Why there is a different bolt on each wheel of my car? - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

ysun · 03-13-2009, 06:21 PM

Hi m8s,

I found there is a different bolt on each wheel of my car, it's not six sides, but a round one with plum blossom shape dint in the center. Does it mean I can not change the tire by myself?

abew330 · 03-13-2009, 06:23 PM

its a lock. you should have a key for it..

i broke my key.. so i went to toyota and had them match up the key to the locks and they were kind enough to take the others off

ysun · 03-13-2009, 06:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by abew330

its a lock. you should have a key for it..

i broke my key.. so i went to toyota and had them match up the key to the locks and they were kind enough to take the others off

Thanks. The previous owner didn't give me the key, so the only way is to go to the toyota dealer? If the locks are removed, can I just install the normal bolts? or can I buy such a key? how much would it be? Thanks!

abew330 · 03-13-2009, 06:38 PM

if you have aftermarket lock set toyota wont have it.. if you have the ORIGINAL locks on the car just take a drive to toyota
ask them if you can just maybe purchase the key only
if not, ask them to take off the old ones

sadly money is tight right now so im unable to buy a new set so i just removed them

ysun · 03-13-2009, 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by abew330

if you have aftermarket lock set toyota wont have it.. if you have the ORIGINAL locks on the car just take a drive to toyota
ask them if you can just maybe purchase the key only
if not, ask them to take off the old ones

sadly money is tight right now so im unable to buy a new set so i just removed them

Thank you. I think I have to remove them too.

kmr16442 · 03-13-2009, 08:56 PM

I've used a socket that was close to diameter and smacked it on with a hammer. It wasn't very hard to do at all. Be warned the socket will probably be damaged. You could also try locking pliers (vise grips) and a long bar.

Chris Crash · 03-13-2009, 11:17 PM

If they're aftermarket, get a punch and a hammer.

Just beat on it at the angle of the direction that the bolt would need to turn to come off.
That sounded really complicated...but it's not!

:]

djb2 · 03-14-2009, 08:36 PM

If they are on really tight, you might need a real tool.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=96296

ysun · 03-15-2009, 06:58 AM

Thank you all for your help!

CJCride · 03-15-2009, 08:49 AM

Savvy Tow Truck Drivers usually carry a large variety of Locking Socket "Keys" for those who who need to switch to the spare with their "Key" Socket safely at home in the Tool Box.....200 miles away.

95PimpingCamry · 03-15-2009, 10:38 PM

For the record, I have successfully used a mini gator grip to remove locking lugs. Cheap and sold everywhere.

abew330 · 03-16-2009, 12:30 AM

^^^^ those actually work? / last long?

i think of most of the crap on tv is junk

95PimpingCamry · 03-16-2009, 02:10 PM

It didn't last long. I managed to completely destroy the mini gator grip in the process, but it still got off all 4 locking lugs in an emergency.

I do agree that most of the crap on tv is just that, crap. But if you're in a pinch and don't mind destroying a $10 tool, this worked for me.