Acura locking lug nuts

[andrew_j]

The key to locking lug nuts on daughters 2013 Acura ILX got misplaced sometime after dropping it off a few months back to fix a leaky tire.

According to Acura parts without serial number from original package can’t obtain replacement from McGarth who made the . The Acura parts said I have to schedule appointment for service to remove with master lug key.

Is there any other way besides dealer?

 

[JeffKeryk]

Take it to a tire shop.

 

[bdcardinal]

There should have been a card in the vehicle from when the locking lug nuts were installed during the PDI (they aren't installed at the factory). That will have the serial number to give to McGard to order the replacement key. Without that, any tire shop can break the old wheel locks off and then put on regular lugnuts.

 

[rijndael]

For a 12 year old Acura, I would get an extractor socket and replacement non-locking lug nuts. The twist on removal sockets are $20.

 

[sluggo]

I had to do this with my Mazda.

Bang on a slightly undersized socket with a mini sledgehammer, then remove the locking lug nut with a breaker bar. Replace the locking lug nut with a non-locking one that matches the others. Done.

 

[rijndael]

Whether you use the extractor socket or an oversized one, if you end up having difficulty removing the locking nut from the socket because it’s really jammed on there, screw it back on the stud (just a bit) to hold it and you can then try to remove the socket.

 

[eljefino]

The Acura dealer is trying to pretend there's some mystique behind the McGard lugs.

The "master key" is an extractor or any other hillbilly answer.

If you took a picture of your "rosettes" you could probably cross match them to your key.

The independent tire shop is a good idea, they deal with this every day. Replace with normal lugs, nobody cares to steal older stuff.

 

[bdcardinal]

The Acura dealer is trying to pretend there's some mystique behind the McGard lugs.

The "master key" is an extractor or any other hillbilly answer.

If you took a picture of your "rosettes" you could probably cross match them to your key.

The independent tire shop is a good idea, they deal with this every day. Replace with normal lugs, nobody cares to steal older stuff.

We actually have a "master set" for Ford ones. Its one of those "non are correct but all are close" kinda things. Supposedly there is someone at McGard where if you make a mold with putty, they can figure out the code.

 

[D60]

I've always wondered if the Gator sockets would work...all the spring-loaded pins. I suspect the grooves in the lock pattern are not deep enough for good engagement.

 

[bdcardinal]

I've always wondered if the Gator sockets would work...all the spring-loaded pins. I suspect the grooves in the lock pattern are not deep enough for good engagement.

The best part about working at Sears Auto, was being able to destroy a 12pt socket getting a wheel lock off. Then going inside the main store and getting it warrantied. Rinse and repeat to get all 4 taken care of.

 

[andrew_j]

Thanks for all the insights. The car is headed to college 3 hrs away tomorrow. Sounds like options exist of tire shops beyond Acura dealer (she said 5 mins from college).