Has anyone seen this happen before?

[JamesL3]

I was driving on 1/1/14 and coming off of the exit ramp near my house, I didn't have a chance to dodge a pretty gnarly pothole. I made it about 1/4 mile before my truck started to jerk and eventually wouldn't move. I literally just had new tires put on a month ago and the pic below is what happened. Has anyone seen damage this bad from a pothole, or could it be the wheel was weak to begin with? Granted, these are the OEM Buick 17x7"s. My truck is out of commission until after Monday, when the adjuster is supposed to come and assess the damage. Now I get to drive my wife's Grand Am , isn't that cute?

View attachment 31858

 

[smt 59]

Good morning JamesL3,

Yes I have seen this before on vehicles and potholes, I am in the business, not uncommon at all in this weather, usually you can go after the road authority with a claim and they will cover damages. Take pics of the pothole(even if it has been patched).

 

[JamesL3]

Good morning JamesL3,

Yes I have seen this before on vehicles and potholes, I am in the business, not uncommon at all in this weather, usually you can go after the road authority with a claim and they will cover damages. Take pics of the pothole(even if it has been patched).

Already taken care of. Just waiting for the adjuster now. Thanks!

 

[tbyoda]

First I am glad you are ok and it was at slower speed. IMO I would pay a mechanic take a look at that sides front suspension, you could have more damage than just tire and rim. Ex CV, strut, upper/lower, disconnect if on right side or diff on left

 

[JamesL3]

First I am glad you are ok and it was at slower speed. IMO I would pay a mechanic take a look at that sides front suspension, you could have more damage than just tire and rim. Ex CV, strut, upper/lower, disconnect if on right side or diff on left

Thank you, and so am I as my pregnant wife was in the truck with me. I am planning on getting it looked at and taken care of after the adjuster takes a look at it. I've already had it towed 2x and it is scheduled to look at it Monday afternoon. Hopefully i will be able to get it fixed on their dime and have it back shortly thereafter. Thanks for the recommendations, i wouldn't have thought of all that.

 

[MichEnvoyGuy]

I know there are people in this thread who have seen that before, but I personally never have, at least, from a pothole! Holy sh*t!!!!

And typical midwestern state disclaimer - I live in Michigan. Salt, ice/dethaw, fun winters...potholes galore. NEVER seen a rim do that. Crack, chip - yes. Totally implode, nope. Checking it off my list right now

 

[JamesL3]

I know there are people in this thread who have seen that before, but I personally never have, at least, from a pothole! Holy sh*t!!!!

And typical midwestern state disclaimer - I live in Michigan. Salt, ice/dethaw, fun winters...potholes galore. NEVER seen a rim do that. Crack, chip - yes. Totally implode, nope. Checking it off my list right now

Glad i could help with your bucket list haha

 

[neohio]

You need to post a location or intersection.
Then I will know what area of town to look out for.

 

[JamesL3]

You need to post a location or intersection.
Then I will know what area of town to look out for.

It's the off ramp of 480E to Granger Road/ Garfield Heights / Maple Heights. Since you're in the Painsville area, i think you may be safe. Good idea anyway! I would hate to see this happen to someone else.

 

[BoldAdventure]

Dang! That's bonkers!

I've seen high performance cars spin the tire off the rim and hard core off roaders bend and break rims bouncing off rocks, but never a rim explode from a pothole.

Glad you guys are ok.

Guess you have an excuse to upgrade maybe.

 

[JamesL3]

Dang! That's bonkers!

I've seen high performance cars spin the tire off the rim and hard core off roaders bend and break rims bouncing off rocks, but never a rim explode from a pothole.

Glad you guys are ok.

Guess you have an excuse to upgrade maybe.

I like the way you think! All depends on if my insurance can get the city to pay. I'm hoping that I'm worrying for no reason, but i'm skeptical in situations like this. I'll post an update once the adjuster checks her out. Maybe pics of upgrades if it comes to that!

 

[tbyoda]

Maybe you will get enough $$ to get a set of radflo's also.

 

[JamesL3]

Maybe you will get enough $$ to get a set of radflo's also.

