Wheel Lock Master Key
#16
The wheel locks on my old Highlander got stripped when the local Firestone dealer was rotating the tires. He replaced them at no charge but said in his experience they all ultimately get stripped and he really doesn't recommend them.
Rather than get stuck in the middle of nowhere trying to change a tire, I went back to the old non-locking ones.
Rather than get stuck in the middle of nowhere trying to change a tire, I went back to the old non-locking ones.
#18
Racer
I just love we all have choices with options and accessories like this.
#19
Lexus Champion
I had a lock break on me after having tire service at the dealer (overtightened). Good thing I was trying to switch to a winter set of tires/wheels and not fix a flat. I had to drive for a few days with 1 summer tire and 3 winter tires while I sorted out this problem. Took some dremeling and modifications to the lock adapter to get that nasty thing out.
I know now, there is a certain size socket that can be hammered-on the lock to remove it, broken or otherwise. It offers minor protection against thieves.
Wheel locks are not a problem when you have an impact wrench, it is the OEM tire iron that only puts the force on one side that will either break it or strip it.
Personally, after that experience, if I had an option of not having it on my vehicle, I would not. My aftermarket wheel sets for both vehicles do not have it.
P.S.
If you put a little grease inside of lug nuts so they do not become seized over time, it will minimize the chance of a break. And no, they will not go loose. Learned that trick from one of mechanics.
I know now, there is a certain size socket that can be hammered-on the lock to remove it, broken or otherwise. It offers minor protection against thieves.
Wheel locks are not a problem when you have an impact wrench, it is the OEM tire iron that only puts the force on one side that will either break it or strip it.
Personally, after that experience, if I had an option of not having it on my vehicle, I would not. My aftermarket wheel sets for both vehicles do not have it.
P.S.
If you put a little grease inside of lug nuts so they do not become seized over time, it will minimize the chance of a break. And no, they will not go loose. Learned that trick from one of mechanics.
#20
I'm confused here. Is everyone thinking that there is one master key that fits all these different wheel locks? Because, that's not the case. The dealer just has a set of keys with all the different patterns. There are about 12 different ones I believe. BTW, I work at a Lexus dealership.
#21
Racer
I'm confused here. Is everyone thinking that there is one master key that fits all these different wheel locks? Because, that's not the case. The dealer just has a set of keys with all the different patterns. There are about 12 different ones I believe. BTW, I work at a Lexus dealership.
#22
Driver
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: VA
Posts: 182
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My understanding is that there is a master key device where when the this device is put on a wheel lock, it automatically adjust to the unique wheel lock pattern until you feel the grip which then allows you to apply torque to turn the lock.
#23
Pole Position
I know there isn't just one key for all but like mentioned above I was informed that the locks purchased from Lexus or if it came with the car they all have the same key.
#24
I just talked to one of our mechanics. Apparently there is a "gator socket" of some sort that will conform to the lock pattern to take the key off. And he also stated that it only works about 2 times before it breaks. I can only speak to what we do at our dealership. We have a set of keys with all the patterns. And the mechanics use hardened keys for torque gun use. So they are different than what comes with the car, but only strenth wise. The cars come new with random patterns of which there are 10 different patterns (not 12 like I previously posted).
#26
Driver School Candidate
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: NJ
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Master wheel lock
Hi... its a set of 10 different wheel lock keys. Toyota and Lexus have 10 different wheel locks keys ..
Whenever my dealer rotate my tires, they never use the wheel lock key stored in my trunk because they said they have a master key that can open all wheel locks. Since each set of wheel locks has a unique design, does anyone know how the master key works? Just curious.
#28
Don't even go to Lexus. All the wheel locks are made by McGard. You can easily order a spare key from them. It's part of my ritual every time I buy a new car to register the key info (it's in a bag with the owners manual), and at the same time I send a check for a spare key which I keep in my garage just in case... Something like $15-$20 with shipping. ...or just call their customer service with your key registration info here
My previous vehicle, a 2012 Cadillac SRX, came with dealer installed wheel locks as well. I did receive the original packaging for the locks, with the OEM lugs inserted in place of the locks. I don't recall seeing any info on ordering replacement key(s), and the locks actually were labeled as GM and not MacGuard. I remember once being at the dealer and not telling them where my key was. They were ready to "break off the locks..." (paraphrasing) when I remembered and pointed out the location of the key.
#29
Driver School Candidate
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: Texas
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
There is no single master key, we don't have some magical shape shifting socket, we have what's called a "wheel lock key master set" you can get them at the parts counter and it has every stock wheel lock key that lexus, Toyota, and scion use, it's a set of it costs $300 for me and that's with my discount, it comes as a set of 20 but we only ever use ten of them because the other ten are really really really old
#30
Driver School Candidate
Join Date: May 2016
Location: South Carolina
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2001 LS430 lug nut key
Don't even go to Lexus. All the wheel locks are made by McGard. You can easily order a spare key from them. It's part of my ritual every time I buy a new car to register the key info (it's in a bag with the owners manual), and at the same time I send a check for a spare key which I keep in my garage just in case... Something like $15-$20 with shipping. ...or just call their customer service with your key registration info here
Thanks BertL!