I lost the safety lug nut socket for my 2005 sub outback. The safety lug set came with the car purchased new and are a Subaru item per the package. It is not an immediate situation unless I have a flat, but I need to remedy the problem for peace of mind and future tire changes!

 

How do I remedy the situation?

How do I get the safety lugs off without a socket?

Can I purchase a replacement socket? Where?

Do I have to purchase an entire set?

 

Thanks for your help in advance for your sage advice and suggestions.

 

Maybe I should change my name from Monk to "lug nut"!

 

Monk50 in NC

monk50,

Somewhere in the info that came with the car at delivery, will be a code/serial number for the wheel lock set on your car. Check the owners manual for a card with the info or where it may be written in the actual owners manual itself. Then contact the wheel lock company for a replacement lock. Good Luck!

Right, That or your local dealer might be able to look up the cars VMI and get the info you need there to reorder the lock.

Some cars you can just use a bolt extractor on and be done with it. Don't know if a Subaru has the space.

 

On my VW one of the first things I did was get rid of those lugs!

 

My local VW dealer will remove them for a fee (coffee kitty money).

 

I don't live in the city and out here most folks have guns. Cuts down on petty crap like getting tires stolen.

 

Last thing I ever want to happen is have a flat and not know where the lug key is because I had someone else rotate them, check the brakes, whatever.

When we got our Outback from the dealer there was a blister pack in the storage under the floor above the spare that had the key lug and our regular lugs that got replaced and a serial number for the replacement if lost.

Thanks for the replys. I found the blister pack and will make contact with the Sub dealer to see if I can get a replacement.

 

Think I will also take the advice, remove the safety as where I live the 2nd amendment is a strong deterent to theft!

Follow up:

 

I found the blister pack with information to get another socket; called gave the id # and julian date and placed one on order. Cost $10 plus $4.95 S&H.

 

Thanks. Costly mistake on my end but good to have a remedy. Thanks for all the help.

 

FYI: Co that supplied McGuard phone # 1-800-4444-5847

 

Monk50

I tell people to remove those and get a regular lugnut. Saves a lot of headache at 2am.

Good to hear you got it taken care of, but for future reference, a 12 point socket that isn't quite large enough can be pounded on to turn the nut off.

 

You may end up splitting the socket so either use a cheap one, or one with a "no questions" warranty.

 

Also, many tire shops have a "universal" lock remover, you can take the car there with 4 regular lug nuts and have them get rid of the lockers.

 

I have heard that some people have had success with a gator socket.