Brake cleaning $75

[Sir Guacamolaf]

Its amazing that Tesla doesn't include this in the service.
First they promise low cost of ownership.
Then they sell you overpriced service.
And then they say "Oh yeah that fine print BS on our website which we change whenever we feel like it .. yeah we don't cover that".

I want to formally complain to Tesla about this. I emailed owners@tesla but was ignored.
How else can I provide feedback?

 

[Max*]

How else can I provide feedback?

Twitter. Seems to be the only thing that works.

 

[doofenshmirtz]

Its amazing that Tesla doesn't include this in the service.
First they promise low cost of ownership.
Then they sell you overpriced service.
And then they say "Oh yeah that fine print BS on our website which we change whenever we feel like it .. yeah we don't cover that".

I want to formally complain to Tesla about this. I emailed owners@tesla but was ignored.
How else can I provide feedback?

Giving Tesla the benefit of doubt, I can see the sequence of how this happened:
-Assuming they started with a standard list of maintenance items when they first sold maintenance plans
-learnt over time that this was a good preventive thing to do,
-offering it as an add-on service till they work it into the standard maintenance list and adjust cost which will come

But I like lower prices too

 

[Sir Guacamolaf]

@doofenshmirtz I can see that, however a promise and goodwill is worth more than 150 bucks. They can build it into their costs into future promises they make, but screwing people on fine print on a PDF that is hard to find on their website, stinks of something a credit card company does.

 

[Sir Guacamolaf]

Twitter. Seems to be the only thing that works.

Hmm .. twitter has never worked for me, and I have a large # of followers. I may just have to buy a full-page ad in a newspaper to get them to read my email.

 

[Sir Guacamolaf]

@JonMc any thoughts on the best way to provide feedback? My emails are not getting answered by Tesla.

 

[llavalle]

Btw guys, I tried escalating this issue with the new "escalate" function and was basically told "it's not part of the maintenance plan deal with it"... so for ~$500, we're getting an inspection, new keyfob batteries, new wiper blades, alignment *check* and tire rotation.

Total ripoff if you ask me. At least with the prepaid one, I get an actual alignment but come on...

 

[Sir Guacamolaf]

They can choose to continue with these policies but they are not selling me another tesla this way.

 

[JohnnyG]

... for ~$500, we're getting an inspection, new keyfob batteries, new wiper blades, alignment *check* and tire rotation.

Total ripoff if you ask me. At least with the prepaid one, I get an actual alignment but come on...

I don't have the prepaid. I just had the 2-year maintenance done. It included a full alignment.

 

[mknox]

Took my car in for it's "annual" this morning (I purchased the pre-paid inspections). The once free, now extra brake inspection has gone up from $75 to $150.

 

[kutkuzak]

I'm sure the brake 'inspection' is part of the maintenance. Now, cleaning them - that's an extra charge.
Alignment is listed as being part of every maintenance interval (if necessary).

 

[mknox]

I'm sure the brake 'inspection' is part of the maintenance. Now, cleaning them - that's an extra charge.
Alignment is listed as being part of every maintenance interval (if necessary).

For the first 3 years or so, they did "cleaning and inspection" as part of my service, but now, they will not even "inspect" unless I pay the $75 and now $150.

I bought the Pre-Paid inspections back in early 2013 and back then, there was nothing defined as to what they did at each interval. I kind of took it on faith that by pre-paying I was paying for everything that needed to be done... and this was, in fact, the case for the first while.

 

[kutkuzak]

I bought the Pre-Paid inspections back in early 2013 and back then, there was nothing defined as to what they did at each interval. I kind of took it on faith that by pre-paying I was paying for everything that needed to be done... and this was, in fact, the case for the first while.

I just checked the current 'what we do' checklist and you're right. The only thing listed for brakes that is handled as part of base-fee maintenance is brake fluid replacement, brake fluid level, brake pipes and hoses, recording brakes (and park brake) pad thickness.
Listed under 'recommended [if needed but not included]' is 'clean and lubricate brake calpiers and electronic parking brake [cold weather regions only]'

 

[Sir Guacamolaf]

The what we do checklist is a PDF on their site that they can change at will.
First they promise fewer moving parts, low maint, low cost of ownership, which experience tells us is not true.
Then they slap you with a pretty overpriced service.
Then they nickel and dime you on top of that.

It's not right.

 

[jelloslug]

Hmm I'm not sure I get the point here. EV ownership came with promises of low maintenance costs. The OP actually prepaid for the super over priced service. And that plus warranty and they still want more.

I'm not sure how comparing with a Bugatti helps. For one, I didn't buy a Bugatti. For seconds, Bugatti never promised "low cost of EV ownership".

If you see what is actually done on a service, I'm not sure you would call it over priced. The real question is, are all the things that are done really necessary?

 

[jelloslug]

Here is the service list from the service manual:

Check for Alerts, Repair any Issues Found, Clear Alerts

1. Connect a laptop with Toolbox to the vehicle.
2. In Toolbox, select Perspectives > Predefined Perspectives > Service Default.
3. Check the Currently Active Alerts, Alert History, and DTCs panels.
4. After performing any necessary repairs, clear any DTCs:
   1. In the DTCs panel, select the "Clear DTC" radio button.
   2. Click the Start/Play button.

Panoramic Roof

1. Fully open the sliding glass.
2. Use compressed air to blow out the drain hoses.

Caution: Do not exceed 25 PSI (1.7 Bar).

