Bent Hub Cause for Tire Coming Lose?

[808vw]

Long story ahead...but here's a quick timeline...

-Got my front left CV joint replaced in December
-Got new tires in February
-Around same time started hearing a "thumping" noise from front left tire

Since the sound started when I got the new tires, I figured the tire was the problem, maybe needed re-balance or broken belt inside. Driving was fine though, handling was no problem. I take it back to the company who did it and they call me later saying I need to come in. Turns out my hub is bent. The person who worked on my CV joint is definitely at fault, after taking longer than expected with the repair he said the axle had been stuck. I'm guessing he took a hammer to it.

So the company is blaming the bent hub for the thumping, saying my tire was coming lose as the lugs were being stripped. I'm kinda skeptical, though. I mean if the hub was the problem there would have been signs back in December, right? But the noise only started occurring after the new tires were installed which makes me think the tire company is at fault. Either forgot to tighten/over tightened the lugs or something.

It doesn't make sense that they could install the tires with no problems, but now see a big of enough reason to refuse service. It's either there was nothing wrong back then, or there was and they just completely ignored it.

So basically, does it seem more plausible that the hub caused the problem, or some shady work from the shop?

Here's pictures if it helps any:

Bent hub


Stripped lug


Stripped screw for hub

[Zach!]

I would go back to the first shop and demand a refund or to have it done again.

[CasperSYTFU]

+1 on getting first shop to make things right