I need to replace the locking wheel nut removal tool/adaptor for our 1998 XKR.

The number 72 is stamped into it.

Can this be gotten from SNG Barrett or the likes? I have already looked at ebay and didn't see anything.

The tyre place said thry couldn't gat any tools deep enough into the recess to use a universal removal tool or to weld it. We have a slow puncture, so we'll keep an eye on it but we're still on the road.

 

An M14 spline hammered in will do it.

 

If you are determined to have one then I found this listed on eBay UK:

Jaguar XJ8 XK8 XJR XKR SPARE LOCKING WHEEL NUT LOCK KEY NUMBER 72 | eBay

However, unless alloy wheel theft is still prevalent in Eire (it looks to have disappeared in UK), then I'd remove the locking nuts using the recommended technique in post #2 and replace them with standard wheel nuts.

Graham

 

I have walked in to a dealership before, breaker bar in hand, and (kindly) requested to borrow a security bit like this. Service manager can sometimes be very accommodating when they can tell you are ready to make this happen quickly, outside of the full customer experience they normally provide. The service manager went to the mechanic, borrowed the bit set, walked out with me, let me undo the bit, and walked back in. No appointment, or charge for that matter. And yes, I ended up buying the bit from the parts department a few days later.

 

I'm inclined to do away with the locknuts altogether if possible. This is the second adaptor that I have gone through on this car. As above, I can't remember the last time I heard about alloys being nicked.

The wheel nuts are mismatched anyway (some short, some long) so I might just buy a full set of new ones for all four wheels.

I'm sure I have an M14 splined bit rolling around my toolbox somewhere so I'll root that out and have a go with it.

Thanks for all the advice guys!

 

Sealey SX200 Locking Wheel Nut Removal Set 2pc 1/2"Sq Drive | eBay

These worked for me on both my xjr and XK8

 

I have successfully removed three out of four of the security nuts. The initial problem of not being able to take the wheel off to get a new tyre fitted is dealt with.

However the fourth nut, the one that broke the no. 72 adaptor, is stubbornly refusing to budge. All I managed to do to it with the M14 splined key was to strip the inside. I have ordered the locking wheel nut removers from ebay and will be trying those when they arrive.

Is there a way to get a useful amount of heat onto the nut without damaging the alloy wheel? I don't mid losing a little paint inside the bolt recess as the wheels need to be refurbished anyway - I just don't want to buy a new wheel. Or would cooling it with some plumbers pipe freezing spray be any help in freeing it up?

Failing all that, is there a way to split the nut inside the recess and break it off the stud without damaging the wheel?

 

The nut remover will do the job without heat. All they are is a socket with a left hand thread on them that tightens onto the locking nut in the direction that will loosen the nut. Make sure you have a decent sized breaker bar, you will need it, and getting the nut remover off again is a pain.