I read a lot of negative comments regarding the CLs and what a PITA they are to deal with. Having just taken delivery of a new TTS with the "dreaded" CLs, I thought I would share my experience.

First, I did spend a grand or so acquiring the proper tools; 1) collapsable breaker bar, 2) 600 ft lbs torque wrench, 3) Castrol aluminum paste & 4) torque multiplier, 5) big red ***** . Didn't really need the multiplier but wanted it anyway!

I took the opportunity to learn about the CLs to rotate my tires side to side. Bottom line; I have no idea what the fuss is all about! Sure, getting the routine down took a few minutes and changing the rears took me longer (first axle I did). With the proper tools, it's easy-peasy! Messing with the paste is the biggest PITA, but then, I was probably too cautious.

I'd have no problem or fear of taking a long trip with these. In fact, we went to Porsche Palooza a few week-ends ago. I packed the breaker bar, wrench, guide and paste in the frunk. That way, if I got a flat, I'm basically in the same position as a car with regular wheels. I can R&R the wheel myself anywhere and get a tire. No need to have to find a dealer.

Hope this helps and glad I went for the CLs!

Your opinion and experience may differ.......and that's OK with me!

 

I echo your sentiments. I used to change tires on B-52s. This is child's play.

- Patrick

 

Steve,

Thanks for the post! Love to see a video on what is required to remove a center lock wheel... Might do a goggle search on it...

By the way I love your HRE wheels, and I am considering getting them for mine. IMHO they look even better then the already good looking OEM wheels, and they are easier to clean. My car arrived at the dealer yesterday!

Can you elaborate on your HRE wheels... Going from a 20" wheel to a 21"... I would probably not change out the springs like you do. Where did you buy them?

 

Thanks for the compliment. I was going to buy them from Corey at Wheels Boutique, but the local HRE vendor that my dealer works with had them, which was pure coincidence. They matched Corey's deal so I went with them. Butler Wheel & Tire in Atlanta. Expect to drop around $12K for a similar set-up, including tires.

I have not driven the car on the stock 20" wheels, so can't compare. Having said that, the car rides really well as it sits, so I'm extremely pleased with how it turned out.

Now on to performance mods..........

 

Congrats again, and thanks for the feedback!

 

Here are two videos: &

 

MJM911,

Sweet... Thanks!

 

I concur with OP on everything. Changed my summer TTS wheels for winter set two weeks ago. Biggest problem was removing the aluminum grease from my hands. Torque wrench, breaker bar and wheel guide were well under $1k. Paver's video was very helpful. I understand the aversion to CL's, but it is probably due to a lack of familiarity with them. They may actually be easier/quicker to mount than five lug wheels once you have done it once and have followed the owner's manual. Yes, if you track them you have to service the hubs and bearings, but anyone who tracks realizes than maintenance is more intense than just road use.

 

I hope you purchased the wheel warranty because there are still very few shops that can service the CL's. Porsche dealers will gladly assist.

 

I did purchase wheel and tire protection plan, but mainly for piece of mind if I hit a pothole and destroy a wheel. Figured it was cheap insurance. Any shop, certainly with me there, can service a CL car with the proper tools in the frunk. No big deal!

We don't carry the tools when driving around town. If we have a wheel / tire issue in town, car will be towed to my house anyway. While on trips, tools are in the frunk and I'm in the same position / predicament as any other driver without a spare if I have an issue.

 

I did not know the tools that you purchased for removing a CL wheel from your car are the same tools that tire shops need to remove the tire from the rim. I have yet to own a Porsche sports car that delivered more than 12,000 miles on a set of rear tires. I was happy to get 9,000 miles on my 993 Turbo! It is the process of changing tires that limits choices for me and creates inconvenience.

I absolutely love the 991 CL design. It is stunning and a huge aesthetic improvement over the previous generation 997 CL design, but there are still too few shops that have the machines/adapters to remove the tires from the CL rims.

Whether its CL or 5-lug it will be the rare occasion when we get a flat and the nearest tire shop has the correct replacement tire. Your insurance was a better investment than your tools.

 

These are unidirectional tires, so please do not swap sides.

 

The Pirelli P-Zero (and most other high-performance tires for our cars) are not directional, but asymmetrical. As such, they are marked "OUTSIDE" on one side and that side obviously has to be mounted facing outside. So long as they are mounted properly on the wheel, it's perfectly OK, and encouraged, to rotate them side to side.

This will not necessarily give more life to the tire, but it will keep it quieter. The leading edge of each tread block wear faster the the trailing edge, causing a feathering effect on the tire, making it noisy. Reversing the rotation of the tire negates, or at least minimizes this effect, reducing or completely eliminating undue tire noise.

On my high performance tires, I try to do this every 2,500 - 3,000 miles. It makes me happy......!

 

Hey, I appreciate the tip on these tires, and I will definitely rotate them side-to-side. I am really sensitive to tire noise, so this is great to know. In my one month of ownership, I have already put 2,500 miles on the OEM wheels so I will swap sides when I install them again. Right now I have my winter wheels mounted and they have a unidirectional tire tread pattern.

In a perfect world Porsche would offer forged, 5-lug wheels as an option for the Turbo S instead of the cast Turbo wheel. It is like making (at least) a $3800 donation to Porsche every time a Turbo S rolls off the assembly line with 5-lug wheels!

 

Any advice on which torque wrench, breaker bar and wheel guide would be appreciated. I do not like to loosen fasteners with a torque wrench. Old aircraft maintainer habit...

In the video it looked like he had two of the large "sockets." One for the breaker bar and one for the torque wrench. I know that one comes in the tool kit supplied with the vehicle, do I need another one?

Thanks,
Patrick