Rim damage from tire change

Good morning guys,

I would like to share my experience at a local PepBoys yesterday. Also to get your guys thoughts on possible course of action.

I brought my truck in for a uninstall and reinstall of my 295/70/18. I’ve been chasing tire feathering like most in the tundra so I was having to tires flipped and rotated so they did need to come off the rim. I do understand that these wheels are very difficult to remove from the bead. That said after I picked up the truck I noticed a ton of residue on the tires from what I suspected was lube to aid in removal. I can see from the damage and gouges on the rims that they were not easy to remove. I did go back to talk to the manager and he offered a free oil change to which I could only laugh and decline. He then said he would research a possible wheel repair guy to come look at it. He is supposed to call me today with more info.

Questions are how would you guys handle this going forward. Am I being too overly picky or OCD? I just wanted a simple job but now am left with the scars.

*if I could I would do tire maintenance myself also but don’t have the means.

 

I would not let that slide. From what I can tell, those are nicks and gouges? If I remember correctly, I think there is a plastic type protector that is supposed to be used on the bead bar to prevent this. Call one of your local custom wheel places and ask that question.

 

Thank you George your reply helps my thoughts. Yes these are deep gouges not some light surface scratch. The wheels are powder coated so not sure what a “repair” might look like. I will be pushing for replacement on at least 3 wheels.

I forgot to mention this job took the service center 5.5 hours to complete and the gentleman performing the service was a huge man equipped with a very large metal bar by the 4th wheel.

The first photo shows the wheel with the most damage. Subsequently this was the final wheel to be worked on so I’m sure frustrations were high then.

 

Can’t imagine they would let a brand new set of wheels and tires roll out in this condition. Why should my stuff be treated any differently….

 

Another follow up question…how many weights is too many?

The same worst damaged wheel now has 24 1/4oz weights on it. Does this seem normal?



The other 3 wheels have from 4-9 of the same 1/4oz weights.

 

Some can have a large amount of weight like that. Some shops will rotate the tire to a different position on the wheel to see of they can get a better balance. Really the only reason to worry about that much weight in one spot is if they were to come off.

 

That sucks. I was worried this would happen when I bought some expensive wheels for my wife’s LandCruiser. I decided to have the Toyota dealer swap the tires since I anticipated having the highest level of service there if something went south. Sure enough, upon picking up the car after the swap they scratched and gouged one of the wheels bad. Thankfully they owned it and ordered the $500 replacement, and didn't charge for the install since I had to come back another day. Sometimes the expensive route is the best route. I now use the scratched one as a spare on the Tundra.

 

Some light at the end of the tunnel. I contacted my State Farm agent (not Jake) and he gave me some good news. I have a $0 deductible on my comprehensive policy and if the PepBoys Manager isn’t willing to own up State Farm will step in and subrogate on my behalf. He did say it will not effect rates since it’s a comp claim either. Not sure how long that route would take or what the deal would entail at the end of the day. Just a check for new wheels?

I am going to stop by the location once more for his 24 hour update on a fix. Will update…

 

I assume they would just cut you a check for a replacement. . Then sue Pep Boys.

 

I find this interesting.
Comp claims may not effect rates as much as collision but make a few of them and you are sure to see your rates increase.

 

He says they will assign me an adjuster and may/may not require repair estimates.

Or maybe dropped all together? I’m not sure but I’m glad I have the coverage if needed. I would think not at fault so no mark on insurance record. Still hoping for shop to own up.

I went by there again and got the run around about I’m waiting for a call back is why I didn’t call you back. Why is he looking so diligently for a guy who can repair the damaged wheels if his shop is not at fault for this? This may be good for me if an adjuster does get involved.

 

Not good for sure! Even worse, I think it was done purposely. Did they take pictures before they started? Nowadays good shops take photos before taking the keys to protect themselves from stuff like this. I'd definitely fight it until full compensation is received. Good luck!

 

No photos before hand but lesson for sure learned. A diligent consumer will take their own photos before hand from now on. All photos stored on devices nowadays have a time stamp and location.

 

Update:

Rims removed from tires and sent out for repairs on shops dime. Spares are looking sharp!