...for three years I've never had a problem placing my hands on the patterned wheel lug socket...but today the socket seems to have left this earth Has anyone ever had this happen? I cannot remove the wheels.

The unfortunate part here is that I somehow installed four regular lugs on one wheel only - rear driver's. I also began returning everything to stock today and completed that entire corner before realizing that the patterned socket is gone...all stock on one corner and all after market on the other three...the car cannot be driven this way

 

have you tried a gator-grip?

 

...very interesting! I'll give that a try if Tire Rack cannot come up with an answer...Thank you...analysis paralysis when things go wrong

I managed to finish the passenger side rear with the wheel attached - endlink removal and reinstal - a wee bit of a PITA but done. I don't care to try the front end with the tires installed.

 

If the lugs are recessed and they are factory locks, it may be necessary to order another key (key code needed) or to remove them destructively.

 

No, after market from Tire Rack - came with my BBS wheels. I've made some really stupid mistakes with this car, but this one tops'm all. Together with all the components that didn't work, I'm a literal Laurel and Hardy act working on a car!

On a side note, the rear springs and dampers are now stock...my ride tow work was comfy, but wow, what a difference! I may have to add a JCW kit

 

Meb -

Email me your billing phone #. I will look into this for you.

Alex

 

Alex - thanks...I spoke with Walter ext 372 - I've been his customer for many years. He gave me McGard's phone number. Unfortunately, I cannot get anyone to answer the phone there. I'll try there website and if I have no luck I may try to use an easy-out on these...what the hell, the wheels only cost $600.00 each.

 

All set Alex, thank you for trying to help. I contacted McGard again. I'll take a digital photo, and, paint the actual lug and create a pressing so to speak. They'll contact me tomorrow to let me know if the key is in stock - almost always is, and send a new one out. $15.00 for the key and whatever for overnight.


They need the sales persons name at Tire Rack so they can verify I purchased the kit from them.

 

all the best with that, i jus helped my bro with his truck last week, we ended up grinding the nut AND bolt off!:( not pretty!

 

According to Nicole at McGard, this is very common...they should sell their kits with two keys. One for those 'when if' moments we humans occasionally run into

 

Over time I stripped the insides of my McGard socket to the point where it would no longer grip the lug nut (put on in 1995). I ended up buying a cheap socket that almost fit the lug nut. I then carefully pounded the socket onto the lug nut. I was able to do this with all four McGard lug nuts.
I will NEVER put locking lug nuts on any of my cars again.

 

...nor will I