

this however, actually may work. but the problem is, the locking bolt that I have has a stupid point coming out of the middle of it. see the picture I drew, how the correct bolt key would have a hole in the middle of it to accomodate the point on the locking bolt?



but nobody has ever seen a locking bolt like the one I have? nobody can recognize it?

thanks for all the help!

 

[Mr. Know]

yea its not the standard locking bolt. I wish it were. lucky me. :wallbang:
this lock is just one bolt per wheel, the other three on each wheel are normal.

Ok, then its not a Lotus part...the Lotus wheel locks are like #8 in my diagram above.

Time to get medieval on it, lots of suggestions how to go about that above...

Make sure to buy 4 normal replacements before you attempt!