I know that Porsche used to include one of these pins with the spare tire when they were including spare tires with the car. Do they actually help in the mounting of the wheel and tire? I found the pin on the Suncoast website and was considering ordering one to aid in changing a tire on the side of the road.
Is it worth adding one to my tire kit?

Also, I was ready to push the order button at Automotion Parts to order a Lug Nut Socket with a soft aluminum center which is used to avoid lug nut damage. Automotion i calling it a SOFT SOCKET ... it's got an outer chrome-moly with a soft aluminum insert to hold the lug nuts. It's not supposed to ruin the lug nuts? Problem is that it's not recommended for the 2009 model???
They specify not to use on the 2009s 911. Kind weird.... any thoughts?

 

The guide is invaluable - in fact it's easier with 2. The soft socket is worthless - the insert will round off very easily.

 

The wheel hanging pin is a must. Two if you have PCCB brakes. The soft socket is intended for the aluminum lug NUTS that were used on the air cooled cars. On the water cooled cars, Porsche went to steel lug BOLTS. You won't damage them with a normal deep well socket. Just put some tape on the outer diameter to protect the inside of the painted bores in the wheels.

 

+1 on the pin. Totally made swapping my winter rims/tires so much easier.

 

I don't have the pin and when I changed from summer to winter wheels it is a bit of a pain. The wheel hangs pretty good on the hub itself, but aligning the lug holes is a pain to get right the first time. I can't imagine doing it without really good light. They are only a couple of bucks so I'm sure I'll own a couple before I swap back to my summer wheels.

 

Agree. Much easier when you use two of them.

Also, Harbor Freight sells the socket set that won't damage lugs (they have nylon inserts and a plastic coating to protect the wheel). I have used it a few times since purchasing and it does the trick.

 

One is nice, two really is essential for making this job easier.

 

A track guy told me you could use a threaded pipe nipple too. Never tired it but he said it works and it was cheap.

 

There are several versions of the pins. The longer ones made of aluminum tend to droop a bit with a heavy rear wheel/tire. I picked up two, as most agree is best, mine are shorter and tapered . They work great. It's not fun bouncing a wheel off your caliper and putting a big chip in the paint.

 

Thanks, I'll check out the Harbor Freight catalog... The bolts are painted the wheel color so anything I can do to not crack the paint will be a plus.

Also, Last 911 suggested taping the outside of the socket to prevent wheel damage.

 

Buy two metric bolts for ~$1.50 each,
(14 mm x 1.5 mm pitch x ~6” long )
Cut or grind the bolt heads off and wrap some tape around the shaft.

 

Other than the satisfaction of DIY, you can save a drive to Home Depot and spend $7.50 more at Suncoast and forget about the labor too.

 

+1 on the pin available from Suncoast. I only have one, but I could see where having two might make the job even easier.