tx targa

Anything I should be wary of using a local Bridgestone dealer for tire installation on my 997? They said they work on Porsche, Ferrari, etc. and other high-end vehicles. Knowing their location I don’t doubt it. They have the Hunter high speed balancing machine and “no touch” mounting. (Metal bits that touch wheel covered in rubber.) Bridgestone is a client and I can get tires through them even cheaper than Tire Rack, just over cost.

Other option Porsche dealer who wants $80 to mount and the tires, and the would be more expensive. THX.

pdxjim

So, your installer is NOT charging to balance and install?

tx targa

Sorry, $46.00 at tire dealer vs. $149.95 at Porsche dealer.

Nugget

I don't have any qualms using non-dealers to install tires. In fact, the dedicated tire shops (NTB, Discount Tire, Goodyear) often have superior balancing equipment than dealerships or general-purpose shops.

jca3

Sounds like you've answered your own question?

texas911

I had a flat on my turbo and took it to the dealer and specifically told them not to scratch my rims. Low and behold, when I get it back they "forgot" to clean off the soap off the rim, so I go home clean off the soap and totally scratched up my rims. Idiots. I would just go to a tire shop where they do tires all day long and are good at it. Also look for one with the Hunter GSP 9700 balancer.

Harvey in FL

I would recommend you and whom ever is putting on the new tires, look at every rim and note any marks or scratches on the work order sheet. This can save you if there is a future problem.

My 2 cents.......

Edgy01

Go to the specialists. Many Porsche dealers farm out that work anyway.

sharmat

With regards to balancing, are the wheel weights used by the local tire shops the same ones (same look) that the dealers use. I mention this as the weights are very visible thru the wheels and it look odd if the all didn't look the same.

tx targa

Good stuff on the Hunter GSP 9700 and noting each wheel's blemishes on the work order, thanks. I was also worried about jacking points and them screwing it up on the lift in addition to wheel scratches. I remember hearing a local guy complain of rocker panel damage. Are all lifts equal?

soverystout

I had a bridgestone dealer install 3 correctly sized tires and 1 tire of a different size on my 01 honda prelude.

I had a guys at NTB tighten a wheel on my SHO and the wheel was no where near flush to the rotor. Got 1 block down the street and heard a terrible noise.
The alumimum wheel was being shaved by the top of the caliper.

No bridgestone/firestone/goodyear/NTB specialists are actually specialists.
The tools are only as good as the tech is.

Just go over the job with a fine tooth comb. Check to make sure the lugs are tight with your own wrench. Make sure all the tires are the right size.
Take pictures before hand with the manager.
make sure they mount directional tires in the right direction. make sure the wheels go to them clean and come back just as clean. Check the tire pressure as most places "fill em to 30 and ship em".

I have been a victim of most of these. I finally found a shop down the street that does a decent job.

Good luck.

BostonDuce

It seems there is never a "no risk" solution to tire mounting.

I'm sure there are tire professionals that take pride and care in their work as a matter of course, but too often Goober and Gomer are trying to get your 315's to seat with a mallet.

I had a well known, local shop that caters to high end sports cars, not scratch my wheels, but put directional snows on bass ackward.

BD

PHDX2

+1. Excellent advice!

PHDX2

Ouch!

Did the dealer agree to repair/replace?

alexb76

+1. I know for sure my local Porsche dealer sends all tire/wheel work elsewhere.