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Run_Away
Run_Away GRM+ Memberand Reader
12/16/10 6:49 p.m.

Most McGaurd ones a 20mm 6point socket can be hammered on to them. Put an impact on it, the socket will spin for a little bit bit soon the heat from the friction will make the lug nut expand and it zips right off. Let it cool and a hammer + punch + vice quickly gets the nut out of the socket.

motomoron
motomoron HalfDork
12/16/10 9:03 p.m.

The suggestion to "remove the lug nuts and drive 'til the lock loosens" will work great.

~Except~

Don't remove the nuts - just loosen them. On one wheel. Then drive some figure 8s and get on and off the brakes. Loose locks will result.

My wife got a front flat on her A4 Quattro - actually, she found it on return to her car in the garage at work. She broke the lug bolts loose, jacked it, and found the wheel was really stuck to the hub. She then tried bumping it off with the spare to no avail.

She then put the lug bolts back in loosely, put it back on the ground and rolled back and forth with steering inputs to break it loose...

That's my girl!

(Edit: It took a 16# sledge, a chunk of pressure-treated 2x8, a MAPP torch and hearing protection to get the bastard off)

Chebbie_SB
Chebbie_SB HalfDork
12/16/10 10:02 p.m.

Another method is to use a curved jaw vise-grips (new with nice sharp teeth....) with as much preloaded tension via the adjustment screw. This works when you do not have access to a mig or tig welder. Remember, you only need about a quarter turn till they are free!

ShadowSix
ShadowSix New Reader
12/16/10 10:27 p.m.

Maybe someone else mentioned this already and I missed it, but the 'hammer a sacrificial socket' method sometimes works better if you heat the socket first. It helps the socket go further onto the lock. Also, if the lock looks like it's been on there for a while it helps to prepare the battlefield with a little PB Blaster.

curtis73
curtis73 GRM+ Memberand HalfDork
12/17/10 9:20 a.m.

I've had good luck with an air hammer/chisel. I don't even bust them, I can usually hit them at an angle and get them to spin off.

bravenrace
bravenrace SuperDork
12/17/10 11:35 a.m.
Mental wrote:
Twin_Cam wrote: A really hardcore way would be weld an old socket to it, but hammering a socket on over it is easier.
Actually yours is easier. I did this when mine broke. Heck I did this when I rounded the starter bolts on my van last week.

Why ruin a good socket? I just went through this with a non-drivable car. I welded a junk nut on the end of them and took them off with a socket and impact gun.

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