Heads up

[Spoiledhappywife]

i had seen on a social media site, where a 2018 Navigator had the wheels/tires stolen off the Navigator. The dealer had performed a PDI, and the new owner hadn’t taken delivery. Overnight the wheels were stolen. I suspect it was an inside job, however it prompted me to buy wheel locks to protect/ delay my wheels from being stolen....hopefully. I believe this was in New York, but not sure. (Not relevant).

Due to my car accident/incident I can say that there are a lot of delays/ back ordered parts. So just a forewarning- I hope this doesn’t happen to any of our members...

 

[JExpedition07]

Ugh that sucks, first time I saw these new wheels I said to myself a lot will be stolen. If you own a gator lock em’ up

I’d say your on to something with the inside job, someone has to have some balls to go up on a dealer lot where who knows where they have cameras and steal those.

 

[J Ski]

Maybe the dealer took them off so they could put winter air in them and just hasn’t put them back on

 

[Flexpedition]

I was curious to see if there was more to the story, so I right clicked each picture and did a google image search.

Pic #1: Best guess for this image: range rover evoque
Pic #2: Best guess for this image: snow
Pic #3: Best guess for this image: luxury vehicle

 

[Artie]

Ugh that sucks! Hard to believe after seeing all the hate for those wheels on this forum lol I thought I was the only fan but it seems someone likes them enough to steal them. So when you buy wheel locks aren’t there just a few different lock patterns? Seeing this has convinced me I should put some on my truck.

 

[stamp11127]

They remind me of the older wheels on Hot Wheels toys..

 

[Spoiledhappywife]

Ugh that sucks! Hard to believe after seeing all the hate for those wheels on this forum lol I thought I was the only fan but it seems someone likes them enough to steal them. So when you buy wheel locks aren’t there just a few different lock patterns? Seeing this has convinced me I should put some on my truck.

I will find out later today. I ordered some, they arrived at the dealership yesterday. I will talk to the Parts Manager and inquire about the patterns. It is just repulsive that anyone would steal wheels, but I know it happens with badging, wheels and whatever else people deem fitting.

 

[edizzle]

Ugh that sucks! Hard to believe after seeing all the hate for those wheels on this forum lol I thought I was the only fan but it seems someone likes them enough to steal them. So when you buy wheel locks aren’t there just a few different lock patterns? Seeing this has convinced me I should put some on my truck.

Oh man I love that wheel. After pretty exhaustively looking at aftermarket options, I think I am going to buy the reserve wheels for the expedition! I haven't found anything I like as much. If someone can put the ford logo where the Lincoln one is this is probably what I’ll do. I am not a huge fan of the polished wheels on the platinum.

 

[dlcorbett]

This happened to me and my wife...story time lol:

I was looking to buy a used expedition and took one home. While this was happening, my wifes chevy cruz went i to the shop for a esp issue. They gave us a rental, a fully loaded silverado ltz. This wasnt the first time her carwas in the shop and not the first time we got a silverado to romp around in. We see enough tahoes to know which wheel was on their lol. Welp, 2 days later, woke up to a bad morning(our dog pooped all over the floor) and i was running late. Walked outside and saw not my silverado sitting on cinders(on one side). I was shocked. Me and wife eventually went to the dealer and the service lady said "wow yea this happens all the time" im not a bettin man but...

 

[JExpedition07]

If you have 17” wheels like me nobody wants them so your safe. I almost bought the wine bottle 20” ones a while back and then said “why am I going to spend 2 grand on rims”. There went that idea.

 

[Spoiledhappywife]

Ugh that sucks! Hard to believe after seeing all the hate for those wheels on this forum lol I thought I was the only fan but it seems someone likes them enough to steal them. So when you buy wheel locks aren’t there just a few different lock patterns? Seeing this has convinced me I should put some on my truck.

Ok, wheel locks purchased! $45 well spent. Fits Ford and Lincoln. Peace of mind! Haven’t had time to install, maybe tomorrow. Mad Max has been a garage Queen this week, had to get the F-150’s in for service.


While speaking with Service (at Lincoln) there are claims that Home Link doesn’t perform as well. I have to disagree, has anyone had any issues?

 

[Artie]

Ok, wheel locks purchased! $45 well spent. Fits Ford and Lincoln. Peace of mind! Haven’t had time to install, maybe tomorrow. Mad Max has been a garage Queen this week, had to get the F-150’s in for service.


While speaking with Service (at Lincoln) there are claims that Home Link doesn’t perform as well. I have to disagree, has anyone had any issues?
View attachment 23648

Homelink on my Navigator was super simple to program for all my garage doors, no issues for me.
As for the wheel locks, how unique is the key for that? Can I go buy the same wheel locks and my key fit your locks?

 

[Spoiledhappywife]

Homelink on my Navigator was super simple to program for all my garage doors, no issues for me.
As for the wheel locks, how unique is the key for that? Can I go buy the same wheel locks and my key fit your locks?

Yes

 

[rcompart]

As for the wheel locks, how unique is the key for that? Can I go buy the same wheel locks and my key fit your locks?

There are about 40 different wheel locks so while a thief could carry around a bag with every one and try them all until he found one that matched, most won’t and that’s why they work fairly well as a deterrent.

 

[chart75]

There are about 40 different wheel locks so while a thief could carry around a bag with every one and try them all until he found one that matched, most won’t and that’s why they work fairly well as a deterrent.

It will slow a thief down by about 30 seconds per wheel but it won't stop them. All you need is a 12 point 19mm socket and a hammer. Hammer the socket on and then unscrew it with a breaker bar.

 

[rcompart]

Sorry but I'm calling bull$h!t on that video. I've had to drill enough wheel locks out on various makes and models over the years as a result of not being able to do that with specialized wheel lock removal tools so while there are some will come off rather easily with those tools, you're not pounding a regular 12-point socket over a chromed cylinder (or zinc-plated for that matter) and generating the required profiles needed on the wheel lock to apply enough torque to break it loose without it stripping or the socket splitting.

 

[chart75]

Sorry but I'm calling bull$h!t on that video. I've had to drill enough wheel locks out on various makes and models over the years as a result of not being able to do that with specialized wheel lock removal tools so while there are some will come off rather easily with those tools, you're not pounding a regular 12-point socket over a chromed cylinder (or zinc-plated for that matter) and generating the required profiles needed on the wheel lock to apply enough torque to break it loose without it stripping or the socket splitting.

It's not the only video or tutorial out there on removing wheel locks without the key. Just google it, or go to your local Discount Tire or other tire store and ask them how they remove wheel locks without a key. I had a lock go bad and my Discount treated it like no big deal.