2024 Chevy Silverado Owner Says, “Man, This Is Why I Don’t Trust Tire Shops Anymore,” After His Wheel Falls Off, Shoots Into the Road, Damaging His Truck

Here is why one 2024 Chevy Silverado owner will never trust tire shops again. His wheel flies after the tech failed to torque the lugs. Can you blame him?

For many truck enthusiasts, the day you finally get your lift kit and custom wheels installed is better than Christmas. You've done the research, saved the money, and picked out the perfect stance. But for one Chevy Silverado owner, that dream upgrade turned into a nightmare in less than 24 hours—not because of the parts, but because of a critical service error.

Jorge Pina, a member of the 2019 - 2026 Chevy Silverado & GMC Sierra Owners Facebook group, recently shared a terrifying experience that serves as a stark warning to anyone relying on a shop to install their aftermarket wheels.

The "Perfect Setup"

Pina had just finished upgrading his 2024 Chevy Silverado Z71. He went with a popular and aggressive combination:

• Suspension: 6-inch Rough Country lift kit
• Wheels: 22x12 TIS wheels
• Tires: 33-inch tires

In his own words, "It's a perfect setup in my opinion." And looking at the photos of the truck's stance, many enthusiasts would agree. It's a bold look that dominates the road.

The Dream Becomes a Nightmare

But the excitement was short-lived. It wasn't a failure of the Rough Country lift or the TIS wheels; it was a failure of the technician who installed them.

"However, this is why I don't trust tire shops anymore," Pina wrote in his report to the community. "The tire shop didn't torque the lugs down, and I heard rattling the night before. Well, the next morning I went to drive to the tire shop to see what's up, and on the way, the wheel shot out at 25 miles an hour."

The aftermath was shocking. The front driver-side wheel completely detached, leaving the truck to crash down onto its rotor and suspension components. Pina calls the incident "unbelievable," adding, "It's lucky no one was hurt."

A Critical Service Error

This type of "wheel-off" incident is almost always preventable. It is not a mechanical failure of the truck or the aftermarket suspension; it is pure negligence during installation.

When installing large aftermarket wheels, specifically with a setup like 22x12s, proper torquing specifications are non-negotiable. If a technician uses an impact gun without a torque stick, or worse, finger-tightens the nuts and forgets to torque them entirely, the wheel will vibrate loose.

Pina mentioned he heard rattling the night before. That was the sound of the wheel beginning to wobble on the studs as the nuts backed off. By the next morning, the forces generated by the heavy wheel and tire combination sheared the remaining threads or spun the nuts completely off, resulting in the separation.

What The Siverado Community Is Saying

The reaction from the Silverado and Sierra community was immediate, focusing squarely on the shop's incompetence.

The "Trust No One" Crowd. Many owners echoed Pina's sentiment that they don't trust shops to do the basics. One user, Mike T., commented, "This is exactly why I check my lugs in the parking lot before I even leave the shop. I don't care if I look paranoid. It's my life on the line."

Another owner, Jason R., added his own protocol: "I bring the shop my wheels loose in the bed of another truck. I mount them myself at home. I've seen too many 'techs' blast lugs on with an impact gun until they strip, or barely hand-tighten them."

Analyzing the Damage

Community members were quick to analyze the photos Pina provided to confirm this was human error and not a parts failure. "Look at the studs in the picture," pointed out group member David L. "The threads look clean, and the studs aren't sheared off. If the studs were broken, it would mean they were over-torqued. Since the studs are intact, the nuts backed off. That is 100% on the installer failing to torque them to spec."

The "22x12" Factor Several veteran truck owners noted that while the lift didn't cause this, the wheel size makes proper torque even more critical. "When you run a 22x12 with a deep lip and a 33-inch tire, you have a lot of rotating mass and leverage on that hub," wrote Chris M. "Aluminum wheels and steel studs expand and contract differently with heat. If the shop didn't torque them correctly the first time, they don't stand a chance."

Who Pays?

In liability discussions, naturally, talk turned to who pays. The consensus was clear: The shop is liable. "Documentation is key here," advised another member. "Get photos of the threads. Since the studs aren't sheared off, it proves the nuts backed off, which is on the installer. Make sure they cover the body work too—when that truck dropped, it likely wrinkled the fender."

Your Safety Checklist

As a reporter who covers these trucks daily, I see this happen far too often. It's frustrating to see a brand new, $50,000+ truck damaged not because it was unreliable, but because a shop rushed the job.

While Pina's situation is extreme, the lesson is simple: vigilance is the price of ownership when you rely on third-party shops.

If you are having wheels or tire work done, follow these three rules:

• Verify Torque Immediately: Buy a decent torque wrench. Check the lugs in the shop's parking lot. Do not trust the air gun.
• The 50-Mile Rule: Re-torque your wheels after 50 miles of driving. You will be surprised how often they turn another quarter-turn as the wheel "seats" against the hub.
• Listen to Your Truck: If you hear a new rattle, clunk, or vibration immediately after a service, stop. Do not try to "limp" it back to the mechanic.

Jorge Pina was fortunate that his wheel came off at 25 mph and not at highway speeds. His truck can be fixed, but this story serves as a critical reminder: in the world of aftermarket mods, trust, but verify.

Sidebar: 2024 Chevy Silverado 1500 Torque Specs

If you are checking your own wheels, it is critical to use the correct specifications. For a factory 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, the specs are as follows:

• Torque Specification: 140 ft-lbs (190 N·m)
• Lug Nut Thread Size: M14 x 1.5
• Socket Size: 22mm (or 7/8")

Pattern: Always tighten in a "star" pattern to ensure even clamping force.

Note: If you are running aftermarket wheels (like the TIS wheels in this story), check with the wheel manufacturer. Some aftermarket wheels require different torque specs or specific conical seat lug nuts.

I'm Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012, bringing over 30 years of automotive expertise to every story. My career began with a consulting role with every major car brand, followed by years as a freelance journalist, test-driving new vehicles, which equipped me with a wealth of insider knowledge. I specialize in delivering the latest auto news, sharing compelling owner stories, and providing expert, up-to-date analysis to keep you fully informed.

Follow me on X @DenisFlierl, @WorldsCoolestRides, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn

Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Jorge Pina