Ok, I'm already kicking myself so no one else has to... With 56k on my OEM 17" tires, I was due to replace them. I ended up mail ordering the Michelin primacy MXM4. That was my only smart move. (so far, they're great.) My brother recommended his neighbor who runs a small garage to install them. I didn't get the good deal I expected, but the big problem was the deep gouges on one wheel that I discovered yesterday when washing the car. If you look closely at the photo, you can see where the mounting tool jumped off the rim then continued around it, so I have no doubt that how it happened. When he opens tomorrow I am going to try to work out some sort of resolution. My question is what sort of options do I have? A new rim from the dealer would be ideal, but I'm sure it is pricy. Is there any decent way to repair this, or should I insist on a replacement? I also have a slow leak from one of the other tires, which I suspect is coming from the valve stem. But that's a topic for another post.
There are shops that repair rims. Asking for a brand new rim is rather unreasonable when it can be repaired to pre-accident condition.
I like to use oil when checking a valve stem leak, if it bubbles it's leaking, take a stem tool and remove the core, clean it, the oil is lubricating the stem, won't hurt the core to smear some on the rubber gasket, re-install, tighten snugly and recheck. Watch the damaged rim spin in case it got warped, also repairable.
Thanks for both the suggestions. I figured that rims could be repaired but have never had to have it done.
When I bought my first set of alloy rims 15 years ago the shop used a plastic cover that snaps on the tire breaker bar. Ever since then, all the shops I've visited, use them for alloy rims.
Unfortunately that kind of thing happens. I've got some scratches on mine too, not very deep though. You can try to smooth out the scratched place with some very fine sand paper and paint it with touch up paint. I used Classic Silver 1F7 touch up paint that I had for my car, pretty good match. If the scratch is to deep that may not be a good option though. New wheels (on line price) $335 plus shipping each unless you can find one on ebay.
Man, I would be bent. This is exactly why I stick with the big name shops. If something goes wrong it is easier to set things right since customer service is very important to them. Ugg I'm sorry to read this, man.
I just think it's NBD. It's not good but certainly not the worst thing that can happen to your car. Nobody will ever notice. If that's the only damage to your car so far then you've got it good. See what tire shop guy says but don't expect much help and don't worry about it if that happens. Just move on with life.
This Toyota parts site Toyota Parts - Genuine OEM Toyota Auto Parts and Accessories says $454.98 retail but they sell them for $334.25 plus about $38 shipping to where I live. I think I would try to get it fixed or fix it myself, if the OP payed big bucks for a new wheel it might just happen again.
Bummer! Thanks for telling the story so it doesn't happen to others. When it comes to mag wheels I learned my lesson years ago! use only shops that have the right equipment. You were just trying to save a buck or two and you got burned,It happens
The mechanic fessed up and is getting in touch with a rim guy he knows. Of course, it's been over a week and we still haven't been able to anything up. I knew I was in trouble when he was having trouble getting my old tires off, saying he never worked in low profile tires before.
Ok, finally scheduled some time with the mechanic and he had my wheel repaired yesterday. He sent it out to a local guy who does that kind of repair. Anyway, I was skeptical but it turns out he did a great job. I can't even tell where the damage was. Anyway, I have to give this mechanic credit for taking care of this without any fuss.
I found like new used rims searching the following site: Car-Part.com--Used Auto Parts Market Looks like there just are not many of the 17s out there and they start at $200 CDN.
