Broken Tire Belt Symptoms

kfjethro · September 20, 2017

During my ongoing saga of getting my rims replaced under warranty: http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/topic/204899-large-number-of-wheel-weights-on-replacement-snowflake-rims/

the dealer informed me that I had a broken belt in a tire and I ended up having to buy a new tire. This was a surprise to me as I had no indications of tire problems. I had driven the highway to get to my dealer that morning and their service department had road tested my truck the week before. I would have thought there would have been some indication. They told me I could only see the broken belt once the tire was removed and they discovered it while changing the rims. When I received the bill for the tire it said the tire was a replacement due to bead damage. The dealer insisted they made a mistake on the paperwork. Has anybody else had experience with broken belts. ? My friends have all said you will know immediately when a belt has broken due to thumping in the tire. The tires on my truck are Goodyear SRA 265/65R18 RWOLs. Unfortunately I didn't think to ask to look at the tire at the time.

wildlyfe200 · September 20, 2017

Sounds like a load of BS to me ask them to show you the tire with the broken belt or your not going to pay because your tire was fine on the way in and there is no way in hell you would have not noticed it. They most likely messed up your tire bead taking it off and on the rim and are footing you with the bill. You would instantly know if a belt broke in your tire and it is not common occurrence unless a tire is really, really worn or defective.

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Supreme Pizza · September 20, 2017

Did they ask you first, or just replace the tire and hand you a bill?

Ask to see the tire.

Tell them to install the spare tire instead and then buy the tire from someone else. Or even a used tire that would match your tread wear better.

In my area, they cant exceed the estimate by more than 15% without your verbal authorization. They also have to keep the parts on hand and show them to you upon request. After you pay the bill and leave the shop, then they can throw out the parts.

txab · September 20, 2017

You should have been shown the tire. Is true that often defects are easier to spot once the tire has no air in it. not always

kfjethro · September 20, 2017

They asked before they put the new tire on and I agreed. The tire is already paid for. I had no reason to doubt them until I saw the bill which said bead damage. Everybody I've talked to has said you would know right away if a belt is broken. I've never had a broken belt. My tires have 13,000 km in almost 3 years, no offroading - they were babied. They were like new. Added to the problems in my other thread I began to wonder if something else happened. I never thought to ask to look at the tire. They actually waited until late in the day to change my rims and I had to leave the truck for the night (they offered a rental but I declined). I didn't even think of looking at the bad tire the next day. I escalated my complaints about the rims higher up in the dealership yesterday. I will probably bring up the issue about the tire as well. The first ironic part is that I bought the tire warranty from GM which is not applicable in this case. The second ironic part is that less than a week before they discovered the bad tire, I had specifically asked the dealer to check my tires because I get some tread noise over certain pavements (no thumping or vibration). The mechanic specifically noted on my bill that the tires were inspected and there were not defects or signs of abnormal wear. In less than 100 km I ended up with a broken belt. It could happen. At least I have now learned to ALWAYS LOOK AT THE OLD PARTS.

sdeeter19555 · September 20, 2017

A slipped belt will sometimes not present a thumping...it will show during a spin balance as a slight wobble in the tread.

I did work at a dealer and a old-school gas station once in a lifetime ago, seen a lot of belts damaged...it doesn't take road damage to cause it either, sometimes it's a manufacturing defect.

In this case, it sounds like they were fishing for a obscure way for reimbursement for the work they are doing...

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kfjethro · September 22, 2017

I talked to the service manager's boss this morning and they are going to reimburse me for the tire. In his words I should never have been charged for the tire. Thanks for your support and advice.

Spurshot · September 24, 2017

Sounds like the service manager's boss is a stand up guy.

Yasser2710 · May 24, 2023

I would recommend you to learn more about tire issues like tire bulging, broken tire belt, tire squealing, tire feathering and other noise issues , you can visit the webpage and get know the reasons behind all such issues. Moreover, you can also comment and ask our experts about the specific problems you are facing.
https://tiresangle.com

I would recommend you to learn more about tire issues like tire bulging, broken tire belt, tire squealing, tire feathering and other noise issues , you can visit the webpage and get know the reasons behind all such issues. Moreover, you can also comment and ask our experts about the specific problems you are facing.

https://tiresangle.com