Strange Mistake on New Tire Installation

wondering if the drum could have been rusted to the rim and pulled loose when the wheel was removed.

I don't have an answer for you, but I seriously doubt that the people at Walmart have it in for you....they're much too busy just doing their job. Now if it were a Firestone store..............

Several times when I bought tires at a tire store that also perform other types of work (shocks and brakes), they have called to tell me about worn brake parts, and/or shocks. I had this sort of problems after one of the bozos at the tire store lost a retaining washer. They called to tell me it was missing (I am sure they lost it) and when I asked what the hell they were doing pulling off the rear drums, they told me they always did that. If they hadn't already have installed the tires on the car, I'd have told them get the hell away from my car and to forget selling me tires. If I wanted somebody taking apart my brakes to look at them, I would pick my own mechanic for the job. These days I only go to Sams or Costco to buy tires. They don't try to sell me brakes or shocks I don't need. It seems unlikely to me that the tire guys at Wal*Mart would pull off your brake drums - unless they also do brake work. Do they?

Ed

Too bad you don't have a Les Schwabs. They sell tires, but also do brakes, alignments, lifts, tires & rims, etc.. anyway the point here is they're honest. I've never had issues. They do my free tire rotation and I always ask them to check the brakes. They've never given me any crap. Always honest. They gave me a $350 credit limit and when I need it extended say to $450 or $500 for something, they do it. No questions ever asked. I wish Les Schwab would expand.

First mistake, :).

Second mistake.