I recently swapped out my 4 security bolts for standard bolts (after 3 years and about 10 wheel rotations) because the pins on the security bolts were just about stripped, and I didn't want to be caught out not being able to remove a wheel for the sake of a stripped security bolt.

Set of 4 new standard bolts cost about $45 from VW spare parts.

In hindsight, I should have swapped out a lot earlier.

 

I recently swapped out my 4 security bolts for standard bolts (after 3 years and about 10 wheel rotations) because the pins on the security bolts were just about stripped, and I didn't want to be caught out not being able to remove a wheel for the sake of a stripped security bolt. Set of 4 new standard bolts cost about $45 from VW spare parts. In hindsight, I should have swapped out a lot earlier.

^This^. I did the same thing. I had a flat away from home, and couldn't get the anti-theft lug off with the in-car tools. Poor design.

 

I have had wheels off about 20 times.

I tighten to spec (180 NM) and never any issue taking the wheel off.

Any technician that comes close to my nuts with a rattle gun will think twice about his own nuts.

the wheel nuts should have clean DRY threads and be tightened by hand with the wheel in the air and then torqued to 180NM in a star pattern with the wheel on the ground.

It's not a land rover. It's a precision piece of engineering that needs care taken to certain procedures. There are specified procedures and torque values for a reason!

 

The wheel bolts should be torque as mentioned by 4EPikanini not only to ensure the bolts aren't stretched (or so loose they work their way out) but also ensures the disc (brake) is properly centred, reducing the chance of brake vibration. John

 

Replaced mine a long time ago.

 

All good advice re wheel bolt torque and keeping clear of ratttle guns.

The issue here, however, is the PITA security bolt which has a very shallow keyhole for the adaptor. It is just too easy for the adapter to slip off the security bolt. Every slip wears off a little bit more of the teeth/pins on the security bolt.

And I forgot to mention that the pin design of the security bolt is not symmetrical - you have visually position the adapter correctly over the security bolt. The security bolt is just too finnicky.

In any case, where I live you'd have to be pretty desperate to steal a set of VW wheels.

 

...The issue here, however, is the PITA security bolt which has a very shallow keyhole for the adaptor. It is just too easy for the adapter to slip off the security bolt. Every slip wears off a little bit more of the teeth/pins on the security bolt.

Exactly

Yes, I have changed a wheel on several occasions using a cross shape wheel brace. No problems.

Guessed as much because it is symetrical & does not skew off centre like the factory supplied lever.

Can anybody recall when was the last time somebody knocked off the wheels from a Touareg?..
Steal the whole car, now that makes sense, ...

My thoughts exactly.

Thanks for all the replies. I ordered some standard wheel bolts to replace the anti theft ones from VW today. Stupid arrangement and am very glad I noticed this issue before getting a flat tyre. I also ascertained my wheels have never been rotated, so I can only assume they were torqued this way in the factory.

 

Yep, 4-years ago after local VW idiot tech rounded off key with impact wrench.

 

Changed them out on my second Touareg but have not gotten around to it on the new one. I hate these things with a passion.

 

It may be achievable with a proper X shaped wheel brace or a breaker bar.

Yes, I have changed a wheel on several occasions using a cross shape wheel brace. No problems.

 

I have 4 for sale. 100 dollars each. Killer deal.

 

Oddly enough, I was parked recently at the golf course beside a Dodge 3/4 t pick-up truck.
When I started the Treg to leave, i noticed a wheel nut at a strange angle on one rear wheel of the Dodge. As it turned out, when I got out and had a look it was a security nut that had backed right off.
I checked the rest of the wheels and a front was loose as well.
Left the fellow a note on the windshield.

 

Oddly enough, I was parked recently at the golf course beside a Dodge 3/4 t pick-up truck. When I started the Treg to leave, i noticed a wheel nut at a strange angle on one rear wheel of the Dodge. As it turned out, when I got out and had a look it was a security nut that had backed right off. I checked the rest of the wheels and a front was loose as well. Left the fellow a note on the windshield.

Note: hello sir I think you have loose nuts

 

I think VW finally ditched the security lug bolts for the Touareg in MY 2014 (in N/A anyway).

 

Another one here which ditched those wheel lock bolts years ago.

 

Can anybody recall when was the last time somebody knocked off the wheels from a Touareg?
What would be the point, unless you were an under privileged ans socially challenged Audi/VW/Porsch driver..!!

Steal the whole car, now that makes sense, but to steal a set of rims that will fit nothing else? Hell, if it doesn't fit the Supra then its not worth flogging.

Stuart..

 

good point !! Think i need to get rid of mine not that they are giving me trouble yet

 

My thoughts exactly from last year

http://www.clubtouareg.com/forums/f44/wheel-lock-nuts-167857.html

regards
Drag

 

Knowing what I know now, I would ask the dealer to demonstrate loosening one of the four anti theft bolts with the equipment supplied in the car, as part of the delivery. They would have been left red faced with mine.

 

I have never had an issue removing the security bolts and all mine are intact with no problem what so ever. That being said I never use the lug wrench in the tool kit. I have as big T lug wrench I use to remove mine and I make sure the lock tool is firmly on the bolt before I start turning it. Mine look like they did the day I bought the car. I mean granted, I wouldn't know why anyone would want to steal the stock wheels on my car, but the security bolts came with the car and I'll use them.

 

I have never had an issue removing the security bolts and all mine are intact with no problem what so ever. That being said I never use the lug wrench in the tool kit. I have as big T lug wrench I use to remove mine and I make sure the lock tool is firmly on the bolt before I start turning it.

Yes that makes sense. I am sure sure undoing them with anything symmetrical will work. Have a go at doing it with the VW L wrench just for giggles.

 

My L wrench and security nuts (and tool) looks new.

I treat them with care.

 

That's nice to know. Mine are warm and cosy and uselessly stowed inside my car too.

OTOH there is little chance anyone could use this brand new, mint condition L wrench and adaptor in my 6 month old car to remove the over tightened security bolts.

 

i recently realized the "key" was missing for the "locking" lug bolts. so i REALLY tightened up the other 4 lug bolts and VERY aggressively hammered a regular socket onto the locking lug bolt and eased it out with an air-wrench - on each of the 4 wheels.

once completed, i replaced the locking lug bolts with regular lug bolts & torqued all 20 of them to factory spec.