How do Radflo's compare to Bilsteins? That's what i have on there now. If they'll smooth the ride out i'm all for it. It's not ROUGH, but since i had these tires put on it's not as smooth as the ones on it when i got it...

 

[tbuckalew14]

Holy crap. Hopefully it all gets taken care of...in your favor would be even better.

 

[JamesL3]

Agreed Tim. Didn't even get to slap on the nice decals i got with my GMTN shirt. Yet.

 

[tbyoda]

How do Radflo's compare to Bilsteins?

I can only compare to stock strut/spring assembly but they ride very nice I am very happy with them, maybe Hardtrailz or MikeKey will chime in. They are a little pricy but the advantage is you get adjustable rebuildable strut. See below link. This might not be the right path for you, it really was a half ass suggestion. As for me I am going up and into the off-roading realm so, reliability is key.

http://wheelersoffroad.com/product/suspension-trailblazer/radflo-coilovers-trailblazer-envoy/

 

[JamesL3]

This might not be the right path for you, it really was a half ass suggestion. As for me I am going up and into the off-roading realm so, reliability is key.

RadFlo Coilovers for TrailBlazer / Envoy

I see. With how I only have a 2wd, might not be worth while for me to look into. I will do a little research though. A half ass suggestion is better than laughing and pointing fingers. Thanks.

 

[tbyoda]

If you got a rear locker you could do some wheeling. Check out www.offroadtb.com

 

[Enderbygrandpa]

I was driving on 1/1/14 and coming off of the exit ramp near my house, I didn't have a chance to dodge a pretty gnarly pothole. I made it about 1/4 mile before my truck started to jerk and eventually wouldn't move. I literally just had new tires put on a month ago and the pic below is what happened. Has anyone seen damage this bad from a pothole, or could it be the wheel was weak to begin with? Granted, these are the OEM Buick 17x7"s. My truck is out of commission until after Monday, when the adjuster is supposed to come and assess the damage. Now I get to drive my wife's Grand Am , isn't that cute?

View attachment 18971

what air pressure did you have in the tire? Are the tires P series or LT If they were LT you can not fill them to the pressure on the sidewall. Our wheels are only rated for P series tire pressures.

 

[Matt]

I like the way you think! All depends on if my insurance can get the city to pay.

It's the city of Cleveland, they're cheapskates, you know it and I know it. I think you're insurance company will have to battle them on this.

 

[gmcman]

Wow...that's some carnage.

I agree about checking the suspension for damage, looks like the tire was swallowed and the weight of the TB just kept going destroying the wheel...I would be amazed if something else didn't give as well, like the lower control arm.

Glad you're ok.

 

[JamesL3]

what air pressure did you have in the tire? Are the tires P series or LT If they were LT you can not fill them to the pressure on the sidewall. Our wheels are only rated for P series tire pressures.

Last i checked (the monday before new years) , i had about 32psi in them. I don't remember off hand the series, i'll have to get back to you on that. Could that be a contributing reason to the destruction of the rim? The pothole is about a foot wide and possibly deeper.

 

[JamesL3]

Wow...that's some carnage.

I agree about checking the suspension for damage, looks like the tire was swallowed and the weight of the TB just kept going destroying the wheel...I would be amazed if something else didn't give as well, like the lower control arm.

Glad you're ok.

Luckily it's on the rear passenger, so i don't think i need to worry about a control arm, correct? However, i am a little worried about the sway bar, caliper (the top bolt was ripped out and the bottom is still there), and differential (from the towing 2x of course). I have the police report printed out and it in no way implicates me as being at fault. There are actually 2 pot holes. You have to swerve around the first and since i couldn't see the road to well due to the lack of plowing, i barely missed the second with the front tires. As you can see, i didn't dodge it with the rear unfortunately. This hasn't happened to me before, so i'm glad everyone is giving me input for when the adjuster comes later today. Thanks all, i'll keep you posted on the damages. And repairs when it comes to that!

 

[JamesL3]

It's the city of Cleveland, they're cheapskates, you know it and I know it. I think you're insurance company will have to battle them on this.

