Centre lock wheels thoughts / practicality

[C320]

The search for my 991 continues, but I am keen to know what is the consensus on centre lock wheels?

The car won't be a daily - but if you're out on a long drive or travelling through Europe how much of a pain are they / could they be you pick up a puncture?

Do CL equipped cars come with the CL removal tool? (I know they need to be torqued to something like 600NM, which would be another issue!).

I don't plan on having winter wheels or anything so don't need to swap out wheels myself - just keen to hear how folk cope with them - do people just rely upon Porsche Assistance / AA or RAC cover.

 

[TonyC911]

if you're out on a long drive or travelling through Europe how much of a pain are they / could they be you pick up a puncture?

As with std 991's no spare wheel, so you are reliant on the puncture repair kit or a recovery firm to get you home / garage.

Do CL equipped cars come with the CL removal tool? (I know they need to be torqued to something like 600NM, which would be another issue!).

Yes and Yes. Some people buy a torque convertor and a 200 - 300 NM long arm torque wrench. However, Porsche do recommend that the wheels be off the ground for removal / refitting, not using the weight of the car as dead weight to loosen / tighten. You can buy a torque gun, but the cost is prohibitive for occasional use.

I don't plan on having winter wheels or anything so don't need to swap out wheels myself - just keen to hear how folk cope with them - do people just rely upon Porsche Assistance / AA or RAC cover.

If I had the choice I'd have gone with std bolts, but if you want a GTS or Turbo then normal fitment was a rarely taken option. On the plus side they do look very good!

Good luck with your search :thumb:

 

[TurboSandGT4]

I picked up a nail in my tyre and fortunately managed to get home via a top up at petrol station.
The car had to be flat-beded and took a week to sort out.

I wouldn't let the centre locks put me off buying the car I want as long as you accept the worst case scenario.

 

[Luddite]

Yeah centre locks look great and they add seem to add another degree of possible difficulties. There are loads of vids on the www of removal and replacement along with the tools required. As has been typed dependant on the situation requiring wheel removal/replacement, if there is no local Porsche expertise available, can exacerbate the issue..?

On the other hand I had a wheel rotation sensor fail (ABS) on the family 4x4 barge which equated to being without it for three weeks waiting for the main dealer to get their act in gear... Modern motor cars and dealerships best efforts, seem to make even simple repairs more complex than may be thought to be reasonable.. :?:

 

[Rhodris-dad]

You just have to accept that if you get a puncture, it's going to be a bit more of a pain than usual.
Turning it into a "make or break" deal for a car is going over the top IMHO

If they ever need a refurb some companies want you to take them off before they will do the job, so you are left with the only option of an OPC.

But you have said you won't be piling the miles on.....so don't worry about it. :thumbs:

 

[Luddite]

I guess if you buy kit enough to remove and replace a wheel then you at least should you suffer a puncture in the back of beyond then any tyre place should be able to have a go at a temporary repair.. :?:

https://youtu.be/8Occky5wSB4

 

[TonyC911]

I guess if you buy kit enough to remove and replace a wheel then you at least should you suffer a puncture in the back of beyond then any tyre place should be able to have a go at a temporary repair..

There is an alternative piece of kit. I am just hoping that as a new release technology, it will eventually come down in price!

https://www.obsessedgarage.com/products/hytorc-center-lock-torque-gun

 

[C320]

I guess if you buy kit enough to remove and replace a wheel then you at least should you suffer a puncture in the back of beyond then any tyre place should be able to have a go at a temporary repair..

There is an alternative piece of kit. I am just hoping that as a new release technology, it will eventually come down in price!

https://www.obsessedgarage.com/products/hytorc-center-lock-torque-gun

Wow that's amazing but 4k isn't really hobbyist territory!

Thanks for all the comments all make sense and give me confidence that CL wheels aren't to be too afraid of!

 

[deMort]

Point to remember with center locks .. not all generic tyre replacement companies know the correct torque setting or indeed the procedure ..

You don't just tighten them up !

Get your tyres replaced by an OPC or INDY perhaps as i have seen the consequences of incorrectly fitted wheels from a Non Porsche specialist .