Locking wheel nuts disaster

[jonjeffryes]

A real frustrating day. The plan was to replace the front pads and discs (themselves a warranty replacement for the set replaced in June that had warped). Passenger side - no issues everything replaced neatly in about an hour including a good clean of the caliper.
Drivers side was a bit of a Bu55er to say the least. The anti-theft lock nut key split as I tried to undo the wheel nut! To cut a long (5 hour disruption) story short. A local engineering shop welded the key back together which was partially successful, allowing me to remove the n/s locknuts before the key failed again...this time completely.
I was able to buy a new set of locknuts and key from Jaguar for a not inconsiderable £67 plus the £15 cost of the welding and nut removal, it's been a fairly expensive day.
I am still left with the old lock bolts on the o/s...oh and a disc/pad combination to change. I don't suppose any one in the SE UK has a spare DDD code lock key to hand..that would save me having to drill off the two old lock nuts

[J44EAG]

Jon.

Contact in the first instance, Eurojag. They have loads of used keys there. They got me out of a hole on one occasion with a similar issue.

Andy at Auto Reserve lists this key. Seemingly a key marked D may also be a DDD marked unit.https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j ... XX9YXk3aGw

There are many keys available via ebay but you often have to trawl complete listings in the hope of finding the correct unit.

These keys are a rework of the old design found on early XK and S-type vehicles. Those had raised lugs which used to sheer off. We thought the new off-set hex type removers were going to be better but the tool is made from a monkey metal and will fatigue is subject to use with a hammer gun. Specific instructions should be given to any garage you use for tyre fitting. ie NEVER EVER use a hammer gun on these weak lock nut removers.

Hope that helps.

Mike

[jonjeffryes]

Thanks Mike,

Ordered from the link you supplied, express delivery. Just need to remove the old as I have the new...and replace the remaining warped disc.

Good news, I put her through the MOT today (misread the date so I'm 6 weeks early) and passed with flying colours - no advisories

regards

Jon

[J44EAG]

Well done. At least you are having some success.

Avoid touching the charger repair for the time being. No doubt you will have seen my further posts on the difficulties of removal.

Mike

[robv12]

two things here!!

I have loads of sets of locking nuts and keys here for sale, happy to pass them on

I also have a few odd keys

I have a stock of standard nuts too

why you may ask, well, any X, S Type or XJ that comes here gets the damn things removed pronto and bog standard nuts put back on. As you have found out the keys are made of chocolate and the two part nut can seize causing the key to not seat correctly and split when force is applied, I hate them

Removal if the key or nut is damaged is straightforward, use a twist socket, never let me down yet

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Locking-Wheel ... Sw3ydVweJG

[J44EAG]

All lockers off my car for just those reasons. Plain nuts fitted.

Mike

[jonjeffryes]

Thanks guys........unfortunately I've already bought a new set of locking wheel nuts/key from Jaguar...plus the replacement old key.....a fool and his money as the saying goes.

Upside is at least I should be able to remove the wheels and finally replace the second disc/pads. I will thoroughly will check the correct torque is used when fitting the new bolts....but will buy a new set of plain nuts from work just in case I get the need to fit these.

Thanks again for the advice...I am now hoping for a brief period of peace with the car before I attack the car with newly acquired SDD software....lets see what havoc I can wreak with that

[jonjeffryes]

Update - new key arrived today...nuts too damaged and lock will not engage properly

Set of twist sockets ordered

[Brakebuster]

i spent two hours yesterday drilling and grinding off the security nuts on the X-type after the security nut key broke

so now i need an ' L ' key to take off the two front wheel ones and replace with standard nuts,


BB

[J44EAG]

Same advice as previously offered.

Rob may have one but if not then Andy at Auto Reserve has a listing for one.https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j ... rFk7NBK7qQ

These thin wall, irregular hex lock removing tools are made from chocolate. The metal has no strength and fractures down the hex corners for a past time. Failure is usually attributable to tyre monkeys using the locking tool remover with a hammer gun or slightly off set load being applied by the car user. One thing is sure. These tools should be regarded with great distrust and removed from the car to avoid breakage at some time in the future. As previously said, all my lockers are off my car due to breakage experiences. Mine can be currently found in the ashtray of my car!

I wonder what alternative robust after-market lockers might be available as replacements?

Mike

[Brakebuster]

to be honest


if someone want to knick my scabby alloys with cheap tyres on , then they are welcome to try and remove them , lol


BB

[jeff1954]

I had similar issues with mine (full post on the SType BB) I took all the lockers off and replaced them with normal nuts. Genuine Jag ones off ebay a Tenner.

Jeff