Tire Bead problems of the 1997 Dodge Ram 1500

The contact owns a 1997 Dodge Ram 1500. The vehicle has cooper definite dakota tires, (na) size lt26575r16 (na). The contact stated that the tires continued to flatten. Approximately one month ago, while repairing the vehicle, he noticed that all four tires were cracking at the outside bead. He took the vehicle to pep boys and they stated that they were aware of the tire failure. Pep boys offered to replace all four tires at the cost of $246. 38 for labor and other fees. The contact feels that pep boys should replace the tires for free because a crash could have occurred. The failure mileage was 160,658. Updated 12-04-08 updated 12/10/08.