I have an 14 R60 with the JCW rims. A 17mm socket is too big and a 16mm is too small. Obviously I am a newbie to the car and searching the internet. Do they make a 16.5mm socket?

 

17mm is the correct size.

 

Perhaps you're using an off-brand import socket that's out of spec.?

 

too big for the nut or to big to fit the wheel recess?

 

12pt or 6pt socket?

 

Nut. I tired both 12 and 6 points and both have way too much play with the 17mm. The last tool I bought was this:

And the same thing. the 17 it feels like im going to strip the nut if I put force on it. I have an Infiniti and the socket (different size) fits perfectly snug. Very annoying I cant even get the tires off myself without some special tool.

 

Did you try other wheels? Are they all feel the same on the 17mm. You don't wanna stirp those bolt. You might wanna try 9/16" or 5/8". Use 6 point only

 

I have a smart car which I will try when I get it back. But yeah im not even going to try on the mini. I have a brake sensor light on, have new pads and sensors but cant get the dam wheels off lol.

 

You bought used car? Did someone go after market on the lug bolts? It really shouldn't be that difficult. I bought a set of air wrench sockets at Harbor Freight, no problems. My old cheapo metric sockets also fit no problem on all three MINI's.

 

like what Minnie said

 

Yeah bought used. The lug nut is def b/w 16 / 17mm. Ive never seen this before.

 

Are the Bolts BLACK or GRAYISH color? If they are gray, then they used to have some sort of chrome caps on them and somehow they broke off. you really need to pick up a set of SAE sockets to match up. make sure you don't use power tool

 

they are gray, at least compared to the black rim. im not near the car for a close up pic but here is a pic on file

 

FWIW the 'merican size between 16 and 17 mm is 21/32. (16.7mm) I don't think you'll find that in most socket sets but they do exist.

 

Ok so I think this is the deal........... 16mm is still too small and 17mm is still technically too big IMO because it fits loose. But yeah 17 is the right size I guess. The deal is, the lug nuts are shallow. If I try to loosen them at any sort of angle, the wrench wants to creep out and strip the nut. So that star lug nut wrench, nope. Same goes for this tool I bought: However when I take a 17mm socket and use a 1/2 wrench, while its loose, it does grab. But I cant use a socket wrench because it feels like its going to break the wrench if I use a breaker. I need an impact wrench. With an impact wrench I would be hitting the bolt dead on. Or, a shallow 17mm socket with a large 1/2" wrench. What a PITA.

And I found out no one wants to replace pads using parts you supply. Im sure I can find a mom and pop shop who will but I am surprised the shops wont use the better after market pads and instead want to put OEMs back on which of course cost more.

 

You can buy a full set of lug bolts on EBay for less than $30. Obviously more at the dealer. You WILL need to get a proper new set before long.

 

I got an electric impact wrench. I was able to get off all but 1 lug nut / tire, whoever serviced the car last over tightened the lug nuts.

 

May be the hex's are worn out?

 

THIS - with the trouble you are having, you obviously don't want to go through it every time. And given the trouble you're having rather than going to ebay you might go to one of the dealers who supports the group - Way Motor Works, ECS Tuning, etc.

~Mitch

 

I would get new ones that are 17mm. 14x1.25x27mm is the stock length. So just makes sure you get those.

https://www.ecstuning.com/Mini-2011-Cooper_Countryman-R60-S_ALL4-Hatchback-L4_1.6L_N18B16A/Wheels/Bolts,_Studs,_-and-_Nuts/