Scratched Steel Rims

Has anyone else experienced damage on the steel rims? The dealership scratched the shit out of them while doing the "free" tire rotations with Toyota Care.

They admitted to the mistake and are going to "repaint" them. Is this a viable repair? They are beginning to rust where all the paint was removed by the socket from the impact wrench.

 

I have read with a few guys that this happens where they got their stuff scratched up. Resurfacing shops can make the rim look like new, surprisingly. I would say give them a chance, if not, then you can take it to the next level. Its cool though that it sounds like there wasn't much of a fight for them to correct this.

 

No, they pretty much admitted it. You can see the circles around each lug not from the drill. I will get some pics when I get home tonight.

Also, the lug nuts are rusting, is that normal too?

 

It is when the corners have been hacked with an impact and the plating broken.

DIY is the only way to protect your stuff. Tire rotations, car washes, oil changes that are 'free' at the dealer are all done by the low end of the totem pole.

Some have good work ethics and will do a fine job for you.

Many, not so much. It's a job, and they either can't wait to go home or they think they should be the service writer.

Roll of the dice for which you get on a given day. But the odds are against you.

 

See if they have any Tacoma/4Runner take-off wheel/tire sets they'd get rid of cheap/free to you?

 

Mine only has 15 inch rims. I think those are all 16 inch.

 

This story in part is why I will never buy expensive wheels and because they are wheels and wheels get abused by everything. My stock OR wheels are chipped from so called professionals. They can chip and scratch them all thy want, won't hurt my feelings. As long as they aren't bent and track straight is all that matters.

 

Apologies I assumed your truck was a 6-lug.
Given that, and that they're steel wheels I'd be more apt to just do it myself.

Grab some masking tape and sandpaper, carefully sand every nook and cranny, clean the wheels well and paint them Pink Panther Pink or whatever you prefer!

You'll have a job well done yourself in an afternoon.