Vauxhall Astra Coupe/Convertible 2002 - Maiden in distress - lost wheel bolt key

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Sat 21 Jan 2012 13:54
Vauxhall Astra Coupe/Convertible 2002 - Maiden in distress - lost wheel bolt key - georgiecat

Hi,

I purchased a 2002 Vsuxhall Astra convertible 18 mos ago. Recently I noticed a tyre on my alloy wheels is losing pressure within days of being pumped up, so I ordered a new tyre but when I took it to be fitted, the guy said there was no wheel bolt key and the tyre couldn't be removed without it. I had no idea what this was or where to get a new one.

The car dealer was totally unhelpful. After doing some research, I now know that each key is coded to fit a specific set of bolts and Vauxhall will provide me with a new one for the grand sum of £48 (!!!) if I produce the bolt key code. Seems a bit steep for a little piece of metal! The card in the bolt box has 2 letters and 4 numbers. Is this the bolt key code or the car key code?

I also found suggestions to chisel the nuts off. Unfortunately I don't have a chisel in my lady toolkit. Others suggested buying a socket that has lots of pins inside which mould themselves to the shape of the nut, which is cheaper than going to Vauxhall.

What do I do? I'm getting tired of pumping up my tyre every few days. Any advice will be much appreciated.

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Sat 21 Jan 2012 14:40
Vauxhall Astra Coupe/Convertible 2002 - Maiden in distress - lost wheel bolt key - bathtub tom

Can you contact the previous owner?

Have you had a good look in the glove box and tool kit? I keep mine taped in the wheel brace.

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Sat 21 Jan 2012 15:37
Vauxhall Astra Coupe/Convertible 2002 - Maiden in distress - lost wheel bolt key - elekie&a/c doctor

Many of the breakdown services(and many garages) carry a special tool for removing locking wheel nuts that have a lost key.Once all 4 nuts/bolts are removed ,you can buy a new set from vauxhall for around £20.

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Sat 21 Jan 2012 16:25
Vauxhall Astra Coupe/Convertible 2002 - Maiden in distress - lost wheel bolt key - gordonbennet

Have a really good search for the key first, get down with a torch and search every nook and cranny.

Even on brand new cars we used to find the wheel keys tucked in all sorts of places, i've found them when the dealer couldn't and was going to endorse the delivery paperwork.

Get the spare wheel out and check its not underneath or taped to it, or in the tool roll/pack, jack bracket, ashtrays, coin tray, door pockets, glove box including any oddment storage within, under the seats even.

as for an unhelpful dealer, remember that when you want to buy another car, visit them and waste some of their time and then tell them why you won't be buying.

Edited by gordonbennet on 21/01/2012 at 16:27

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