Broke the lug key

[_VVTi_]

I was plannig to install my CAI today. I loosen two of my lugs on the driver wheel. However, the 3rd lug won't loosen, same goes to 4th and 5th. I tried putting an hollow tube over the factory breaker bar for more leverage. Still no go... end up breaking the lug key.

Other then the fact I need to get a new lug key. What other method should I try?
Would having the car on a slight inclined driveway be the case of the lug won't loosen? Or because the wheel was still warm driving home (I was eager to install the CAI....).

All suggestions appreciated.

Thank you!!

[Ruffrydasean]

nah.. was probably just too tight from last time.. i spray a bit of degreaser or what have you when i take mine off now

[Ruffrydasean]

when you say lug key.. do you mean the ones with the special design?
You really don't need those if you have reg. OEM wheels...

I had those on my car and were a pain in the ass to get off because I was constantly losing the damn key. I was assed out one night when I was takin my G/F and a couple of her friends to the club and I got a flat... We had to leave the car there and have my dad come pick us up (More to the story). I just chiseled them all off recently.

If you do have aftermarket rims then yea.. keep em. I'm getting aftermarkets soon.. So I will be getting lock nuts..

[chronoti]

if there the normal stock ones i say break them all to hell and put new ones on

current count for lugs broken on my car is 3 all on the pasenger front

[_VVTi_]

yup the ones for aftermarket not the ones from OEM...
degreaser? is it possible for me to get behind the lug and spray it between the bolt and the lug? cuz w/o me getting behind there and allow the degreaser to penetrate into the bolt, it would loosen.

[Ruffrydasean]

nah... just spray it in the socket.. I really don't know how to explain it.. but spray it on there.. it'll drip and work its way in somewhat..

[skewe]

that sucks man.
i know that heat will sometimes cause the metal to expand more as opposed to the lug nut metal. different compound react to heat differently. I messed up my exhause cover in the engine compartment when it was hot and I tried to remove it, broke the screw.

I would try to put some WD40 on it before remove it.

[jhbhatia]

go to a tire shop to open the lugs. then buy replacements, there is no freaking way to remove locking lugs w.o a key and w.o a compressor, a mere 20 bucks will save you a lot of sweat!

[terrastrife]

big chisel, hammer :P this took forever when it chewed itsel f out and the nut is 'inside' the wheel, (not poking out, but the top sits flush with the whell finish)

[mandyfig]

Put some liquid wrench on it, let it sit for 1/2 hour and try again. Patience and lubrication, nothing else.

[white3ch0c0late]

Just go to a gas station... they usually have air compressors to take off lugs... they'd do it for you for free im sure.

[RedPhoenix]

As my mechanic said "dont fucking use those"

[terrastrife]

rattle guns are great -- for UNSCREWING STUFF, not screwing stuff in, do that by hand.

[_VVTi_]

so let it cool first? then try WD40? it won't ruin the finish on my rims right?

and how hard is it to bend a bolt from the rotor? not that i was trying while taking the lug out?