The F4 rear wheel nut can be removed without marring the nut with the Snap-On 55mm 12 point 3/4" drive socket (Snap-On Part No. LDHM552). It must, however, be modified. The points of the nut are radiused. Though the low points (valleys) of the socket are radiused, the high points (peaks) are sharp. Taking the edge off these high points with a fine file effectively converts these sharp points which will scratch the nut to smooth radiuses which will not. The use of this particular socket is, incidentlly, recommended by Cagiva, though no mention is made of the modification. Without the modification, the socket simply will not fit and attempts to make it do so will mar

-- Larry Wolf (a1dasa1@swbell.net), August 11, 2000

Answers

I went to the local used tool store, and found a MAC Tools 2-3/16" socket, which works great. I think I paid about 30 dollars for it, which is a heck of a lot cheaper than a new Snap-On. Just be careful with it, and it won't mar the nut...

-- Scott Willock (azscott26@prodigy.net), November 10, 2000.

Larry & Scott,

A Sear's 2 3/16" 3/4" 12 Point socket is readily available for around ~$24US (new). Plus, they carry a 3/4" to 1/2" drive converter is ~$7US to eliminate the need for a 3/4" drive torque wrench.

The 2 3/16" size is a wisker under 55mm, so I'm able to wrap the nut with plumber's teflon tape to help protect it from being scratched. (Alternately, you can polish the nut so any scars can be quickly buffed out.)

Thanks for your helpful post.

Mike

-- Mike Meyer (mikemeyer_@hotmail.com), July 20, 2001.