New TRD Pro OEM wheels - issues, advice needed

[Maximus4R]

Hey all - it’s been a nightmare trying to get my setup right after getting my TRD pro wheels. I checked the wheels out when they landed, but only really looked at the outside edges thinking that’s where the damage would occur during shipping.

Took them to Discount Tire and the guys talked me into new KO3s to go with them. They dinged a wheel during the install, bad omen.

Next day I hit the highway to go to work and the entire wheel starts shaking above 50 mph. I go back to discount and a different set of guys blame the KO3’s and recommend putting the Falkens back on. So we do that.

It’s better, but still shaking over 70 mph now. I decide to go to my local dealership in case something’s wrong with the wheels. Pay $110 for them to balance and they come back with 25 lbs on two wheels and recommended I request replacements from the original dealer.

I reach out the Elmhurst (where I ordered) and knew I was in for it when the same guy that’s been less than helpful before responds and tells me I should have my local dealer warranty them. Send him the sheet and say that wasn’t an option from them, no reply since this morning (assuming it’ll be Monday, totally understandable on the timing).

In between Discount Tire yesterday and the dealer today I wash my car and notice these rings on all four wheels. I’m assuming Discount did it somehow but the manager looked at texted pics and said likely not - but is willing to look at them in person. My guess was the balancing process but I’m no expert. Whole thing feels like a disaster at this point, never had anything like this happen before.

Rant over, any thoughts from you all on what could have caused this on all four wheels? Any suggestions on next steps for any of these issues?

Ignore the nasty lugs, those were plasti-dipped from my original wheels and I’m a few days away from my new black lugs arriving. Thanks!

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[Cruise]

Former Discount Tire Assistant Manager. The rings on the photo you posted is 100% from the balancing process, it is from the front plastic cone used to clamp the wheel to the hub centering cone. If the rubber protector ring was used it should be able to be wiped off. I would go back to Discount Tire and have them try to rebalance again, road force, force match, and even clocking the tire on the wheel if they have to to get the best balance. Highly unlikely you have a damaged, bent, or out of round brand new wheel. The KO3s have been pretty bad to balance and my contact that still works there told me last month that they have had to warranty out quite a few sets due to balance issues.

 

[Maximus4R]

Former Discount Tire Assistant Manager. The rings on the photo you posted is 100% from the balancing process, it is from the front plastic cone used to clamp the wheel to the hub centering cone. If the rubber protector ring was used it should be able to be wiped off. I would go back to Discount Tire and have them try to rebalance again, road force, force match, and even clocking the tire on the wheel if they have to to get the best balance. Highly unlikely you have a damaged, bent, or out of round brand new wheel. The KO3s have been pretty bad to balance and my contact that still works there told me last month that they have had to warranty out quite a few sets due to balance issues.

THANK YOU!

 

[albedo13]

THANK YOU!

Were the KO3s the same size as your original tires? This thread has been really insightful…I looked up KO3 balance issues and there seems to be a lot out there, but a lot of it seems to be from 2024 right when they first came out, and a lot of them seemed to be with 35-37 inch tires with F load ratings. I have been a huge fan of BFG and have had KO2s on every one of my past 4Runners, and am planning to get them right onto my new TRD Pro whenever it shows up, so anxious to hear how your situation goes. Sorry it has been such a PITA. And to the former Discount Tires manager…I got my last set of KO2s from Tire Rack (sorry!) and they did the mounting, balancing and installation in their van right in my driveway…if the new KO3s need more advanced balancing equipment, is this a reason to order them from a physical store that has better equipment?

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