Disco 2 Can't Remove Security Nut

Okay,

Disco 2 - trying to rotate tyres to even out tyre wear (tyres a year old).

I previously replaced the security nut on each of the rear wheels with a standard nut, but not so with the two front wheels - each still has one security nut. Can't budge the security nut on the front passenger wheel (all okay with other nuts) - haven't even got to the front driver's side security nut yet. Had a look at my security socket - looks like it's damaged (side wall extruded a bit) at one section (probably happened last time it was at the tyre shop getting new tyres!). The security socket is type "C": As soon as I put any force on the tyre lever the security nut just pops out!

Might have to get a new type "C" security socket to get the two security nuts off and then just replace both security nuts with standard nuts! With COVID-19 though it's not a good time to be ordering parts because of the delays!

Any thoughts?

Seeing I want to get rid of the two security nuts and the security socket doesn't get purchase on the nuts anymore, I might put some JB Weld on the security socket, put it over the security nut and then have a go tomorrow removing it? That would only potentially get me one wheel done though!

Okay, might have to sacrifice a socket - hammer on a 12-point socket. Has anyone done this? The nuts are 27mm diameter so get a slightly smaller socket: 12-point 25mm??? Does anyone have tip on what worked (I don't have any air tools/impact gun)?

Mines the same. I still haven't got around to ordering a new one even though they're only £15 on fleabay.
Last time i used it i just gave it a few gentle taps around the outside to close it up a bit and then put a jubilee clip on to hold it closed and stop opening up again. Its worked so far but as the pins are also bent slightly its not gonna last forever.
Might actually order one today now I've thought about it.

Okay, the security socket is just not capable (damaged) so I think the best thing I can do is throw it in the bin and buy two standard 27mm nuts to replace the two security nuts on the front wheels. Just need to get those two security nuts off now! Because all the nuts are recessed on the alloy wheels I can't use my Stillsons, and I don't see any way at the moment how I can get them off with the tools I have! Maybe need to buy (click-and-collect given COVID19 lockdown) a couple of cheap 12-point sockets to hammer over both security nuts and get them out that way - not sure what size works though? Can anyone tell me what size 12-point socket works?

Or order a new security socket and wait fir it to arrive. That way you still keep locking nuts on the car.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/272288174684

swatts70 said:

Or order a new security socket and wait fir it to arrive. That way you still keep locking nuts on the car.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/272288174684

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Thought about that but c. AUD 75 to get a "C" type security socket delivered from UK to Australia! Found one locally, but he has to get it in and it will cost AUD 48 + freight, so maybe AUD 55! Very expensive for what it is, so might be alot cheaper just getting the security nuts off and binning them?

+1 to the jubilee clip idea, i used it for ages. The only thing is, I find it only works with two types of wheel, and even then you need to keep undoing the jubilee and turning it to avoid damage to the alloy wheel. But with a third type I wasn't able to get the thing in with the jubilee on it.
Do you have a welder? If so you ought to be able to run a bead of weld down the split. don't forget to disconnect the batt! Or weld a big nut to the top of the socket and use an ordinary socket to undo it.
Other than that, as others have also said, pop a socket over it that just fits and get it off. You may even save the socket.
But before any of this, use easing fluid and bash it a bit with a hammer to get it as loose as poss to do as little damage as poss to the socket. you could even try and remove it with a hammer and cold chisel, or at least loosen it. But there are risks to the wheel. And loosen all the other nuts first so it is not held on so tightly by the wheel. (I know this is only a tiny bit of difference, but it can't harm).
They are ALL prone to this, with three Discos I have had to replace all three of these wretched sockets. What doesn't help is that tyre replacement places tend to be a bit harsh with them then tell you, "Your security nut remover socket is split, mate". I can't remember who I bought mine off but it was one of the main suppliers and they weren't too expensive.
TBH they aint much use as if a scrote wants your wheels he'll think nothing of bashing a socket over it to get it off.

Intestinalworm said:

Thought about that but c. AUD 75 to get a "C" type security socket delivered from UK to Australia! Found one locally, but he has to get it in and it will cost AUD 48 + freight, so maybe AUD 55! Very expensive for what it is, so might be alot cheaper just getting the security nuts off and binning them?

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Deffo!

Mine had this issue i used a pair of stilsons.

Henry_b said:

Mine had this issue i used a pair of stilsons.

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Intestinalworm said:

Because all the nuts are recessed on the alloy wheels I can't use my Stillsons,

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HMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!!!!

Stanleysteamer said:

HMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!!!!

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Depends on the Alloys.

Henry_b said:

Depends on the Alloys.

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Absolutely, and as I said in my earlier post, my trick with the jubilee clip could only work on two out of the three types of alloys I have on my three Discos.
He must have the ones made by "Awkwardsods, plc!"

Intestinalworm said:

Okay, might have to sacrifice a socket - hammer on a 12-point socket. Has anyone done this? The nuts are 27mm diameter so get a slightly smaller socket: 12-point 25mm??? Does anyone have tip on what worked (I don't have any air tools/impact gun)?

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Just go to a Land rover dealer and buy a new socket they don't cost much dealer's have all the authentic sockets.

When that happened to me, I hammered a ring spanner on the nut and it came off. Mine is code H and I should think that a 12 point socket would work just as good.

Madman2Swords said:

Just go to a Land rover dealer and buy a new socket they don't cost much dealer's have all the authentic sockets.

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Or purchase this style with out ‘pins’ which are supplied as LR genuine parts at a dealer
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/360767373727

Never has an issue with my set and the key is kept in its pouch, I remove my wheels once a year just for the fun of it.

discool said:

Or purchase this style with out ‘pins’ which are supplied as LR genuine parts at a dealer
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/360767373727

Never has an issue with my set and the key is kept in its pouch, I remove my wheels once a year just for the fun of it.

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+1 so do I, however I did have the same problem with my locking key due to corrosion and misuse by previous owner / tyre fitters, I bought a new key plus 4 locking nuts fitted them, no problem unfortunately no 4 partially sheered so I chucked it int bin

Intestinalworm said:

Thought about that but c. AUD 75 to get a "C" type security socket delivered from UK to Australia! Found one locally, but he has to get it in and it will cost AUD 48 + freight, so maybe AUD 55! Very expensive for what it is, so might be alot cheaper just getting the security nuts off and binning them?

Click to expand...

I bought a security wheel nut removal tool. Its a 'socket' with a left hand thread which screws onto the nut, then when tight, it starts to unscrew the nut... in theory... I found that the tool was too small to fit disco wheel nuts, so I got a drill and and old hole saw which I think was 34mm (I'd have to check) and put it over the nut and basically 'milled' a couple of mm off the diameter of the nut. Being a fairly soft alloy, it took seconds. The removal tool then fitted

You will need a vice to separate the two afterwards though...

Bobdog said:

I bought a security wheel nut removal tool. Its a 'socket' with a left hand thread which screws onto the nut, then when tight, it starts to unscrew the nut... in theory... I found that the tool was too small to fit disco wheel nuts, so I got a drill and and old hole saw which I think was 34mm (I'd have to check) and put it over the nut and basically 'milled' a couple of mm off the diameter of the nut. Being a fairly soft alloy, it took seconds. The removal tool then fitted

You will need a vice to separate the two afterwards though...

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So are your wheel locking nuts made of “fairly soft alloy“ ? as those on my vehicles are steel as all wheel nuts usually are.

Madman2Swords said:

Just go to a Land rover dealer and buy a new socket they don't cost much dealer's have all the authentic sockets.

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Did you see the prices he was quoted?