Buy BMW bolts or Blackwatch's studs. They are both better solutions.

 

Thanks, but I need to get this wheel off first. I need a replacement tool that is harder than the factory-supplied one. Is a tire store likely to have something that will fit that star pattern?

I will replace them with something better.

 

I need a replacement tool that is harder than the factory-supplied one. Is a tire store likely to have something that will fit

Not likely. The stock tool part no. is A117G0036F

 

I did a little 'Googling' and came up with nothing.

 

I did a little 'Googling' and came up with nothing.

TMI !

but seriously, how about the dealer ?

 

If the dealer is the only alternative, so be it. I was trying to avoid a 3-hour roundtrip, and also hoping to find an auto parts store alternative on Sunday.

Thanks for the help.

 

Not likely. The stock tool part no. is A117G0036F

So how the heck do I get these things loose, if it eats the replacement tool as well? It's only one wheel that a gorilla seems to have worked on, and it's 3 out of 4 lugs on that wheel.

 

So how the heck do I get these things loose, if it eats the replacement tool as well? It's only one wheel that a gorilla seems to have worked on, and it's 3 out of 4 lugs on that wheel.

You can try wrapping the tool with teflon tape for a tighter fit. Or you can try a using a few very small diameter hardened pins and hammering in the stripped tool to tighten it up. Or as a last resort you can also drill out the center of the bolt until you weaken it to where the head pops off because of the tension on it. Then you can back out the rest of the bolt since no tension is on it. Just make sure you don't drill larger than the thread root diameter. You can try a tire place. They are faced with a lot of situations like removing wheel locks etc. and might have some tricks. Most anything is going to destroy the wheel lug.

 

Thank you, Bruce!

 

edit: misinformation removed. It's noted here and in the thread I had linked to that the Lotus tool is a 10 point tool so there is no Torx equivalent.

 

Another alternative is to put back the other 3 bolts real tight as it will help relieve some pressure off the stuck one, then have at it. If the head is complete stripped you can also use an 'easy out', it is a reverse thread tool that fits into the head of the bolt and tightens itself as you turn it counter clockwise.

 

Thanks, but wow.........an impossible to find tool is the only alternative? I realize it was the gorilla's fault who over-torqued the wheel in the first place, but the factory tool was amazingly soft and easy to mangle with a torque wrench. The lug itself is unblemished and unbudging.

 

Isn't there another owner in the Annapolis area who can loan you theirs? :shrug:

 

I just purchased this used 05. I'm not aware of another owner around here, but in posting here I was hoping to find one.

 

I just purchased this used 05. I'm not aware of another owner around here, but in posting here I was hoping to find one.

Perhaps Randy should rename the thread. "Anyone in Annapolis area have a wheel lug tool?"

 

If you have more than 1 stuck, I'd get the torx equivalent. A real tool will be harder. Try NAPA. If not, tool people such as Matco, Snap On. etc. If your'e not in a hurry, I get things on ebay like that. Some last resort only suggestions: get some penetrating oil and let it soak. Heat the fastener with a propane torch. Skip the oil if you do that. Don't want a fire. Discard the fastener afterwards. I've had similar problems where socket head plugs stipeed. I epoxied in an allen wrench and tried the next day. It's a throw away but it worked. Get a torx before you mess up the bolts. And make sure it fits, take the bolt with you to the store.

 

No need to Google when you have EliseTalk . . .

According to this post the tool is a T-57, but good luck finding one . . .

http://www.elisetalk.com/forums/showpost.php?p=189144&postcount=5

Actually the tool is not a T-57 - in fact, it isn't even a Torx head at all. Torx are 6-point tools. The lug bolts and tool are 10 points. You might be able to force a 6 point tool into the log, but the only proper tool is to use the factory tool.

I and several others have searched, and apparently the only place to get a 10 point tool is Lotus. You could consider it a great security method since the average thief isn't going to have the proper tool to remove the lugs. Or you could change to the BMW lug bolts...

 

Definitely a torx won't work, all the points don't line up. I looked. If you use the torch, get one with a skinny flame, the Turner I have would be too large and would kill the wheel paint. A small accetelyne tip will work too. Are the sockets in the bolt getting chewed from doing this? Do you need the wheel off today or can it wait?

 

Actually the tool is not a T-57 - in fact, it isn't even a Torx head at all. Torx are 6-point tools. The lug bolts and tool are 10 points.

Exactly! I have a brand new never-used Torx set now, if anyone needs to confirm this.

I searched high and low and never found a source for 10-point tools in this size.

Don't lose that Lotus tool! When I use it, I try to make sure it's in deep and snug, just to minimize risk and wear.

 

Definitely a torx won't work, all the points don't line up. I looked. If you use the torch, get one with a skinny flame, the Turner I have would be too large and would kill the wheel paint. A small accetelyne tip will work too. Are the sockets in the bolt getting chewed from doing this? Do you need the wheel off today or can it wait?

Thanks all,

On the RR it's 3 out of 4 normal lug bolts that are on too tight. The only one I could free was the wheel lock lug. Oddly enough there were no issues with the other 3 wheels I fitted first and the Lotus tool worked fine.

The lugs are not chewed up, but the Lotus tool is mangled beyond repair--it's obviously softer and meant to be sacrificed. Those Bimecc lugs are definitely high quality stock.

I don't need it off immediately, but I'd like to find a solution. I have a feeling a new Lotus tool will get chewed up too. The torch sounds like it's worth a try with a new tool. It sounds as if there is no other alternative, since a T-57 (which doesn't seem to be right either) seems to be extinct.

 

Exactly! I have a brand new never-used Torx set now, if anyone needs to confirm this.

I searched high and low and never found a source for 10-point tools in this size.

Don't lose that Lotus tool! When I use it, I try to make sure it's in deep and snug, just to minimize risk and wear.

Hmmm........you say the Torx doesn't work and I shouldn't use the Lotus tool, what's the alternative?

EDIT: Sorry I misread your point in my haste......... "lose" not "use". Thanks.

 

Indeed it does have 10 points. That thread should be deleted.

 

Indeed it does have 10 points. That thread should be deleted.

if you read the thread, and not just the one post you'll see its basically a repeat of this one, what is it, a torx, not it isn't, can't find the lotus tool, change the lugs.

 

Indeed it does have 10 points. That thread should be deleted.

Actually, if you go to that thread - http://www.elisetalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12073 - not just the single post, it was addressed that it wasn't a Torx bolt, and in fact was a special tool...

 

Hmmm........you say the Torx doesn't work and I shouldn't use the Lotus tool, what's the alternative?

Said don't LOSE the Lotus tool.

By the way, I've welded stange things to fasteners to get them out. I relize you can't get a bead all the way around the bolt. Just a caution: any welder with high frequency during operation MAY kill a ecu or abs computer or whatever. I knew of one persom who did this on a Vette and loss the abs module. Anyone ever tig weld on the car?
Maybe without a hi freq start. A stick welder is ok.
Suggest you get some oil in there and let it soak, any mechanical device to let it not run out will help. You could stick some aluminum foil to the wheel with rtv and make a tall dam wall to retain all the oil.

If you get by a Discount tire, show them the 10 pt tool and see if they have something of their own that's better. It's a long shot but maybe Lotus isn't excluive with that design.