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Firestone couldn't do wheel alignment on Tesla
- Thread starter viper2ko
- Start date
beatle
Active Member
Sounds like a crappy excuse to me. Alignment is mechanical, not electrical. There is nothing to scan or interface with on the car other than the bolts that adjust the alignment. Since you've already paid for the service, I'd ask Firestone for a better explanation of what they want to "scan" on the car when putting your car on the alignment rack. Why would they sell you a service they say they cannot perform? If anything, I'd get my money back.
Alignment has nothing to do with your wheels or tires so it should not matter to your SC if you go there. I'd instead get my money back from Firestone and find another independent shop. Any shop with an alignment rack should be able to align a Tesla just like any other car.
Alignment has nothing to do with your wheels or tires so it should not matter to your SC if you go there. I'd instead get my money back from Firestone and find another independent shop. Any shop with an alignment rack should be able to align a Tesla just like any other car.
murphyS90D
Member
I wouldn't expect any alignment problem with third party tires. After all Tesla doesn't make tires. Third party rims on the other hand they either will not do or will require you to sign a document that says they are not responsible if they damage them. That also applies to tire rotations. That part works great for me because I don't ever want my tires rotated since they are directional tires.
SUM-EV
Member
If I remember correctly from a conversation with a Goodyear store manager while back...
They are able to measure the alignment with no issue, but to make the alignment adjustments, some panels underneath the vehicle need to be removed to allow access which can be time consuming for the technician.
He said they could do, but recommended taking to Tesla for the alignment since they are more experienced with removing/installing the panels on a daily basis.
They are able to measure the alignment with no issue, but to make the alignment adjustments, some panels underneath the vehicle need to be removed to allow access which can be time consuming for the technician.
He said they could do, but recommended taking to Tesla for the alignment since they are more experienced with removing/installing the panels on a daily basis.
The Firestone in dallas told me he did not have to remove any panels...there enough gap to get his hand up into the wells to adjust
cousin_IT
Face provided by boredhumans.com
Had alignment done by a local shop and indeed they’ll need to take off a cover to adjust the rear wheels. Not a big deal, instructions are usually provided in the alignment machines. For small adjustments this approach will usually suffice.
Tesla’s own procedure is more extensive and requires toolkit (Tesla’s own software) to verify that the steering wheel is positioned at exactly 0.0 degrees. When you run into more serious alignment issues you’re better off going to Tesla. In my case the local shop could not help me and I ended up in a SC where they found one of the fore links had a worn out rubber. Replaced the fore link, realigned and problem solved.
pl8dlikafiddle
Member
Just had my car aligned at 13,500miles. Inner and outer edges of front tires showed some cupping, so I took it in and had them realign. Toe was out.
Alignment cost was $113. I’m in the metro-Atlanta area.
In comparison, local shops in the area are around $100-135 for a 4wheel alignment. Tesla’s rate was very competitive.
ucmndd
Well-Known Member
After fighting with a few local shops over the same silly excuses, I just have Tesla do it now. Pricing is reasonably competitive (though of course they don’t offer any “lifetime” deals like Firestone).
they don’t care about tires.
they don’t care about tires.
GlmnAlyAirCar
Active Member
No special tool is needed. I have lifetime alignment at Firestone Complete Auto Care (not the same company as Firestone).
Just don't let them reinstall as idiot techs always mix the machine and grommet screws up.
In case anyone is wondering the rear panel needs to be removed, it absolutely does and says so in the FSM. It's impossible to properly torque the control arm bushing. Alignment shops remove it. Tesla removes it. If someone thinks they saw this then, either 1) the alignment didn't actually adjust the rear, 2) they didn't use a torque wrench, or 3) the person who saw it got the front and rear of the car confused.
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dark cloud
Active Member
That's a little aggressive. It is possible your alignment found the rear numbers within spec, so no adjustment was necessary. Of course it is possible anyone could pay for an alignment, and all numbers are in spec, and no adjustments are made, but the customer still pays for the alignment because the alignment was still "done".
Post your alignment before/after printout results here to see if the rear toe was adjusted or not.
They is very reasonable. I put in a service request to get the price but I'm expecting double what you paid.
For those TMC'ers that aren't necessarily "car guys," it's always a good idea to get a before and after printout of your car's alignment. Most good shops now days will do this automatically. If they don't, it's a bit of a red flag in my book.
It also doesn't hurt to know the book specs for your car's alignment. Compare the "after" chart, and make sure it's within range.
Very helpful thread, gents, thank you.
pl8dlikafiddle
Member
Absolutely regarding the print out!
Just an FYI - Tesla will not give you a print out unless you ask. Service advisor was surprised when I asked for it.
ucmndd
Well-Known Member
Like most things Tesla, best not to talk in absolutes. I’ve never had to ask for a printout, it’s always just been sitting on the seat waiting for me when I pick the car up.
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