# '99 merc's aftermarket anti theft wheels **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Created:** [January 27, 2009, 10:15pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/99-mercs-aftermarket-anti-theft-wheels/25676 "2009-01-27T22:15:01Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![rick\_en](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/d6d6ee/32.png) [@rick\_en](https://community.cartalk.com/u/rick_en)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2009, 10:15pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/99-mercs-aftermarket-anti-theft-wheels/25676/1 "2009-01-27T22:15:01Z")
hi got my dead dad’s merc, I have a flat tire, luckily at home (I live on an island) on florida coast, I have the “key-tool” to the wheel locks, but cannot get it to turn merc dealer says it’s aftermarket they can’t help local tow truck guy says tow int in and torch all four wheel off, losing rims and tires and who knows what I have an axe but can’t get any of the four tires to unlock, so I can’t even see what I’m up against any ideas ? thanks oh yeah hi, I’m rick en ---
**Author:** ![texases](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/texases/32/862_2.png) [@texases](https://community.cartalk.com/u/texases)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2009, 10:25pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/99-mercs-aftermarket-anti-theft-wheels/25676/2 "2009-01-27T22:25:11Z")
Is it the kind that you use with a socket and wrench? Do you not have enough leverage? Or is it a regular key that is used to somehow lock the pieces together? Maybe need WD40? And I assume we’re talking Mercedes, not Mercury! ---
**Author:** ![rick\_en](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/d6d6ee/32.png) [@rick\_en](https://community.cartalk.com/u/rick_en)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2009, 11:18pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/99-mercs-aftermarket-anti-theft-wheels/25676/3 "2009-01-27T23:18:42Z")
no it’s a mercury grand marquis the “tool” is something resembling a star…ala an old fashion coke machine key for the cash till…or a pay telephone …looks like it’s made of tin, and by looking it’s definitly no good, it’ll tighten the lock a tad, but slips up & out on counter-clockwise turns wondering if welding some stock to each wheel lock will “create” a key to unlock only…get cover off and throw away… like I did with the locking gascap…better than torching everything off but there has to be something easier ? maybe grinding/creating in a screw driver slot seems logical, but seems as bad as welding on hex-stock surely I’m not the first with this problem ---
**Author:** ![Tester](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tester/32/15976_2.png) [@Tester](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tester)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2009, 11:22pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/99-mercs-aftermarket-anti-theft-wheels/25676/4 "2009-01-27T23:22:00Z")
Here’s what I use to remove locking lug nuts when the special tool is lost. Most parts stores sell these. [http://www.autobarn.net/xxxw-lt-40025.html](http://www.autobarn.net/xxxw-lt-40025.html) Tester ---
**Author:** ![rick\_en](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/d6d6ee/32.png) [@rick\_en](https://community.cartalk.com/u/rick_en)\ **Post date:** [January 28, 2009, 12:08am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/99-mercs-aftermarket-anti-theft-wheels/25676/5 "2009-01-28T00:08:13Z")
thanks but this has a center locking ‘disc’ holding the ‘hubcap’ over the lugnuts can’t get at the lugnuts ---
**Author:** ![Tester](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tester/32/15976_2.png) [@Tester](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tester)\ **Post date:** [January 28, 2009, 12:29am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/99-mercs-aftermarket-anti-theft-wheels/25676/6 "2009-01-28T00:29:43Z")
Then SEARS sells a socket set that does the same thing as the lug nut socket. One of these might work? [http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p\_10153\_12605\_00952165000P?mv=cf&vName=Tools&cName=Compressors+%26+Air+Tools](http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00952165000P?mv=cf&vName=Tools&cName=Compressors+%26+Air+Tools) Tester ---
