Wheel damage after mounting

So to clarify.

Before I went in I took pictures of my wheels.

There was nothing signed before install.

I specifically asked the sales associate in the event that the wheel is damagedat their fault, does the shop cover it. He said “yes we cover it, if it’s done by us” I explained that I went over the wheels with a fine tooth comb and they were flawless. He stated that they will inspect the wheels before install. If there was a problem they would let me know.

When I inspected the wheels before I left I noticed all the damage. I then showed him the wheels and his story started to change “ ohh, bro my manager left for the day and if that’s above my level so you’d have to speak to him” this was the same dude that told me they covered the damaged the day prior.

**Also not sure if anyone answered it but the wheel weights should not be able to be lifted with a single finger and minimal (and I mean minimal) force, correct?

 

In 35 years ,I have yet too have a problem with Discount Tires installing hundreds of tires and wheels for me.
O.P who is the tire shop that did the damage too yours ?

 

X2. Other than that, I would ask them to replace the center cap. That was a careless tech just smashing it on with his palm I bet.

 

If you have proof then no problem. If you don't have proof then tough luck. Sounds like you are good.

 

Not to sound like Im a lecturing “Dad” either, well yeah I am a Dad, but maybe it would help in the future to do a videorecorded walkaround of the car before they touch it while casually chatting with the service guy - and accidentally getting that part of the conversation on video while you are doing the video walk around? Just a suggestion for future work, I know it wont help now. Good luck with that, hope they own up to it, sounds like you did what you could so it should help!

 

It was a firestone, on post (a military base)

I voiced my concerns as the tires are 33.3 inches (roughly) and asked if they were able to mount tires that big as its obviously not a off road shop and was reassured they would be fine.

 

man I would be pissed! I have had wheels messed up before by certain shops and of course they claimed they didn't do it. but I didn't do my due diligence and take pics before and after, that sort of thing. now, I only have my tires installed by one person, and he knows I am super picky. plus he is a good friend so he wouldn't damage a wheel and not fix it out of his pocket. it helps that he also installs tires on high end race cars and street rods.

as for your wheel weight question, NO! if they are stick on weights you shouldn't be able to lift them up with your finger unless you are going to peel them off for some reason. it should take some force. if they used knock on weights, you definitely shouldn't be able to pick those off the rim with your finger.

good luck with your problems, I hope they take care of it and stand behind their work.

 

Is the damage on the inner wheel normal? It looks like claw marks

 

JimmySport is right, if you can flick off the weights with a finger, imagine what they would do spinning at highway speed!

 

Their tools definitely did that.

 

If I had to equate the amount of force I used it would be the first time I made it to second base...

 

Technically at speed, they have inertia helping them to stay stuck.

 

But you’re not always traveling “at speed” so if these come loose say in a parking lot, it could be pontentially dangerous.

 

Don't settle for anything less than new replacement. Had a Harley dealer mess up front wheel because tech was clueless. They tried to ignore and pass it off..in the end you have to make them stand behind their work.

 

Ive had wieghts like that fall off from toyota installation....twice. The fixed and rebalanced them all just to be sure.

 

Discount tire has replaced 2 of my rims for gouges and scratches after just rotating tires

 

If the place you took it specializes in tires and wheels I would be going thru roof...Was at a tire shop once and I had to explain to the guy what load balancing was (they didn't have a load balance machine)...Part of name of the shop was *** Tire...turned around and left. In my bike I use DynaBeads....pic of weights made me think of them. http://www.innovativebalancing.com/

 

that is definitely not normal. and the damage on the inner rim is where their "claw" on the wheel machine comes in contact with the rim and clamps it down. is it normal? not really, but I have seen this type of thing happen before. most modern machines I believe are what they consider "touchless" mounting. I might be wrong on that but I definitely wouldn't call that damage normal.

with all that said, I might even start to question the integrity of the materials used to make those wheels. it seems like the aluminum is really soft, just judging by the pics you have posted. I am not saying they are, and please don't take that as me saying your wheels are junk. I am just saying anybody who installs tires for a living should know what precautions to take to keep from damaging a set of wheels in today's world.

before my friend started doing my installs I had many sets done by Discount Tire Direct as well as Tire Rack. and not one of them ever came in with damage anywhere on the rim (I used to order all my wheels and tires online as complete sets).

 

I’ve done a lot of research as far as wheels go and from what I can tell stealth custom series makes quality products. No offense taken. I appreciate the response.

 

they used to be BMF I believe? if so, yes, they make an awesome product actually!