CleanCL

iTrader: (4)

My area has been subject to wheel theft. I did not get the factory wheel locks because I prefer the aftermarket systems that have a lock on every lug.

But here is the bad news... I pulled off my factory lug nut. Not only is the thread size 14x1.50, but it's a ball seat. I cannot find ANY wheel locks with these specifications. It looks like I'm forced into getting Acura's.

If anyone has any suggestions let me know.

parivera30

Not sure what part of NY your from, but in Queens, there is a place called 106th Tire. It's on the corner of 106th street and Northern Blvd. They sell a lot of different wheel locks. They may have what you are looking for.

CleanCL

iTrader: (4)

My area has been hot for stolen wheels lately, so I got thinking. I never liked the 1 lock per wheel, I felt it did very little to deter thieves. There were some issues getting a full wheel lock system. Our lugs are 14mm x 1.50 with a ball seat (no system exists for this setup). The acorn seats have too much of an angle and will damage the wheels. So my solution to the problem, pick the acorn wheel lock system and I found washer adapters specifically to fit to acorn lugnuts at 14mm and create a ball seat mount point. I will post up some pictures in a bit. The only downside is that they stick out about half inch further than the stock lugnuts, but I like the aggressive look.

Bearcat94

Why did you start a second thread?

Threads Merged.

CleanCL

iTrader: (4)

I forgot I even made this thread. Then I saw it after I posted.

Maybe change the thread title since it's no longer true, you are not forced to buy Acura's wheel locks.

Bearcat94

PM a mod next time and they can do the fix up, instead of stumbling across it.

Titles carried over from the merge; fixed.



Sorry for the interuption. Carry on.

CleanCL

iTrader: (4)

Here are the pictures.

Wheel Locks, Gorilla part #71644 (yes, I ordered the 6 lug set, this way I have extra lugnuts that fit the same key, fyi gorilla will not send you matching lugs to a key, they can only replace a lost key)


Washers, Empi part #00-9508-0 (14mm opening, adopts acorn style lugnut to have a ball seat, picked them up on ebay for about $3/pack)


As I said they stick out a bit, but they create a slightly more aggresive look and overall with the car looks good.

acura2009

good move!

bmode

Doesn't look bad at all, and deterring thievery is always a good thing.

777mycoolangelo

Has anyone found any aftermarket lugs besides Gorillas for our 2009 TL's?

princelybug

iTrader: (16)

Nice.

FAST4DR

Does the part sticking out turn freely or is that part of the lug nut? Because if the part sticking out is solid and can turn the lug nut, I could put a large easy out on that and turn them right off. Also might be able to get a nice pair of vicegrips on them. But theives are looking for easy, so they will probably pass you up, since it's extra trouble. When they steal the wheels in your area, are they leaving the car on blocks or dropping it on the ground?

BDoggPrelude

They are extremely hard to get off without the key or proper tools.

OP, great idea on the added security for the wheels...I'm just not real keen on the whole washer between the lugnut and wheel thing.

777mycoolangelo

^Yeah you may have to check that the lugs are tight every couple hundred miles.

Steven Bell

iTrader: (2)

A friend of mine just got some for his Type S and really likes them. He needs them-he's in NYC.



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.

FAST4DR

http://www.brandsport.com/gorewhloke.html

CleanCL

iTrader: (4)

I wasn't keen on the washers either, but it's now been over a year without a single issue.


As others have already said, I'm fully aware that if someone really wants my wheels they can get them. But this will hopefully deter the casual thief.


This whole setup is only temporary until I get some aftermarket wheels.

Chas2

Very interesting solution! I think this is pretty cool!

How thick are the washers?

Do you have an idea of how many turns on the lug nuts you have with the washers vs without the washers?

What are the washers made of? steel, aluminum?

Any concerns of the stud not being long enough?

Thanks!

CleanCL

iTrader: (4)

The lugs are actually showing signs of rust before the washers, so I'm guessing they are some sort of stainless steel. They must be something of the sorts, as they are specifically made for wheels. Aluminum would be too weak. Not sure on the thickness, and no concerns at all abut stud length. Those washers I found are actually marketed for off-roading vehicles. So I was never worried about strength/quality.

My primary concern was achieving proper torque, and to maintain the torque while I drive. I've gotten some people who say nothing, and some people say it's a terrible idea. I get plenty of turns on the lugs. I can't say how many, but I felt very comfortable with it. I use my torque wrench to get them at 80 lb. I got this idea from my girlfriend's Lexus. From the factory, the lugs use a washer to help seat it. Again, I can vouch over a year on this exact setup without every experiencing loose lugs or any problems with the wheels or studs.