1. Wrap a clean cloth around a plastic pry tool or other thin tool, then use it to remove dirt and old grease from the 4 channels on each side of the panoramic roof.
2. Apply Klübersynth noise reduction grease to the 4 channels. Caution: Use only Klübersynth noise reduction grease, Tesla part number 1031102-00-A. Other greases can permanently damage the roof seals.
3. Move the sliding glass to the 30% open position.
4. Remove the sliding glass.
5. Apply Klübersynth noise reduction grease to the sections of the tracks that were blocked by the sliding glass.
6. Visually inspect the links and shoes for damage.
7. Reinstall the sliding glass.
8. Calibrate the panoramic roof.
9. Use alcohol wipes to remove any grease from the glass and appliques. Use a clean, dry cloth to remove grease from the rubber seals. Caution: Do not use alcohol to remove grease from rubber seals. Alcohol degrades the rubber seals.

Wiper Blades
Replace the wiper blades.

Cabin Air Filter
Replace the particulate filter.

Coolant
Drain and refill the cooling system.


Steering Gear Bolts

Ensure that the bolts (x2) that secure the steering rack to the subframe are torqued to 175 Nm.

Note: Components have been removed in this graphic to aid clarity.

Hood Release Latch
RWD vehicles: Clean the secondary latch, then apply the proper lubricant.

Dual Motor vehicles: Clean the latch, then apply the proper lubricant.

A/C Desiccant Bag
Replace the desiccant bag.

Brake Fluid
Perform the full system bleed procedure.

Brake Caliper Pad Slides
Note: This is recommended for cold weather regions.

Note: Cleaning and lubricating the caliper pad slides/abutments is not included in the Annual Service price.

Note: Perform the following steps on all 4 calipers.

1. Remove the pad retaining pins and collect the anti-rattle spring.

Note: Always check that the anti-rattle clip has not been damaged. This part is easily damaged and is important to help eliminate squeaks.

1. Use a suitable tool to gently push the pistons back into caliper.
2. Remove the brake pads from the caliper.
3. Thoroughly clean the caliper pad slides and abutments with a hand brush (1057223-00-A) and soapy water.

Caution: If there is rust or pitting on the caliper that cannot be removed with a hand brush, replace the caliper.

1. • Front brake caliper.
   • Rear brake caliper.
2. Apply an even layer of Silaramic lubricant (1063021-00-A) to the caliper pad slides. Remove any excess lubricant.
3. Apply an even layer of copper paste between the shim and the backing plate. Remove any paste that squeezes out after installing the shim.

Caution: Ensure that the brake pads move freely.

Caution: Do not apply copper paste to the caliper, seals, or any component other than the shim and backing plate.

Transmission Fluid

Drain and refill the fluid from the gearbox(es):

• Rear wheel drive (RWD) vehicles:
  • Drain and refill the fluid from the large rear drive unit.
• Non-Performance Dual Motor vehicles:
  • Drain and refill the fluid from the front drive unit.
  • Drain and refill the fluid from the small rear drive unit.
• Performance Dual Motor vehicles:
  • Drain and refill the fluid from the front drive unit.
  • Drain and refill the fluid from the large rear drive unit.

Tire Rotation

1. Refer to the recommended tire rotation pattern for the vehicle.
2. Remove the wheels and reinstall them in the appropriate positions.

Thermal System Test

1. Connect a laptop with Toolbox 2.0 or later to the vehicle.
2. Navigate to Panels > Thermal > Thermal System Test.
3. Click the Start/Play button.
4. Follow the onscreen instructions.

Suspension Fasteners

1. Check the torque of the front suspension bolts.
2. Check the torque of the rear suspension bolts.

Wheel Alignment Check

Perform a wheel alignment check

Wheel Alignment Adjustment

Note: This is recommended if the wheel alignment check determines the wheel alignment is out of specification.

Note: Wheel alignment adjustment is not included in the Annual Service price.

Perform a wheel alignment adjustment.

 

[kutkuzak]

Well, it does have less maintenance than other cars - you don't HAVE to do many of those things. You don't have oil changes, nor the additional failure points of an ICE. The car obviously still has a lot of things on it that are the same in any other car, will wear, and have to be maintained.

As for the brakes, honestly Tesla should do something like what GM does with the Volt. The Volt tracks the gasoline usage and makes sure it runs the engine periodically so the fuel doesn't go bad. The Tesla should periodically make sure the brakes get used a little bit so they don't have the potential of locking up or the discs rusting to the point of not being safe. It could do it seamlessly and occasionally you just don't get as good of regen - if done correctly you wouldn't notice.

 

[kutkuzak]

Wheel Alignment Adjustment

Note: This is recommended if the wheel alignment check determines the wheel alignment is out of specification.

Note: Wheel alignment adjustment is not included in the Annual Service price.

Wait - they no longer even include the alignment if necessary!? I just got my Tesla last week so I haven't been in for service yet. Considering they still list it on their service checklist (Wheel Alignment Check and Adjustment [if needed]) that's pretty irritating.
The price already seemed a bit iffy but if they won't even cover basic alignment now - it keeps getting worse.

Patrick

 

[scottm]

Where can I get a line on Klübersynth noise reduction grease for the pano roof? And what makes it so special?

 

[jelloslug]

Wait - they no longer even include the alignment if necessary!? I just got my Tesla last week so I haven't been in for service yet. Considering they still list it on their service checklist (Wheel Alignment Check and Adjustment [if needed]) that's pretty irritating.
The price already seemed a bit iffy but if they won't even cover basic alignment now - it keeps getting worse.

Patrick

It was never included.