I think i may be alright, as the officer cited the pothole and location in the police report. I printed it out and have it handy for proof. I have yet to get a picture, but i do know that they haven't tried to patch it and hide it. A friend of mine just messaged me yesterday talking about the size of the hole. But i do know what you're saying, when it comes to Cleveland, their maintenance and willingness to pay SUCKS.

 

[JamesL3]

I think i may be alright, as the officer cited the pothole and location in the police report. I printed it out and have it handy for proof. I have yet to get a picture, but i do know that they haven't tried to patch it and hide it. A friend of mine just messaged me yesterday talking about the size of the hole. But i do know what you're saying, when it comes to Cleveland, their maintenance and willingness to pay SUCKS.

Well seems I have mispoken. I was somehow cited as "at fault" due to hitting a "stationary object". Real nice loopholes they have in the insurance biz. I contacted the city service department about the hole, they say it's DOT's responsibility. Have yet to hear back from DOT about it. Needless to say, i either have to try and fix it myself with limited knowledge of suspension or fork up $500 for my deductible to get it taken care of at the shop. Part of me wants to do it myself, but i'm worried of what i don't know. If any of the OH folks know of shops in my area that are reputable, let me know. Otherwise, i think i may take it to the local Buick / GMC dealer. I don't necessarily trust shops in general due to past negative experiences, but i think it may be unavoidable.

 

[neohio]

Sounds like you are going to be out at least a rim, semi-loaded caliper assembly and maybe some sway bar ends links.
rough guesstimate?
$200 for caliper installed,
$50 for end link,
50-200 for rim depending on where you find one.
maybe another 150 for the tire if the belt shifted during the hit. won't know until it is remounted.

As far as insurance, if you have a local agent talk with them. They usually have better pull with adjusters than you do.
As much as it hurts to drop $500 on your deductible, it might be worth it. Especially if there is more hidden damage. With your rim spinning around broken, it may have knicked a brake line or another piece of wiring.

I haven't looked at prices for parts. So don't flame on guesstimates.
If I was closer to you and could put a vehicle in my garage i would offer a warm spot and knowledge.

 

[JamesL3]

Sounds like you are going to be out at least a rim, semi-loaded caliper assembly and maybe some sway bar ends links.
rough guesstimate?
$200 for caliper installed,
$50 for end link,
50-200 for rim depending on where you find one.
maybe another 150 for the tire if the belt shifted during the hit. won't know until it is remounted.

As far as insurance, if you have a local agent talk with them. They usually have better pull with adjusters than you do.
As much as it hurts to drop $500 on your deductible, it might be worth it. Especially if there is more hidden damage. With your rim spinning around broken, it may have knicked a brake line or another piece of wiring.

I haven't looked at prices for parts. So don't flame on guesstimates.
If I was closer to you and could put a vehicle in my garage i would offer a warm spot and knowledge.

They suspect hidden damage, as well as seeing the line cut and leaking. I was trying to look up parts on Rockauto, but it doesn't look like they have all i would need. It is a pain for the deductible, but i'm leaning more towards that as i don't have the knowledge of suspension issues to deduce whether or not there is a problem. Your estimate is close to theirs, if it makes a difference. I'll give my agent a call later and see what all i can do. Thanks!

 

[NJTB]

I like the 'hitting a stationary object' defense. To me, a stationary object is a pole, building, curb, etc. How can you hit something that isn't there?

 

[JamesL3]

I like the 'hitting a stationary object' defense. To me, a stationary object is a pole, building, curb, etc. How can you hit something that isn't there?

That is their loophole, so that even though you pay every month, you still have to pay to get it fixed. This alleviates the need for them to try and fight for you and make someone (DOT) pay for it. Glad insurance is mandatory since it does you no good anyway.

 

[JamesL3]

After the company lied to my adjuster yesterday about the situation with my truck, I was just notified that after being towed for the 3rd time, the place dropped it off at the wrong site and it needs to be towed yet again. This of course means my truck will not be looked at today nor tomorrow, and sit until Monday. I may, fingers crossed, have my truck back by next Friday. This is the worst situation i have ever been through with insurance or claims. Absolutely sickening.

