Help Taking Alloys Off

[Dave192]

I am needing to change my rear brake shoes on my 2000 Focus and have come across a problem. The car is fitted with Ford alloys and I have not got the lock nut key (never came with the car, which was brought for me by a family member).

I have phoned the local ford gauge and they have informed me I will need some new nuts as the keys are impossible to buy. Is this true is is there some where I can get a lock nut key.

[Stoney871]

When the Ford factory fitted lock nuts are supplied the lock nut key comes with a small card, on the card would be the actual code for a replacement lock nut key.

The idea is that you would keep the card in with your car manuals so if you lost your lock nut key you could order a replacement through Ford.

Without the card they won't sell you a matching lock nut key but should hold a selection of keys that will fit all variations of the code so they could remove the nuts for you if need be.

When you get your current nuts off just buy a set of mcguard (which Ford use) from another source as you'll get them cheaper than from Ford.

If you can't get Ford to remove your current nuts then you'll need something like this-

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Laser-Tools-3464-Wheel-Removal-Emergency-Wheel-Nut-Remover-4pc-Tool-Garage-Aut-/310511924710?pt=UK_Hand_Tools_Equipment&hash=item484bf3f5e6

[gforce]

Have you doube and triple checked all nooks and crannies that you don't have the lock nut key? In the wheel well, any little storage compartments etc?

As Clive says, it may be hard to source a replacement key without the code. Some people take a chance by measuring by eye and buy on eBay hoping they get the right one, some get lucky but you could be throwing away money trying this unless you can sell on afterwards.

When this happened me in the past my tyre fitter just hammered a smaller wrench bit into the middle of the lock nut and used that to get enough grip to remove it. This was free of charge because he's a decent bloke, but there are people out there who know how common this is and will try charge an arm and a leg for this 'specialised premium expertise service'!

Obviously the nuts are knackered afterwards, but I just replaced with standard. I hadn't even lost the key, it had just become worn and wouldn't bite on the nuts so didn't fancy the hassle again.

[Dave192]

I have looked everywhere including trying to get hold of the guy who owned the car before me but can't get hold of him, as I know he had new front brake discs and pads fitted before he sold it.

I have found a set on eBay that look like they are the same, I might take pot luck ans buy them.

Dave

[gforce]

Can I just insert my disclaimer here then mate as I didn't do this myself! I'm sure you know that most of them all 'look' similar but have small differences in pattern etc (like any keys in that sense really), so you'd need to be very careful with your guess-timation on this one.

Also, to minimise cost/risk, if you could source the key on it's own rather than a set that would be all you'd need, as if your current ones are removed properly they'll be re-usable no worries.

I wouldn't be surprised if the real one is lyin in the garage that he had his brakes changed in! Speakin of which, you don't happen to have their contact details from a service stamp? Might be worth a shout...

[Dave192]

The guy who owed the car before me has just got back to me and informed me he has the locking nut key and will send it over, thank god for that.

Dave

[gforce]

Great result mate!

[Stoney871]

That just saved you a lot of faffing around.

Lucky lad. :d

[Foci_st3]

If it doesn't arrive just get a 18mm multi point socket a lump hammer and a braker bar, all you need after that is a new set of lock nuts or just some standard nuts as wheel theiving doesn't seem to happen much anymore they just take the whole car.