Trilock locking wheel nuts

[Andrew S]

Just come in from the garage and not happy as 2 of the 3 prongs have broken off in the locking wheel nut adapter so now chance of getting wheels off.

I do have the code for the key and on the box it shows Carflow Products and I was wondering if anyone knew if they were still going as the web shows their address as Leighton Buzzard, Bed LU7 4TU?

Paddocks sell sets but of course that wont really help me

Thanks
Andrew

[jbuckl]

I have known and liked the Trilock idea / design for ages.

Never had prongs snap before though. (They are hardened roller bearing needles)

Have had a replacement key sent some time ago. At that time they were available to speak with in the U.K. on a phone(!)

Toyota were using trilocks on OEM up until at least 2004.

You will need the code, but here is someone offering a key service for a trilock:-

http://www.autoinparts.com/Wheel_nuts,_bolts,_locks,_spacers_and_accessories-Replacement_Wheel_Lock_Keys/c628_1159/p136060/Trilock_Locking_Key/product_info.html

Otherwise you need a 'special tool' (see below) to remove the locking nut & buy some new ones.

http://www.google.co.uk/products/catalog?q=locking+wheel+nut+removal+tool&hl=en&cid=5946580591141189953&ei=kSIXT83oHNul-AaRkfCIAw&ved=0CDYQ8wIwAw#p

These tools do work, but best to (carefully) chisel off the spinning shroud first.

Regards
Julian

PS 'Carflow' were involved in an intellectual property case over locking wheel nuts, so don't know that they can help.

[Andrew S]

Julian, that is fantastic, thank you. I have my code and it seems to accept it so will order. Well done for finding that web page.

Cheers
Andrew

[andy2stags]

Hi Andrew

Your post prompted me to go out to the garage to check mine.I purchased them 14 years ago and only got around to digging them out of the loft on sunday and sure enough they are trilock as well.I am now having second thoughts about putting them on.
Was it a mad moment or are they a bit weak?

Andy.

[DJT]

Hi Andrew,

I too have Trilock, having bought them years ago following a Practical Classics product comparison which put them top for security. They can't be removed with the generic tool due to the spinning shroud. I'm glad I bought a spare key early on. All I need to do now is remember where I put it for safe keeping.......

Good luck with the link above.

Dave

[Andrew S]

Andy, no problem with them and I think I caught it at a bad angle. Not only that, the tyre fitter last time used the adapter on his air gun! They are very good so don't worry and fit them, just make sure you keep the number and box. Also you will need to keep the adapter in the or boot next to the spare.

[Andrew S]

Good idea about getting a spare key. Have just ordered one from the link and hopefully wheel nut will come off with ease.

[DJT]

Not only that, the tyre fitter last time used the adapter on his air gun!

Luckily the guys where I go know how to use a torque wrench


Dave

[jbuckl]

Pleased to help!


My tyre depot only uses the air line to inflate the tyres. (no impact guns on site) Electric tyre posts!

If the wheel nuts don't undo using hand tools, they ask the customer to get them undone and come back!

One place I used years ago snapped a stud & handed it to me saying 'you've got a problem mate'

Another place used a torque wrench after an impact gun set on max!

I dont think any locking wheel nuts are durable enough to use an impact gun.

In fact, I work on lots of cars, and don't own an impact gun myself. (I would have one if I worked on commercials though)

One application where an impact gun can help is crank pulley bolts.....but I have heard of mercedes A class crank pulley bolts breaking when attcked with an impact gun.

So generally they cause lots of problems.

I know I'm a luddite!

[Andrew S]

Unfortunatley, I was not with the car when it was used but my friend told me. Being that I could not see anything broken, I did not take it up with them. I have an airgun and use it on the Stag a lot but only after I have undo a turn or two on a nut and also mine has a torque control valve so I can set it to what I want so cant over tighten. Hoping the adapter will arrive for the weekend as I want to change the handbrake levers, lubricate the caliper pistons and then bleed the brakes now that I hope I got one of my front discs to run true. On the MOT, the needle was wavering around on their dials on teh offside wheel.

[alistair260661]

Well I can give you a tale of woe about locking wheel nuts. I had one shear off on me on my Merc - the socket was fine, but the "top" of the bolt, where the special socket locates sheared from the rest of the bolt. Result nothing to grip to remove the bolt. Eventual solution (after many hours and much swearing) a blacksmith, an old socket, a very big hammer, a welding set and a pinch bar.

Learning - throw the locking wheel nuts away - so have done this on the Stag, the Merc and the Volvo -

Be warned

[Andrew S]

Thanks Julian, problem resolved as the new adapter arrived this morning, so a very quick delivery and recommended website / supplier. All wheel nuts undone ready for doing brakes tomorrow after dentist treatment, so depending on my mood or medication, the brakes will have new handbrake levers and fluid etc

Thanks again, great help thanks to you
Regards

Andrew