Cracked rims - NOT a Titan question

[homer]

Folks, a buddy of mine has an unusual problem with his 2003 Ford Exploder and since there's a wealth of knowledge on this board I figured I'd run it by you all. Two of his alloy wheels have developed some serious cracks eminating out from the lug nuts, he first noticed it after having his tires rotated a month ago. Is it possible that if the lugs were over torqued that it would cause the wheels to develop cracks like this? I gotta tell you, it didn't look very pretty. So far the dealer is telling him that there's no connection and his complaints have fallen on deaf ears (do these stealership guys all attend a special school or something?).

[IMADOGMAN]

I would take it to a reputable tire dealer, and have them look at it, or someone who sells lots of wheels. If they think it is a safety hazard, I would contact the NHTSA (National Highway Transportation Safety Administration), or the Dept of Transportation. A call to Ford Customer Service, and any Consumer Safety people that he can find might be in order too. I am sure that Ford would want to fix a cracking rim problem before it becomes another Firestone debacle.... <that is my 2 cents worth.
PS Cracks in rims is a potentially huge safety issue...regardless of how it occurred.

[homer]

Excellent advice, imadogman, and I will pass it along. thank you.