help! can't get wheels off!!

[benben84]

I have aftermarket 17' wheels on my car and it didn;t come with the special socket needed to fit the lug nuts. Any suggestions as to how I should go about removing them? I have no idea how to figure how what size/kind of socket I need, but they are a tuner lug.

 

[evilmonkeyMSP]

post a pic of the lugs....we might be able to identify which type they are...

 

[I_Vtec]

You could always just go get some sockets and hammer them onto the nuts. I had to do this once when I got a flat and had accidentally left my adaptor at home.

 

[tehturbo]

There is socket available on the internet called the "gator" I believe. It's a well loved part by shop owners as it adapts to any of the locking lug nuts. Sry I have no link.

 

[benben84]

Ok so I took a close up picture, hope this helps. As you can see the wheels need to come off so I can grind off the rusted hubs and repaint. I also need to refinish the wheels because of rash.

 

[Blake]

go back to the place where you got the lugs, they should be able to sell you just the key if not get a socket a tid bit bigger than the wheel locks, and hammer it on

 

[benben84]

go back to the place where you got the lugs, they should be able to sell you just the key if not get a socket a tid bit bigger than the wheel locks, and hammer it on

That's the thing, I didn't buy them, the wheels and lug nuts were on the car when I bought the car. I've searched everywhere in the car for the socket and can't find it. I thought about going to auto zone or maybe a wheel shop and asking what they think. I'd rather not hammer anything since there isn't much space and I dont want to wreck the wheel.

 

[Blake]

that you could do. There really is no other way besides to hammer on a socket and get em off that way which A)Ruins lugs B)Is gonna cost you 20 sockets

 

[kudakev615]

call around to a couple of shops and explain your situation, im sure one can help. we deal with this all the time and have a lug nut removal tool that works well. plus is helps that you have room around the lugs to work with instead of a small hole that the lug sits in. the socket has twisted grooves that bite into the lug when hammered on and then you use an impact wrench to get them off. hope this helps.

 

[melicha8]

uhhhh please everyone stop.
a. you can go to your local tire dealership and if you come with replacement lugs they'll spin them off most likely for free but in the process destroy the lugs on there
b. your lugs are made by muteki. not a too pricey of an item if you wanna find the socket for it

 

[benben84]

uhhhh please everyone stop.
a. you can go to your local tire dealership and if you come with replacement lugs they'll spin them off most likely for free but in the process destroy the lugs on there
b. your lugs are made by muteki. not a too pricey of an item if you wanna find the socket for it

Thanks!! I will probably buy a new set of the same kind of lugs and just replace them once I get the socket. I have already located a new set, thanks again!

 

[benben84]

I acutally got the lugs off with a socket in my set, I dont know what size off hand but if fit snug and didnt slip.

 

[Karna]

congrats...makes you think how safe the tuner lugs really are dosn't it?

 

[big Lou]

go to any discount tire and ask for a spline tuner key or go to gorilla.com and order one!!