I lost the wheel lock key that came with my GS. It probably fell out of the
trunk on a recent airport run... Yes... I know there was a piece of paper
from the wheel lock company that came with the car at delivery... No.. I
no longer have that piece of paper...

Anyway, I asked my Lexus dealer to see if they might have a master key
that will unlock it... no luck.. However, the service advisor did say that
they can force it off for a very reasonable charge of $60. (as usual, I called
the gas station down the road and the mechanic there offered it to do it
for $25) Is there any danger in having either of them force the wheel lock
off?

Thanks!

 

Might damage the stud....which means you would have to replace the damaged stud...and hope nothing else was damaged

 

are u sure u went to a Lexus dealer or a KIA dealer?
Every Lexus dealer has a generic set of wheel lock keys that they use.
i have lost mine three times and they had removed it for me twice.
even toyota dealerships have them cos thats where i took it the first time and they charged me. Lexus did not charge me (i know the service manager)
anyways, usually when u purchase a new set at the dealership they dont charge u to remove it and a new set is like $20 dollars or so.

another option is to use a socket thats just a littler smaller than the actual size of the wheel lock nut. that way u can hammer it in tight. And then just turn like normal(with some power of course).
Many have done it that way and it worked, but i wouldnt do it that way.

if anything, there is also something called wheel nut lock remover. google it.
But, i would just call back the dealer and make sure they know what u are trying to remove cos its strange that they dont have it.



olddog

 

Just continuing on what olddog said, the dealer should have a master set. I think you should try another dealer. As far as a wheel lock removal kit, it very simple and won't damage your wheels. It's a socket that has a reverse thread on the inside. Ideally, it would be perfect on an impact wrench, if you don't have one, then i say take it to your local mechanic and let him take it off for $25. Good luck

 

I only called my Lexus dealer... I guess I should drive down there tomorrow
and aske them in person. Over the phone, they probably couldn't see what
kind of wheel locks I have...

in any case, once removed, I think I'll just have regular wheel nuts put one... wheel theft not really a big problem in my area. (knock on wood)

 

if the lock is OEM Toytota/Lexus, then you should be fine. They should be able to match it.

There is not much variation. I was able to locate duplicate wheel lock keys within 6 toyota/lexus... or maybe it was my luck.

They can force it out. My main concern is the finish on the wheels. They have to hammer some socket over the lock for grip and then air gun it out.

 

I was on my way to the Lexus dealer this morning...

However, I stopped by the gas station near my home and asked the mechanic if he had any ideas. He pulled the car into one of the service bays and 5 minutes told me it was done. !!!??? I thought he was kidding.... but no, he had taken off all four wheel locks and put on regular wheel nuts that I brought(from my previous GS). I asked him how he did it so quickly, he just pulled up his right sleeve and showed me his tattoo-covered arm.... I paid him the $20 he asked for and went to work.... I'm still wondering what he was trying to say? (that he was an ex-con, ex-auto thief, or both?) come to think of it, I dont' really wann know...