May sound like a real stupid question, but are there some special tools needed to remove tires from the OEM S-Lite Rims ?

Reason I ask is that I had two tires replaced yesterday. And this was the end result to one of my Cherry S-Lite rims........





They used a steel flat breaker bar to lift tire lip up by placing it between the inner edge of tire and rim edge....then apply pressure onto painted rims?????

Is it possible to removed tires from the other side of the rims ?

 

I would say that they owe you a rim! There are machines and trained technicians out there who can change out tires without hurting the rims!

 

+1

They owe you a rim.

 

They don't necessarily owe you a rim, but they do need to fix the rim for you. just go in and talk to them, I am sure they will be reasonable. It is a low profile Run Flat and the side walls are a pain in the butt to remove and install. (Very little give.)They can change a tire without the special tire machine we have at our Dealership but its not easy.

 

They did a wonderful job balancing the tires, and generally speaking, they are good people with a great track record for my girlfriends Honday Element. Just one apparently in-experienced tech did the one rim.....

I did speak with the manager as you suggest. But he avoided conversation of making amends after initially denying responsibility for causing the damage....that is, until I showed him the exact tool used by the tech to create the damage. And when I gave him the opportunity to say the right thing the words just never came out of his mouth.

The rim is designed to have the balancing weights on the inside edge of the rim. Isn't there some way to remove the tire from that side of the rim as well ? or does the run flat tire bead prevent this technique

Thanks for your help.

 

Before having a shop mount/dismount MINI runflat tires, I always check with them to make sure they are willing and able to work with runflats. Not all shops are equipped or experienced in this work, so you may need a new shop. Some shops charge more for runflat work, as it is harder to do well (or requires different equipment). However, any shop willing to take the appropriate care or use the right equipment can mount/dismount MINI tires with no damage to the rims. I'm on my third set of runflats now, and have zero rim damage. I agree that this shop owes you a rim or a repair, and would suggest in the future calling around for someone more experienced with runflats.

 

+2

You cannot walk away from damage like that. They have insurance for stuff like that! At a minimum they should get you a reconditioned rim that looks brand new. They can have the new RIM waiting for you and send the damaged one back when they swap it out, it's like a "core charge" on a battery.

You cannot let them get away with this, it's a matter of principle! If they greased up your seats would you clean them yourselves.

My $.02

I am frustrated for you.

 

Gray, I have worked in new car dealerships for 18 years. I can tell you that this was done by someone that was in a big hurry, bottom line. Runflat tires are harder to change but can be done without the damage. They do need to fix this for you, bottom line.
That being said some higher end tire shops do have what is called a touchless tire machine, this is the way to go.

 

Thanks to everyone for the much needed information and suggestions. This is my first time with runflat tires, and had no idea the head ache of the rough ride were merely a small part of even a bigger problem of using tires like this.

This shop has worked on my friends Lexus which has run flats and they never had an issue. As a previous NAM member mentioned above, this one tech must have been in a real hurry or was suffering from a hangover.

I will make them pay for reconditoning or swap it out.

Glad to hear Todd that they manufacture tire machines specifically designed for this task. It bolsters my case against them for taking on a job for which they were not properly equipped to handle.

And, come this spring, I will be buying new rim/summer tire set up from the Tire Rack. I have a garage, just need a good floor jack/stands and set of chocks.

Again, my thanks for all the input. I learned much from you all about these ( Uuugggghhh ) tires

 

I had a similar incident when I went to a local tire shop for a puncture repair. I specifically asked the manager if they had experience with run-flat tires and he assured me that all was good.

uhhhhhhh...not so much as they effed up the S-Lite rim. Turns out that the tire buster was the new guy in the shop (not unusual) and he had no idea what he was dealing with and didn't ask for help. I felt bad for the kid who was responsible but that was not my problem.

They got me a replacement rim - but only after I made a threat to take the issue to the corporate office.