[Mk2] [Generic] Garage 'breaks' a wheel.... what would you do?

[HighwayStar]

Hello all.
So I went along to Wheels In Motion today for full geo (it was all a long way out after all my suspension changes) and new rears and they've managed to break a rear wheel. The inner thread that holds on the cap has exploded when they put it on their 'touchless' machine.
They are looking for a replacement wheel but I've never seen another set like them (I believe they are a US market Toyota 'Avalon' wheel or a Smiths 'Chaos'... pics in my garage). If they cant find a replacement they have offered to do a repair but say if I'm not happy with that we will have to look at other options.
The wheel bolts to the hub with no problem but I'm not sure I want a repair. It's got to effect resale if I ever want rid and what happens if it breaks again a year down the road?
What would you do? I'm thinking of asking for a completely different (2nd hand) set at their expense. Would you accept a repair on a wheel... they say it's just cosmetic but the fella who did it said "it'll never be the same wheel again"
Help!

R

[HighwayStar]

PS. They still put on the new rears (T1-Rs - 225/50/15) so if I do have to change wheels I also have the problem that if I vary from 15s I've lost a new set of rear rubber!
Anyone know how I stand legally?

Edit: Just added a pic of the damaged wheel to my garage.

[ashley]

The inner thread that holds on the cap has exploded when they put it on their 'touchless' machine.

WTF? How did the machine break it, the whole point is it doesnt bolt to the wheels isn't it?? Or was it when they took the wheel off to change the tyres?

Not sure how you stand legally- I guess they need to make it 'right' so that you are 'happy' with the outcome- the main risk from their perspective is protecting their reputation: if they get a rep for damaging wheels folk are much less likely to take their top spec sports and super cars there.

You may be able to get a full set of new wheels if they cannot find a like for like replacement, they would then keep your originals to try and recoup some of the costs: I would imagine the first route is to try and find a supplier for those wheels.

Good luck sorting it anyway buddy

[Rahzel]

If they can't find them... tell them the only replacement you would accept is a set of white Volk TR37's

[Lewis Jay]

They should have liability insurance.

Get them to find you another wheel or buy you a another 2nd hand set that you are happy with.

[Charged]

They are looking for a replacement wheel

If they cant find a replacement they have offered to do a repair but say if

Well it sounds like they are being reasonable about things.. they have accepted liability, are trying to sort it out by finding a replacement and they are offering to repair.

I'd personally find out more about the repair before demanding a new set of wheels. If they can repair back to a decent standard then I would go down that route.

Is this the guys in Chesham? They come very highly recommended if so..

[HighwayStar]

Hey Ollie.
I have to say they are indeed being very reasonable indeed. Took responsibility immediately and have made the promise detailed above. The geo work looks excellent according to the figures and the car definately feels better. Nice clean premises and friendly guys. Bad luck I suppose but they seem happy to work with me to reverse it and one can't ask for more. Just unsure what to do? Pic is in my garage if anyone wants to advise...

[Charged]

It is bad luck like you say but you have to measure a company on how well they rectify the error.

How come you would not be happy with a repair? Surely if the wheel is safe and there is no visable markings/repairs then all is good?
It may be a bit cheaky but you could possibly ask for a repair and a refurb of all 4 wheels?

[HighwayStar]

I suppose my one and only worry is how I find out if it happens that for whatever reason the repair wasn't safe. I know it sounds harsh but my cost is surely possibly higher? Whatever the chance of it happening it's a chance created by their machines error.

[Charged]

Perhaps get the wheel repaired and take it to another wheel specialist to check the quality of repair?

[LuizeGT]

if its only cosmetic then i wouldnt worry but if the structure has to be repaired then thats when i would start refusing cos it will offballance the wheel and make it very difficult to ballance right with tyres etc.

[Steve-O 2007]

I cant see the pic are you sure you put it up?

[HighwayStar]

Sorry fella I'd taken it out but have just popped it back again if you want a look.
I think the repair being considered is to replace the broken threaded part with brass or something else where another thread can be machined on. Not quite as simple as it sounds if you look closely at the centre of the wheel. I'm not sure if it can be done whether it will be firstly safe (presumably some welding will be required to what is a very old wheel) and then of course whether it will be as easy to balance, balance across the axle, last etc etc.

R.

[Timsmr2]

I had an experience with a garage damaging my car when I left my old Honda for a service (@ Honda) and when i came back they told me they hadnt removed the wheels as the locking nuts were too tight. When i had a look I realised they had used an air gun on the locking nuts (even though I had told them not to) and bu88ered the key, When I comfronted them they said that it wasnt their fault and left me with a car that i couldnt remove the wheels from. (Never had a dealer service again)

So I would say count yourself lucky it sounds like they are doing the decent thing, i think you are best off seeing if they can find a replacement and if not see what they offer.

[HighwayStar]

Thx for the comments all.
The latest state of play is that they cannot find a replacement (as I knew they woudn't) but say they can fashion a safe and effective repair by welding in a new brass sleeve they will then thread. I've asked about things like weight differences (side to side on the same axle) and balancing the wheel itself and again they assure me all will be fine.
My decision is to let them carry out the repair and then check for balancing and weight differences with other garages. If I get any problem I just go straight back to them.

R.

[steve b]

I don't actually like the big bolt covering centre caps, could you get them to have all the wheels machined down to take regular small centre caps?

My old Kei Office wheel centres had the big cover option but I think the small centre cap and uncovered bolts looked the better choice :-

[HighwayStar]

Think I actually like the big centre caps more to be honest Steve, plus I doubt they'll work on 4 wheels with damage to only one. They've had the car back 2 days now for the repair and still it's not ready so I'm getting both frustrated and worried that the repair is not quite so straightforward as they seemed to think.
Tim that's harsh news on the Honda. Have to confess that's not the sort of response I'd ever accept. I'd stand outside and talk to every one of their customers till they saw the light. If they still didn't I'd either be on to trading standards or throwing bricks through their windows.... Tolerance isn't one of my virtues.

R.

[phipck]

its an akward situation especialy as they are such a reputable company. So far it sounds like they have taken your interests to heart, im sure they wouldnt provide you with an un balanced car after this kind of issue as they know full-well how key these forums are to maintain their reputation.

having said that, you can only wait and find out. when you go to collect the car i would ask for the details of who carried out the repair as its possible they wont be doing it in house. i would also be careful taking it to other garages to check balence etc, i have had experience of other garages twisting the truth or down right lying in attempt to get some work out of me.

but either way keep us updated.