How can I remove my tire, without lug key?
Thread Starter
Pole Position
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 202
Likes: 3
From: wi
How can I remove my tire, without lug key?
My tire is broken. It has tire lock. However, the previous owner doesn't give me the lug key, so I can not remove and replace it. Could anybody let me know what should I do now without lug key? Thanks.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,091
Likes: 129
From: pa
I never had any luck using the special removal tool. The lug nut is hardened and the spiral ridges on the special tool will not bite into the lug. Get a cheap 19mm socket from Ace Hardware and drive it on the lug nut and you can remove it easily with a ratchet or breaker bar. Chances are pretty good that you won't even hurt the 19mm socket so you can use it again.
BTW, when I found out how easy it is to remove keyed lug nuts, I took them off my car. I didn't want my wife to get stuck somewhere because she couldn't find the lug nut key or the lug nut key breaks, which is why I had the problem to begin with. Why hassle with keyed lug nuts when they provide no to minimal security.
BTW, when I found out how easy it is to remove keyed lug nuts, I took them off my car. I didn't want my wife to get stuck somewhere because she couldn't find the lug nut key or the lug nut key breaks, which is why I had the problem to begin with. Why hassle with keyed lug nuts when they provide no to minimal security.
Most larger tire stores have a selection of keys for this very reason. Looks like a McGard 25257. As a last resort, send your photo to McGard and they can sell you a replacement key.
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Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 962
Likes: 28
From: Iowa
Sorry for your trouble! I used to leave my wheel lock key on the seat when I took my vehicle in to the dealer, but they told me they have a master key they use instead. Have the dealer remove it for you, and have them order you a new key or, if necessary, four new locking nuts and a key to match.
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Driver
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 191
Likes: 4
From: Hawaii
I don't know if I remember correctly but back in '02 when I got my RX I asked the salesman what would happen if I got a flat and lost the tire key. He told me that all the Lexus tire keys were the same. Haven't tested this out and may be Hawaii specific only. I did hear about tire keys going missing after dealer vehicle servicing so there may be merit to this.
CL Community Team
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 17,335
Likes: 212
From: Miami, Florida
I think some of you remember when I first moved down to Mexico and the Toyota dealer hadn't even opened yet (no Lexus either) and I realized I had no lugnut key. Ended up having to take propane torch to the lock to get it off after other attempts at getting it off failed.
