Wheel Services on Story Rd in San Jose


Hard hits into a pothole on the way to US 101, a surprise shake at 60 mph, or a fresh scrape from a tight turn near King Rd - most wheel problems we see at 1620 Story Rd start with everyday San Jose driving, not racing. Our job is to keep those issues from turning into constant vibration, air leaks, or ruined tires.

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What We Service at the Story Rd Wheel Bay

We focus on the parts that affect how your vehicle rolls, feels, and wears tires:

  • Wheels with bends, flat spots, scrapes, or corrosion
  • Vibration from imbalance, bent rims, or bad hardware
  • Bead and valve issues that cause slow leaks
  • Wheel related hardware like lug nuts, studs, and hub surfaces

Because we also handle purchase and wheel installation, computerized balancing, tire repair, tire rotation, and alignment in house, we are able to look at the full picture - not just one wheel at a time. 

Walk-Ins Welcome and Same-Day Availability

Walk-ins are welcome, and many wheel related services can be handled the same day, especially inspections, balancing, and basic leak or hardware fixes. Reviews mention customers getting flats fixed and vibrations checked in 15 to 30 minutes, which is exactly the kind of fast, straightforward service we aim for.

Upfront Estimates Before Any Work Starts

After we check the wheel, tire, and hardware, we explain what we found and give you an estimate before any wheel service starts. You will see what is involved - whether that is balancing, bead cleanup, valve or TPMS work, or a repair recommendation - and you decide how to move forward.




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Wheel Inspection and Diagnostics

We start every job with inspection and diagnostics - we look at the wheel, tire, and hardware together so you see the full picture before you decide what to do.

Visual Check for Bends, Cracks, and Curb Rash

First, we get the wheel off the car and really look at it. That means checking:


  • The inner and outer lips for bends or flat spots


  • The face of the wheel for curb rash, gouges, or deep scrapes



  • Spokes and barrel for hairline cracks or corrosion


Lug Stud, Lug Nut, and Hub Surface Assessment

Wheel issues are not always the wheel’s fault. Hardware and mounting surfaces matter just as much. While the wheel is off, we check the lug studs, lug nuts, and hub surface for anything that might cause vibration or looseness.


We look for:


  • Damaged or stretched studs that do not hold torque correctly
  • Cross threaded, swollen, or incorrect seat type lug nuts
  • Rust, dirt, or corrosion on the hub face that keeps the wheel from sitting flat


Runout and Vibration Testing on the Balancer

Once the wheel and tire are on the balancer, we can see how they behave at speed. The machine shows where weight is needed and how much the assembly is moving side to side or up and down as it spins.

Here we are watching for:


  • Excessive radial or lateral runout that suggests a bent rim
  • Heavy spots that need more than normal weight to correct
  • Patterns that match what you feel in the steering wheel or seat

If the balancer shows clean numbers and the assembly still shakes on the road, that points us toward alignment, suspension, or other causes. If it shows runout or a wheel that will not balance well, we will talk through repair versus replacement options so you are not just living with a constant vibration.



Balancing and Vibration Solutions

Standard and Road-Force Balancing


For many vehicles, a standard spin balance is all that is needed. We mount the wheel and tire on the balancer, measure where weight is needed, and apply stick on or clip on weights so the assembly spins smoothly. 


Weight Placement for Hidden or Low-Profile Wheels


During balancing we:

  • Choose weight types that match the wheel design (clip on, stick on, or a combination)
  • Place stick on weights where they clear calipers and stay out of sight when possible
  • Recheck clearance on vehicles with big brakes or close inner barrels


Test Drive Verification on Local Streets



Once balancing is complete, we can perform a short test drive on local streets and nearby stretches that match where you drive - a mix of Story Rd surface streets and short freeway runs when appropriate.



Wheel Leak and Bead Repairs

Bead Seating, Bead Sealing, and Corrosion Cleanup


Many slow leaks start where the tire meets the wheel: the bead. If there is built up corrosion on the rim, damage from an impact, or a bead that did not seat correctly, air sneaks out slowly. When you come in with a repeat low tire, we:

  • Remove the tire from the wheel to inspect the bead area
  • Clean corrosion or buildup from the inner lip of the wheel
  • Reseat the bead with proper lubrication and pressure
  • Apply bead sealer when appropriate to help lock in the seal


Valve Stem and Core Replacement


 We check the valve stem, cap, and core any time we are chasing a leak. When needed, we can:

  • Replace worn rubber valve stems on standard setups
  • Swap out damaged metal stems or caps
  • Install a new core if the old one is sticking or not sealing


TPMS Seal Kits and Relearn Procedures


On vehicles with TPMS sensors, the sensor itself can be fine while the seals and hardware around it start to leak. Over time, grommets dry out, washers corrode, and the tiny leaks add up. When we work on a leaking wheel with TPMS, we inspect the sensor area and, when appropriate, install new seals and hardware kits designed for that sensor style.




