So its that time of year to switch the summer wheels and tires to the winter wheel and tires on my 2010 TL. My local mechanic was taking off the summer wheels and when he is using the "Key" for the locking lug nuts the inside part comes loose!! He manages to keep that small part wedged in so as to be able remove the other wheels. He then uses the spare lug nuts to replace the locking ones so as to fasten the wheels properly.
The problem is I have had many cars with locking wheels and never have they been damaged or broken, after all it is a pretty simple tool.
I then went to the local dealer ( Luciani Acura ) and showed them the defective wheel lock key and all they could say is that I can buy a new one!!!
Has anybody had a problem with this part and do you think it is acceptable that the dealer will not replace it. I think Acura should be able to do something.
Comments ?

 

It is not surprising that the "keY" would break if it was used with a gun. The business end is just held together with a couple spot welds.
I broke mine when I had an Integra; it was a locking nut setup from Acura, but I had used it many times, although I never used a gun.
The dealer has a set of all the possible types. I bought the replacement for about $20. When I bought my TL it had wheel locks so I got them to throw in 4 extra non locking regular lug nuts.

 

I have used many different locks from Honda and never had a problem. If your mechanic used an air impact gun on the lock then the dealer shouldn't have to replace since he isn't suppose to do that. If common hand tools were used and the lock broke then the dealer should cover that. In reality through most dealers will deny replacement since they don't know what was used on the lock. I would just buy a new lock since it isn't that much money and save yourself the hassle of trying to get a replacement.

 

^this &^^that

I never use my impact gun on the wheels when rotating them or changing out the summer tires for snows. It takes longer and requires a great deal of effort, but you can finesse a better fit from the wheels. Additionally, NEVER apply more than 80 lbf·ft of torque to the locking bolt/nut.

 

^^^^^

The 4G TL's 5x120 bolt pattern and M14 nut size (locking and nonlocking nuts included), call for a 94 lbft of torque.

The 80 lbft torque requirement is only for 5x114.3 pattern and M12 nut size for most other Honda/Acura vehicles.

 

i think the manual says 92 lbs.. can anyone check

 

You guys are picking nits and off topic, lol.

 

I was also told by my dealer to torque at 94 lbs.....

 

Above paragraph taken out from Pg 556 of the 2010 TL Owner's Manual.