Replica Wheels cracking
#16
Just an update on this issue.
I have stopped driving the car. I contacted the company to get a resolution late Friday the 15th. I was told that the warranty department would look at the pictures and contact me asap.
I was contacted this morning(Monday the 18th) by a representative letting me know that they would replace the wheels free of charge. They also recommended that I change wheels to the original style that was stock on the LS430. I wanted to change to that style anyway so that was a welcome surprise as well.
I understand the pros and cons to purchasing replica wheels and that they may not be up to the standards of OEM. Just wanted to relay the info that they were standing behind their product and making it right.
I wont post the company or website but if you want to know you can PM me and I will respond.
I have stopped driving the car. I contacted the company to get a resolution late Friday the 15th. I was told that the warranty department would look at the pictures and contact me asap.
I was contacted this morning(Monday the 18th) by a representative letting me know that they would replace the wheels free of charge. They also recommended that I change wheels to the original style that was stock on the LS430. I wanted to change to that style anyway so that was a welcome surprise as well.
I understand the pros and cons to purchasing replica wheels and that they may not be up to the standards of OEM. Just wanted to relay the info that they were standing behind their product and making it right.
I wont post the company or website but if you want to know you can PM me and I will respond.
Steve
#17
Rookie
Thread Starter
What did the car hit? a curb?
Thats great they are making it right...but an inferior quality product is still an inferior quality product...its not a piece of trim or something that can fail and be of no safety consequence...these are the cars wheels...
This does happen:
I could never feel confident the wheels wouldn't crack and fail again. Has nothing to do with the style of the wheels...their wheels are just junk.
This does happen:
I could never feel confident the wheels wouldn't crack and fail again. Has nothing to do with the style of the wheels...their wheels are just junk.
#18
Lexus Fanatic
#19
Lexus Test Driver
Dang! That's crazy. I'm searching for wheels now as well and ran across some OEM "equivalent" wheels in my search.
Thanks for sharing this and I hope you get new wheels soon.
Thanks for sharing this and I hope you get new wheels soon.
#20
Pole Position
Lucky you caught this when you were DIY replacing your brake pads. You likely avoided a serious accident. Did they say why they want you to "go back to original style" that was OEM? The wheels that failed are 18" made in china. Are you going to a smaller size wheel? (which means new tires) or thicker/fewer wheel spokes and/or chrome? You're gonna have to keep a close eye on the "new" wheels.
#22
Lead Lap
iTrader: (11)
I've learned that you get what you pay for, go for drop forged rims or a well known company because not only are they stronger but they are lighter as well and that means not much but increased gas mileage and more power as lighter wheels will be easier on the engine and transmission to move by a small amount. You can luck out most of the time on used wheels when people don't have the space for them.
#25
Pole Position
Despite the numerous auto regulations in the U.S., the NHTSA and NTSB apparently allow hazardous "replica" wheels to be imported and sold without restrictions or specifications.
#27
Wow, you dodged a bullet there. Although that brand or manufacturer may be bad, not all less expensive aftermarket wheels are in the same category. If you want the OEM look, you can get 4 after market for for the price of 1 OEM and possibly risk what you have or you're going to have to pony up some serious cash.
When looking for wheels for my 2002 that where starting to show their age, I stumbled across a great deal on Ebay being sold from a Lexus dealer. I guess a customer ordered them and never picked them up. I picked them up right from the dealer. The tires (Michelin MXWv4's) still had the stickers on them and the tire and wheel set was $800. The wheels were MSW "Type 14" made by O.Z. I have about 70,000 - 80,000 miles and maybe 2 1/2 season or so of Chicago weather on them (Snow, salt, etc.) and they still look new. At about $114 a wheel, I think they look good and have held up very well. I take them off maybe 3 times a year or so for a thorough cleaning. There are no signs of pitting, cracking, etc.
Sorry if this is off topic but there are people out there that think if you don't spend over $1,000 or more on wheels, they are no good. There are some good after market wheels out there for a reasonable price.
When looking for wheels for my 2002 that where starting to show their age, I stumbled across a great deal on Ebay being sold from a Lexus dealer. I guess a customer ordered them and never picked them up. I picked them up right from the dealer. The tires (Michelin MXWv4's) still had the stickers on them and the tire and wheel set was $800. The wheels were MSW "Type 14" made by O.Z. I have about 70,000 - 80,000 miles and maybe 2 1/2 season or so of Chicago weather on them (Snow, salt, etc.) and they still look new. At about $114 a wheel, I think they look good and have held up very well. I take them off maybe 3 times a year or so for a thorough cleaning. There are no signs of pitting, cracking, etc.
Sorry if this is off topic but there are people out there that think if you don't spend over $1,000 or more on wheels, they are no good. There are some good after market wheels out there for a reasonable price.
#28
Moderator
I have MSW's on my LS and they are fine as well. Good looking wheel
#29
Instructor
#30
Lexus Fanatic
The issue is not inexpensive wheels...its specifically OEM look replicas from China.