Locking wheel nuts....?

[sidicks]

Firstly I'd like to say thanks to all of you who have replied to my other posts and helped with my queries regarding my forthcoming 997 C4S. Since I ordered the car back in November, the March delivery date has seemed an enernity away, and even now, it's still at least 5 weeks until my car arrives - At least posting and reading about Porsche on this site is keeping me relatively sane.......

Anyway, back to my question:

I presume that the car already comes with locking wheel nuts? For my M3 I was strongly advised to add some additional locks (McGards Ultra) and wondered if it was advisable to do the same for my Porsche? I assume that my M3 bolts won't fit, so I'll have to buy some new ones - anyone recommend a cheap and reliable stockist?

Thanks

Sidicks

 

[Mark_Bennett]

It'll come with locking wheel nuts. I've not heard of anyone using extra ones?

The standard ones are puzzle locks.

 

[YvesD]

ORIGINAL: sidicks



Anyway, back to my question:

I presume that the car already comes with locking wheel nuts? For my M3 I was strongly advised to add some additional locks (McGards Ultra) and wondered if it was advisable to do the same for my Porsche? I assume that my M3 bolts won't fit, so I'll have to buy some new ones - anyone recommend a cheap and reliable stockist?

Thanks

Sidicks

You are right, the M3 ones do not fit, I know cos I tried mine ! They are a smaller diameter and shorter.

I approached the McGard Rep at the Autosport Show recently to find out if they do a fitment for the 997 because it's not listed in their catalogue. He wasn't sure and I am currently awaiting an e.mail from same to confirm when a set of bolts will be available.

Like you, I dont think the standard Porsche locking nuts look too clever so an extra set wouldnt go amiss.

Regards

Yves

 

[nsm3]

I would like to replace ALL of my wheel nuts, about 16 of them are rusty!

Does anyone know if they are supposed to have plastic covers on them - they look rubbish?

 

[Mark_Bennett]

How old is your car? I would say that a 997 with rusty nuts should be able to get them replaced by the OPC under warranty.

Out of interest, what do you clean the wheels with? I keep seeing rusty nuts complained about, but mine are still ok after 4 1/2 years.

 

[Rob Edwards]

Yep, my front wheel nuts on my 997S are also rusting and will be replaced under warranty so I am told by my OPC.
I find that phosphoric acid based wheel cleaner is less kind to wheels (although it is effective at shifting grime/brake dust) and in fact caused my coloured wheel crests to fall off on my old 986S.
I now use Astonish alloy wheel cleaner which is phosphoric acid free and it works a treat (plus its cheaper than the acid based ones).
Rob

 

[timhum2002]

My view is that extra security has been recommended on M3 wheels because they are attractive to steal and sell on with the huge numbers of BMW models in the country. Porsche wheels are much less easy to dispose off becuase there are many fewer cars and fitments tend to vary.

Tim

 

[nsm3]

Mark, mine is a September '04 so still under the factory warranty (come to think of it, aren't all 997's, until September'06?) and I have listed it on my "niggles" sheet along with rattling instrument binnacle, buzzing exhaust, faulty "boot" light switch, poor telephone performance and non-functioning homelink.

I had a "brainwave" tonight, to obtain a set of plastic nut covers from Audi, but damn, the Porsche wheelnuts are wider across the flats than on the A3!!

It's a good job the car excels everywhere else to compensate for what are (in todays car building era) avoidable minor faults?

 

[DavidO]

ORIGINAL: nsm3

I had a "brainwave" tonight, to obtain a set of plastic nut covers from Audi, but damn, the Porsche wheelnuts are wider across the flats than on the A3!!

I had a similar brainwave. I bought chrome covers specifically designed for the porsche wheel bolt heads, but then discovered another problem (cosmetically speaking), which I haven't yet been able to resolve. The locking bolts are recessed deeper into the wheel and are a different size and shape to the standard bolts []

 

[nsm3]

ORIGINAL: DavidO

ORIGINAL: nsm3

I had a "brainwave" tonight, to obtain a set of plastic nut covers from Audi, but damn, the Porsche wheelnuts are wider across the flats than on the A3!!

I had a similar brainwave. I bought chrome covers specifically designed for the porsche wheel bolt heads, but then discovered another problem (cosmetically speaking), which I haven't yet been able to resolve. The locking bolts are recessed deeper into the wheel and are a different size and shape to the standard bolts []

David, where did you source those covers from - I think I could tolerate 4 covered nuts and perhaps fit an aftermarket locking nut with a better finish?

 

[DavidO]

ORIGINAL: nsm3

ORIGINAL: DavidO

ORIGINAL: nsm3

I had a "brainwave" tonight, to obtain a set of plastic nut covers from Audi, but damn, the Porsche wheelnuts are wider across the flats than on the A3!!

I had a similar brainwave. I bought chrome covers specifically designed for the porsche wheel bolt heads, but then discovered another problem (cosmetically speaking), which I haven't yet been able to resolve. The locking bolts are recessed deeper into the wheel and are a different size and shape to the standard bolts []

David, where did you source those covers from - I think I could tolerate 4 covered nuts and perhaps fit an aftermarket locking nut with a better finish?

I seem to remember I bought them from ebay .They are just chromed plastic, but I believe they are the same as some OPC's have been rumoured to sell

 

[nsm3]

I found that the porscheshop do a set of 20 nut covers in either black or chrome for just under £30.

Also, I'm in touch with McGard, they want me to remove the OEM locking bolt and check the seat type (tapered?) and what length the thread section is (23 or 32mm?) as they haven't sold any for a 997 as yet. I see from their website that they do options in silver or black.

Anyone know the details without me having to get the wheelbrace out?

 

[DavidO]

I have already spoken to McGard. All of their locking nuts are cylindrical, so of course the covers will not fit []

 

[Mark_Bennett]

The have a floating spherical cap - (check the handbook to see detailed info)
If they can make these up then it would be good news - but they must also be able to be torqued to the correct 130Nm/96ft lb. It could be very dangerous if they do not meet these specs.