Facom 1/2" Drive Socket Set for Mercedes "Flower Head" Wheel Bolts-17mm (NSB.17 heavy duty + NS.MB-USAG) - the Facom NSB.17 socket was the original factory tool for safe and effective removal of the convex ("flower head") lug bolts on late model Mercedes S-class (W221), GLK-class, M-class, CL-class and Maybach cars. The socket was included with the factory tool sets sent to each Maybach dealer. Use of standard 17mm hex impact sockets will likely damage these costly lug bolts.
I've sold thousands of these convex sockets (NSB.17) over the years but because of their thinwall design, they crack relatively easy when used with high torque impact drivers. Facom/USAG recently introduced a dedicated socket (NS.MB) for Mercedes bolt applications with thicker walls, a protective sleeve and tighter fit. Unfortunately, if the decorative aluminum cover on the wheel bolt is heavily deformed, the new socket will not fit.
So.........if you're a dealer or tire center mechanic who sees a lot of these Mercedes come through their shop, it's not a bad idea to have both sockets......wheel bolt is NOT included.
- NS.MB - for new and undamaged bolts. This should be the one used 75% of the time.
- NSB.17 - for use when the socket above won't fit (This socket intentionally has a looser fit (8-9 degrees of play between the bolt and the socket) compared to the tight fit with a standard hex socket (3-4 degrees of play). The thin polished aluminum cover on the Mercedes bolts is easily deformed from the torque and impact blows during R&R. Once the cover is deformed, the tighter fitting NS.MB socket will no longer fit the bolt.)