**Author:** ![rick\_en](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/d6d6ee/32.png) [@rick\_en](https://community.cartalk.com/u/rick_en)\ **Post date:** [January 28, 2009, 12:57am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/99-mercs-aftermarket-anti-theft-wheels/25676/7 "2009-01-28T00:57:19Z")
sorry Tester wish I had a camera the wheel cover is a plastic bee hive design cover entire wheel, the center is made of metal 4"-6" in diameter, covering the lugnut’s pattern (from measuring the spare tire lugnut holes pattern) breaking the plastic part could be done with the axe but the metal protecting/covering the lugnuts will probably take more than axe ? if I had access to the lugnuts I bet this regular old lugwrench from the trunk would turn em just can’t seem to get at the lugnuts I just love mechanical things ---
**Author:** ![texases](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/texases/32/862_2.png) [@texases](https://community.cartalk.com/u/texases)\ **Post date:** [January 28, 2009, 2:15am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/99-mercs-aftermarket-anti-theft-wheels/25676/8 "2009-01-28T02:15:48Z")
Take a look here, let us know if any of these hubcaps look like it: [http://www.hubcaps.org/mercurypass.html](http://www.hubcaps.org/mercurypass.html) ---
**Author:** ![Roadrunner](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/d2c977/32.png) [@Roadrunner](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Roadrunner)\ **Post date:** [January 28, 2009, 2:29am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/99-mercs-aftermarket-anti-theft-wheels/25676/9 "2009-01-28T02:29:36Z")
Guys, What’s the name of the grinding tool with the cutting wheel? ---
**Author:** ![texases](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/texases/32/862_2.png) [@texases](https://community.cartalk.com/u/texases)\ **Post date:** [January 28, 2009, 2:31am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/99-mercs-aftermarket-anti-theft-wheels/25676/10 "2009-01-28T02:31:47Z")
Dremel? ---
**Author:** ![Tester](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tester/32/15976_2.png) [@Tester](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tester)\ **Post date:** [January 28, 2009, 2:33am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/99-mercs-aftermarket-anti-theft-wheels/25676/11 "2009-01-28T02:33:37Z")
4 1/2" angle grinder with a 4 1/2" cutting wheel. Tester ---
**Author:** ![Roadrunner](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/d2c977/32.png) [@Roadrunner](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Roadrunner)\ **Post date:** [January 28, 2009, 2:40am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/99-mercs-aftermarket-anti-theft-wheels/25676/12 "2009-01-28T02:40:03Z")
BINGO! Surely that would cut this thing off to access the lug nuts. ---
**Author:** ![rick\_en](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/d6d6ee/32.png) [@rick\_en](https://community.cartalk.com/u/rick_en)\ **Post date:** [January 28, 2009, 2:46am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/99-mercs-aftermarket-anti-theft-wheels/25676/13 "2009-01-28T02:46:19Z")
texases yes it’s #FRD007 A except it’s 15" wheel under the center logo cap is the wheel lock I beat on the center locking nub of the lock…its raised about 1/4"… with a 2lb and chistle…didn’t make a dent I have a dremel can go to the mainland to see if local store has a cutting wheel for it…you mean cutting groove for a screwdriver slot, right Roadrunner ? ---
**Author:** ![Roadrunner](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/d2c977/32.png) [@Roadrunner](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Roadrunner)\ **Post date:** [January 28, 2009, 3:57am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/99-mercs-aftermarket-anti-theft-wheels/25676/14 "2009-01-28T03:57:43Z")
I’m sorry to hear you lost your father. You can try that first if you want, but I was thinking IF you want to dispose of these 4 headaches would be to just cut them off the wheel. They will likely be damaged anyway. The studs and nuts can be replaced as needed. I think you can cut the locking nut off without cutting into the rim. ---
