Anyone know the exact specs and where to buy this wheel lug bolt nut socket so I can do wheel swaps at home?

I'm reading online that it's 17mm flower shaped? Can anyone confirm? A link to a website to purchase would be great.

I am using OEM lug bolts with OEM wheels. Car is a 2013 GL550.

Just put my new winters on (painted himalaya grey - same as the center cap which I forgot to put on for this picture).

I just swapped out using regular socket

I bought set of three plastic coated sockets designed for wheel bolts from Harbor Freight Tools. Have had them for years. 17mm and a couple others I have never touched.

No special socket needed. Just use a regular 17 mm socket. I rotate tires routinely and a 17 mm socket with a 1/2" drive works fine. A decent torque wrench is also invaluable.

Agreed. Good impact wrench and a high quality torque wrench with a 17mm socket. A simply tool I find most valuable is the this one:

Wheel Stud Pilot Pins M14 X 1.5

Without it, you end up spending way to much time aligning the wheel with the holes.

Here is a link of an example of the pilot pins.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/400822521508?lpid=82

Appreciate all the advice.

That's a great tool (the wheel stud hanger), especially with heavy wheels/tires.

I decided to order the flower/star shaped socket, I do have a 17mm thin walled I use on my other cars. Didn't think to even try that as I was afraid to damage the lug studs.

http://www.9circleint.com/productinf...N000011&id=247

Product is not necessary as many have mentioned, but it was cheap enough ($30 shipped with hanger) that I purchased it.

ITEM NO.9CL-9113321
2-PC Mercedes-Benz Wheel Nut Socket and Wheel Hanger Set

Description

Wheel Nut Socket:
Socket specially designed for removing wheel nut on Mercedes-Benz
No damage on wheel nut protection jacket
Size: 17mm
Lenght: 78mm
Drive: 1/2"
Material: Sr-Mo SCM440
Hardness: HRC43-46 degrees
Surface Finish: Phosphate (Black)
Works on:
Mercedes-Benz:
CL Class
GLK Class
ML Class
S Class
Maybach
Wheel Hanger:
M14 x P1.5 wheel hanger makes wheel services fast and energy saving.
Lenght: 150mm
Material: Steel S45C
Hardness: HRC38-43 degrees
Surface Finish: Chrome
Applicacion:
Mercedes-Benz, Audi, BMW, Citroen, Chrysler, Ferrari, Fiat, Ford, GM, Hyundai, Land Rover, Lamborghini, Opel, Peugeot, Porsche, Renault, Rover, Saab, Seat.

There is an aluminum stud in the spare tire compartment to assist getting the wheel aligned. An aftermarket one will probably be sturdier. When re-installing the wheel I found that having a bolt in the socket ready to go was most helpful in getting that first one in. Just spin it in there with your fingers only so you don't strip it. If you are doing it yourself I found that sitting cross-legged with the tire resting on your toes was helpful. You can guide the wheel around with your feet/toes to line up that first hole. Have fun!!

I actually do the toe-thing myself too.

I'm pretty new to this forum and impressed with the activity and replies. Thanks all.

I used a standard 17 and the socket kept on getting jammed with the bolt when tightening. What a pain. That and the 20" wheel/tire weighs as much as a Smart car.

I ordered the special flower shaped socket in the 17mm size. Pricy, but it is the right tool for the job.

Make sure you utilize a 6 pt socket and not a 12 pt socket. A 12 pt socket grips 1/3 less of the bolt/nut, compared to the 6 pt socket. A 12 pt socket also tends to be thinner walled, which can lead to stripping a bolt/nut. Especially, a bolt/nut that is super tight. I've never had any issues with the MB wheel lugs, using a good quality 6 pt socket. Happy holidays!

I would use the included lug nut wrench..... Those are simply covers over bolts... I loosened one of mine using a impact wrench and appropriate sockets... I suspect after a couple of years and an impact wrench will take a toll.