I recently got new tires on my 06 Durango and the place was unwilling to balance them unless I signed a waiver stating that I did not hold them liable for damage to the wheel. According to the manager, when they put the wheels on the machine and crank the cone down, the pressure cracks the plastic.

I signed the waiver because I didnt want to ruin my new tires by running them unbalanced, etc. I have gotten them balanced elswhere since and got the same story.

Has anyone else heard of this?

BTW, I do have small hairline cracks in the plastic now!

 

Never.

And the result, they did exactly what they told you they would do... poor service resulting in damaged wheels.

Sucks for you and they suck. Sorry to hear!

IndyD

 

I never had to sign a waiver for a wheel or tire change, poor excuse for a shoddy job (+1 to Indy). I would use them as winter wheels now. You can buy chrome plated wheels for about $200.00 a piece which is probaly not an option in this stagnant economy,
FF

 

As someone who installs tires for a living, the garage was half right: those things are easy to crack, and you want the wheel as tight as possible on the balancers to avoid any wobbling (that leads to inflated out of balance readings and poor balancing.) And the wheel's center hub is how they're held on a spin balancer. However, I've never cracked one myself. They just didn't use good judgement and cranked those things on as tight as a steel rim and cracking ensued. Should've went elsewhere when they pretty much told you they were gonna crack them. Sorry.

 

just had mine done today at sts auto and didnt have to sign a waiver.

 

I also have an 06 Limited. They are just wheel skins. You can buy replacements on ebay for about $60. Bought new ones to replace mine because they where scratched and pitted. Assuming your talking about the 18". Part number 8272P-C Here is a web sight to order them from. http://www.autoenhance.com/dodgewheelskin17.html

 

Tire Warehouse has the right equipment and didnt put a scratch on my 20" Chrome Clads. Got to have the right machine with the correct hub adapter.