Hi all. This is my first post here. I wasn't sure whether I should have posted in the Tech Info forum or here. I've been searching for a part number for my 1989 Pontiac Bonneville SSE.

Disclaimer: It'* a long story where I whine too much so if you don't want to read it jump down to the blah-blah-blah smiley.

It all started about a month, if not more, ago. I had taken my car to a tire center to have a leak fixed on one of the back wheels. Now, not only did they not really fix the leak, as you'll find out from the rest of the story, and just try to sell me new tires, they also either stole or simply forgot to replace from where they removed it my lug nut key. Well, I, of course, didn't realize the key had been missing until I needed it, which was last night at three in the morning in below 20-degree weather. Having everything needed except for the key to replace the tire, which had literally torn to shreds, I settled for a tow truck. The tow truck guy knew what he was doing but nearly ripped the back bumper off because it'* so low to the ground. To say the least, I was annoyed with the tire center. I called them next day. They said the most they could do is if I bring in the car get the nut off.



Therefore, that is why I'm looking for the part number. I called a Pontiac dealer in the area who may be able to order a replacement but they have two candidates. They said I can come in, look at the pictures for both, and decide on which to order, but I bet they're going to look exactly alike. I'm hoping with the part number I'll be able to better my chances.

My fiance insists on simply buying a different car but I like my Bonneville, too many good and bad memories to just let it go.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

I might be wrong on this, but locking lug nuts are usually an after market item and not a dealer provided option.

Check you owners manual, glove box or whatever and see if you can find a small card that comes with the locking lug nuts. If you find it, it will have the key number and you can order a new key from the manufacturer.

Also..Welcome to the forum. Please add the year and trim of your car to your signature file. This will help us help you when you post with other questions. A write up on how to edit your signature file is in the Introduction for New Members thread.

I don't believe the lug nut locks were an aftermarket item. The owner'* manual mentions the key needed to remove them; it even shows a picture of it. I don't have any kind of manufacturer card for the locks either. To be honest though, I did buy the car used so I suppose it is a possibility.

Why was the Pontiac dealer able to find matches for the part though if it is an aftermarket addition?

Thanks for the welcome!

Actually a lot of Bonnevilles had stock locking lugs. May have been a popular option. Especially in the late 80'*.

I doubt we'll be able to help you on the part number. Take a good bunch of pictures and hit up the dealership. You should be able to tell where the keys are slightly different and will or won't fit your lug.

Other than that the best suggestion would be to have it removed professionally or pound a socket on there to remove it and put a regular on after you get it off.

Is this the kind that has a special socket? Or is tehre a key that removes a sleave? If a key you can try a lock smith. If it needs a special socket you can pound a socket on it and toss it. Or weld a bolt on the locking nut and remove it.

Everyday is a learning day. This is good to know!

DO your lug nuts look like this? These are OEM GM Also known as "gorilla nuts"





If so, you can get the "key" at the Dealer. the patterns are distinctive enough to pick the right one. Easiest is a little modeling clay. You can also take a pice of paper, punch/cut the center hole out for the bolt and lightly go over it with a pencil and get a "tracing" The keys are "loose" packaged" and the dealer should let you try them if you take the car there anyways.

If they are aftermarket, you may have to weld a regular one with a hole bigger than the wheel stud on first.

Wow, thanks for all the replies back! Never have I had so many replies in so little time at a forum; and I've been to quite a few. You all are great!

Regarding the lug nuts, I have considered taking the brute approach, either forcing a socket on there or welding a regular nut on top of it. I was even thinking of using some kind of pneumatic tool. The only problem with all that is it still leaves me with three other lug nut locks on my other tires.

For the sake of physical energy, much of which I don't have, and so I can remove the locks from the other tires, I'm taking the replacement route. BillBoost'* idea of taking pictures is a good one; and yes GXP Venom, those are the nuts and the key exact. I can't however take the car there though because the tire is torn to shreds.

Thanks again all! After I return from the dealer, I will let you know how it turned out.

Your Welcome. We like to look after each other as much as possible. BTW, Wlecome to the Forum and hope you get it off without troubles. Dont be a stranger when you get 'er fixed.

Unfortunately, the dealer solution didn't work. The pictures of the two keys the mechanic showed me were easily decipherable. I knew which to pick. The only problem is the one that matched came in a package set with other lug nut locks. The mechanic was almost sure the key only fit those locks and not others. He ended up suggesting Danthurs' idea to slam a socket onto the lock and pry it off that way. I tried that though; and I don't think it'* going to work for me.

My dad suggested to use some kind of pressure pliers to loosen it, like vise grips, I'm guessing, or to just chisel it off. I wasn't too keen on that idea.

My fiance'* father offered to weld another nut on and rip it off that way. He needs to get the materials first though. He'* not sure how much room he has to work with either. I sent him some pictures.

Here they are in case anyone else wanted to see:




That'* a definite. I love my Pontiac so I'll be visiting these forums for a good while.