Member Since: 07 Mar 2009
Location: Clanfield, North of Pompey - UK
Posts: 2821
Locking wheel nut Keys.
I needed to remove a wheel on Friday so as usual used my locking wheel nut key.
The wheel came off OK, but when putting it back on there was suddenly very little resistance on the key and it was spinning without turning the nut.
I understand it’s a known fault that the key part which is crimped into the outer spins, but of course I hadn’t ever got around to buying the spare I’d planned to.
I phoned my local LD dealer, Sytner in Portsmouth, and was told that the keys on their own are now discontinued and the only way to get a new one is to order a full set of nuts and key at £126.
There was no way I was going to do that, so called the ever helpful Keith Gott in Alton.
Luckily they still had just one of the key I needed in stock, so I was at least able to run up there and pick it up for £26 and get the job done that I needed to.
They did warn me that they have very few left of all the various lettered keys A to W.
If they’d had 2 of the one I needed I’ve have brought two.
In an attempt to have a spare in the car I popped the key bit out of the body, filed three slots in the body, pushed the key bit back in and welded the two pieces together. Being dissimilar metals it looks a bit of a mess, but appears to do the job.
Old and New:
Click image to enlarge
Bodged together old one:
Click image to enlarge
Heaven doesn't want me, and hell is afraid I'll take over.
6th Nov 2023 9:23 am
Carl and Petra
Member Since: 13 Feb 2015
Location: Hautes Pyrenees
Posts: 219
I ditched my Land Rover locking wheel nuts. They are not well made and needless to say fail at the worst moment!
6th Nov 2023 11:01 am
Nasher
Member Since: 07 Mar 2009
Location: Clanfield, North of Pompey - UK
Posts: 2821
I did eventually ditch the ones on my D3, but can't bring myself to leave them unprotected on the D4.
I'll have to investigate aftermarket ones.
We all know of course that a lot of the issue is tyre suppliers abusing them with a rattle gun.
I'm going to ask my guys not to tighten the locking nuts up fully next time, I'll finish them myself outside.Heaven doesn't want me, and hell is afraid I'll take over.
6th Nov 2023 11:24 am
Carl and Petra
Member Since: 13 Feb 2015
Location: Hautes Pyrenees
Posts: 219
The wheel nuts themselves need an eye on them.
The nut rusts under the cover and can become impossible to fit a socket on to, and if not impossible then cause enough difficulty that a grip can not be made.
Either buy solid replacements or replace yours every few years.
Mine needed replacing at six years. Not all but i did the lot any way.
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