Help! When I bought my XC90 in 2005 (a 2005 model), I bought and installed the Volvo wheel locks, which are made by McGard. I used a torque wrench and tightened them to 90 fp. The factory wheel lugs are torqued to 102 fp. Yesterday, when I attempted to remove the locks in order to rotate the tires, the head of one of the locks literally shattered in three pieces, distorting the key at the same time. I contacted McGard, manufacturer of the product and they are sending me a new key and lock. They want me to return the defective lock and key, and they will refund my credit card charge.

No problem on that end, but I wonder how I am going to get the broken lock removed from the wheel. I noticed a large number of complaints about McGard locks on other vehicles on Google, but none on Volvos.

Anyone had this same problem, and if so, how did you resolve it? At this point it looks like I am going to have to take it to a Volvo dealer and have the lock drilled out.

Any other suggestions, Tech?

Thanks.

 

How much of the lug is left?

 

Hi Tech! Just the center portion of the lock head, and the rest of the lug below that point. Wish I could find my digital camera now so I could photo it, but describing it is the best I can do right now. The key sheared the outer portion of the lock head off, down to just below the steel ring that surrounds the top portion of the lock. The center portion of the lock head remains, but I'm not sure it will handle the torque of either a breaker bar or an impact wrench when I use the new key on it. McGard suggested I over torque the factory lug bolts slightly, before trying to remove the lock. I have used a good penetrating oil to aid in loosening the locking bolt.

Niel

 

See if you can find one of the sockets that are used on the lugs when the Lock is missing.
You will hammer it on the outer part of the lug then use a breaker bar to loosen it.
I would also tighten the other lugs some and see if that helps as well.

 

OK! Thanks. I'll try that and let you know what happens.

 

Followup. No socket can be used or hammered over the remains of the lock because there is not enough material remaining to fix onto. Had to be drilled out. Cost: $250.00. Dealer also took care of tie rod recall while car was in. Talked to dealer about eating part of the cost since the locks were Volvo - approved. However they only have a one year warranty, and it's been several months over that time frame.

I've always used locks on my wheels, no matter what I was driving, but after this experience, forget them, especially if I am going on a road trip where there might not be a Volvo dealer handy!

 

I don't blame you one bit.