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Wheel Hardware and Fitment Services

Hub-Centric Rings and Correct Lug Seat Types


For many aftermarket wheels, the center bore is larger than the vehicle hub. If that gap is ignored, the wheel can sit off center and cause vibration. Where needed, we use hub-centric rings to make sure that the wheel centers properly on the hub instead of relying only on the studs.


Torque Spec Setting and Re-Torque Visits


After any wheel service at our Story Rd shop, we torque lug nuts to the appropriate spec with a calibrated tool and follow a proper pattern.


Spacer Checks for Clearance and Safety


Wheel spacers can help with clearance or stance, but only when they are used correctly. When we see a vehicle with spacers, or you are considering adding them as part of a wheel change, we look closely at:

  • Spacer type and thickness
  • Hub engagement with the spacer and wheel
  • Stud length and how many turns of engagement the lugs get

If we spot a spacer setup that compromises safety or makes it hard to keep wheels tight, we will point it out and discuss safer options.


Warranty and After-Service Support

Our focus is doing the work correctly the first time: clean mounting surfaces, accurate balancing, proper torque, and careful bead or valve repairs. If you notice a new shake, pull, or slow leak related to the service we just performed, we want to hear about it. Bring the vehicle back, tell us what you are feeling, and we will recheck our work so you are not left guessing whether something was missed or needs a small adjustment.

Free Pressure Checks and Re-Torque at 50 to 100 Miles

After wheel work, it is smart to have lug torque and air pressure rechecked once you have driven a bit. If you would like that extra peace of mind, you can swing by after roughly 50 to 100 miles of local driving and we will give your setup a quick look. We can verify lug torque, set pressures where they should be, and make sure everything still feels secure before you head back onto Story Rd and the freeway.

Adjustment Visits if Vibration Returns

Sometimes a vibration or shake changes as tires wear in or as you drive different routes and speeds. If a vibration comes back after a wheel balance, leak repair, or hardware service, come talk to us. We can test drive the car, recheck balance readings, and look again at the wheel, tire, and alignment together

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can a bent wheel be repaired safely?

    Sometimes. It depends on how severe the bend is and where it is located. Minor bends on the lip may be candidates for specialist repair, while deeper bends or cracks in the barrel or spokes are usually safer to replace. When you bring a bent wheel to our Story Rd shop, we will inspect it, explain what we see, and let you know whether repair is realistic or if replacement is the better long term option.


  • Why does my steering wheel shake at highway speeds?

    Most highway speed shake is caused by wheel and tire imbalance, a bent wheel, or an alignment or suspension issue. We typically start with a wheel inspection and balance on the machine, then road test the car. If balancing does not solve it, we look at runout, alignment, and front end components so you are not just guessing which part is to blame.


  • Do I need new lug nuts with aftermarket wheels?

    Often, yes. Many aftermarket wheels use a different seat style (for example, conical or mag seat) than your factory wheels. Using the wrong lug nut can keep the wheel from seating correctly and may cause vibration or loosening. When you come in with new wheels or are planning to buy some, we will match the correct lug nuts and hardware for that specific wheel design.


  • How often should I balance and rotate my tires?

    A good rule of thumb is to balance and rotate on a regular schedule instead of waiting until there is a problem. Many drivers time rotations with routine service visits, and balancing any time a new vibration appears or new tires are installed. At our Story Rd shop, we can recommend a rotation and balance interval based on your vehicle, mileage, and the way you drive around Story Rd, US 101, and East San Jose.


  • Will wheel spacers affect alignment or safety?

    They can, which is why we treat spacers carefully. Properly chosen and installed spacers with correct hub engagement and stud length can work safely in some setups. Poorly sized spacers or ones that reduce thread engagement can create vibration, make wheels harder to keep tight, and stress components. If your vehicle already has spacers, or you are thinking about adding them, we will inspect the setup and let you know whether it is safe as is, needs changes, or should be removed.


Service Areas Near Story Rd

Our Story Rd wheel bay sits right where a lot of our customers already drive every day. If you are cutting across East San Jose, heading toward Downtown, or running errands near King Rd and Senter Rd, you are only a few minutes from help when a wheel starts to shake or a tire keeps losing air. We provide wheel and tire services Story Rd drivers rely on across nearby neighborhoods, including:



  • Story Rd & East San Jose
  • Alum Rock
  • Evergreen
  • Little Saigon
  • Downtown San Jose


Get Wheel Service on Story Rd

At Calderon’s Tires on Story Road, we handle inspection, balancing, leak checks, and hardware issues in one stop so you are not guessing what is wrong. You can visit us at 1620 Story Rd, San Jose, CA 95122 or call (408) 259-2245 to talk through your vibration, leak, or curb hit and get a clear plan for next steps.



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