 

[cyberpunk]

i have to admit i work at a dealership with a body shop and i am in the parts department (i float form all three dealer locations all right next to each other) i have to admit that i have not quite seen anything like that but in Ohio they don't even fix a water main that has been leaking for 3 weeks that is at a major intersection . so maybe only a matter of time before i see it in person.

 

[JamesL3]

i have to admit i work at a dealership with a body shop and i am in the parts department (i float form all three dealer locations all right next to each other) i have to admit that i have not quite seen anything like that but in Ohio they don't even fix a water main that has been leaking for 3 weeks that is at a major intersection . so maybe only a matter of time before i see it in person.

Let's hope not. I've been out of my Rainier for 2 weeks now and MAY get it back today. I'm going after the DOT with a claim, so i might get what i had to pay to get it fixed back. That is, after paying $25 to file the claim. Both you and i know that Cleveland will either pay for the damages until there becomes too many, or fix it in the cheapest way possible only for it to happen again in a week. Those water mains have been leaking for about a week now right? Wonder if that is going to affect the water bills...? Gotta love OH

 

[smt 59]

Water main breaks are prioritize as per environmental impact, if the water is getting away to a catch basin and not causing any road damage it will not be repaired until a later date. As well if it is a busy intersection, the repairs will likely be completed at night to reduce customer and user impact. It is water main break season so cut the guys a break.

Sounds like someone's in the business.

 

[JamesL3]

Water main breaks are prioritize as per environmental impact, if the water is getting away to a catch basin and not causing any road damage it will not be repaired until a later date. As well if it is a busy intersection, the repairs will likely be completed at night to reduce customer and user impact. It is water main break season so cut the guys a break.

Sounds like someone's in the business.

Not placing the blame on the workers, moreso the officials delegating work. And venting frustration with the hometown. No offense

 

[smt 59]

None taken, just trying to educate.

 

[IllogicTC]

Sounds kind of like some of the roads around here. A stretch of a small highway I take to work had some damage on the edge of the road (crumbling and whatnot), so of course they came by with some asphalt to fix that. Unfortunately, it seems like they literally just laid the asphalt and left without tamping or anything, now it's taken the shape of the old road edge. In addition, since the asphalt comes inward toward the middle about 2 feet as part of the fix and that wasn't laid right either, it feels like a series of depressions or "soft" potholes, and with the sway bar setup in the back making the rear axle prone to "skipping" when hitting a series of small bumps like this, makes a severe degradation in vehicle handling. Compound that with snow and we've got accidents waiting to happen.

As for the whole insurance giving you the run-around deal... sounds like the norm sometimes these days. I think the hope is that if the circle-jerk is big enough, people will just give up, being as time is money and things like this suck up plenty of time. May we pry and ask which company you go through?

 

[JamesL3]

Sounds kind of like some of the roads around here. A stretch of a small highway I take to work had some damage on the edge of the road (crumbling and whatnot), so of course they came by with some asphalt to fix that. Unfortunately, it seems like they literally just laid the asphalt and left without tamping or anything, now it's taken the shape of the old road edge. In addition, since the asphalt comes inward toward the middle about 2 feet as part of the fix and that wasn't laid right either, it feels like a series of depressions or "soft" potholes, and with the sway bar setup in the back making the rear axle prone to "skipping" when hitting a series of small bumps like this, makes a severe degradation in vehicle handling. Compound that with snow and we've got accidents waiting to happen.

As for the whole insurance giving you the run-around deal... sounds like the norm sometimes these days. I think the hope is that if the circle-jerk is big enough, people will just give up, being as time is money and things like this suck up plenty of time. May we pry and ask which company you go through?

It's not prying at all. I'm with Farmers Insurance at the moment, but that is most likely going to change REAL SOON. I just got my truck back yesterday. The towing co. stole my bottle jack of all things. They dealership didn't put all of my lugs back on, so i had to do that myself (not like it's hard). Didn't get the car wash after service. Overall a horrible experience with this claim. I hope to never have to do this again. On the plus side, they said my front drivers tie rod is going, so i got a heads up on that. I'll be doing that myself though.
As for them jerking me around, i'm willing to wait. I'm going to do my damnedest to get that money back. You know, they still haven't patched that pothole...