**Author:** ![Baxter\_s\_Dad](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/baxter_s_dad/32/27_2.png) [@Baxter\_s\_Dad](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Baxter_s_Dad)\ **Post date:** [January 28, 2009, 5:12am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/99-mercs-aftermarket-anti-theft-wheels/25676/15 "2009-01-28T05:12:17Z")
Are the wheels simalar to this? [http://lonestarcollisionbastrop.com/yahoo\_site\_admin/assets/images/Before\_and\_After\_06.193103456\_std.jpg](http://lonestarcollisionbastrop.com/yahoo_site_admin/assets/images/Before_and_After_06.193103456_std.jpg) Do you have an owners manual that has information on changing a tire? I believe the center cap has a small slot in it that you incert the sharp end of the lug nuy wrench into, and then pry off. If you’re useing the locking lug nut “Key” nut, I find it helpful to use a 18" breaker bar and a short extension. The lug nuts may have been installed with an air wrench, so you may encounter some resistance. ---
**Author:** ![Joseph\_E\_Meehan](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/joseph_e_meehan/32/21_2.png) [@Joseph\_E\_Meehan](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Joseph_E_Meehan)\ **Post date:** [January 28, 2009, 10:30am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/99-mercs-aftermarket-anti-theft-wheels/25676/16 "2009-01-28T10:30:46Z")
``` Find a car thief. Chances are he will be able to get them off in a matter of seconds. ``` ---
**Author:** ![hellokit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/6a8cbe/32.png) [@hellokit](https://community.cartalk.com/u/hellokit)\ **Post date:** [January 28, 2009, 3:14pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/99-mercs-aftermarket-anti-theft-wheels/25676/17 "2009-01-28T15:14:01Z")
Why is the tire flat (besides losing its air)? To save a tow bill, you could air the tire with a can of Fix-a-Flat. If there is a puncture, you could plug the puncture with a screw or nail, and then, use the Fix-a-Flat. There are special tools for your problem. Not every mechanic has the special tools. Call service stations, and tire shops, and ask the mechanic if s/he has the special tools. You may have to call a dozen----but, that’s what telephones are for. When you find one, you can drive to the service station or tire store. ---
**Author:** ![rick\_en](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/d6d6ee/32.png) [@rick\_en](https://community.cartalk.com/u/rick_en)\ **Post date:** [January 28, 2009, 8:21pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/99-mercs-aftermarket-anti-theft-wheels/25676/18 "2009-01-28T20:21:04Z")
I have two cans of fixaflat stuff, but nowhere to take this car once I get the cheap-flat fix, I took my wife’s car, with logo center wheelcover and the “keytool” to describe/illustrate the type of “lock” of this car’s wheels literally all over this county…(yeah it’s a rural county) and no one, sheriff’s dept included, has ever seen this type…only seen the anti-theft lugnut type…for which a new key IS sold at the local NAPA…also the lugnut buster tool suggested above problem is not with the lugnuts, it’s getting the circle of metal covering the lugnuts off…which will allow the wheel cover/hubcap to give access to the lugs ---
**Author:** ![hellokit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/6a8cbe/32.png) [@hellokit](https://community.cartalk.com/u/hellokit)\ **Post date:** [January 28, 2009, 11:51pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/99-mercs-aftermarket-anti-theft-wheels/25676/19 "2009-01-28T23:51:29Z")
So, have you aired the tire up, yet? If you haven’t, why not? Air the tire with the Fix-a-Flat. Take the car (the 1999 Mercury GM)to a salvage yard for help in removing the center cap. I’m sure these guys know how to remove that center cap ---- without destroying the wheel or wheel cover. There is an automotive recycler in your county, or the next county, isn’t there? You could, also, stop at repair shops along the way. ---
**Author:** ![rick\_en](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/d6d6ee/32.png) [@rick\_en](https://community.cartalk.com/u/rick_en)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2009, 3:50am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/99-mercs-aftermarket-anti-theft-wheels/25676/20 "2009-01-29T03:50:42Z")
10 miles away is a NAPA store I guess I could buy a couple cases of fixaflat and head out for parts unknown, hoping for the right direction, destination, and hoping for a lot of luck am I the first person to have this problem ? kinda funny, never having been first at anything before maybe the florida lottery (which I’ve never played) is my best option come on surely someone has had this happen before…lost the key etc…I mean this is a grampa-mobile-circa 1999 [Next page](https://community.cartalk.com/t/99-mercs-aftermarket-anti-theft-wheels/25676.md?page=2)