Frame Failure called "Normal Wear and Tear" by Tesla Service

[ucmndd]

Here is a video that shows how Gruber repairs the subframe:

Also, note that they don't think it is a design issue. (Though they do improve on the design with their repair.)

At the quoted 5-7 hours of shop time to complete the repair, I can't see how it would be substantially cheaper than simply replacing the whole part.

I'm sure Gruber's shop rate is a little lower than Tesla's, but I doubt it's THAT much lower, ya know?

I wonder if they could do the same to all of the suspension mounting tabs that also seem to break.

 

[ThomasD]

You could have support gussets welded from the cradle frame to the cradle mounting points

 

[Ssvladi]

Oh well, it sounds like I start hearing some knocks from my subframe again….. fingers crossed (going to be the second faulty one)

 

[aseito]

At the quoted 5-7 hours of shop time to complete the repair, I can't see how it would be substantially cheaper than simply replacing the whole part.

I'm sure Gruber's shop rate is a little lower than Tesla's, but I doubt it's THAT much lower, ya know?

I wonder if they could do the same to all of the suspension mounting tabs that also seem to break.

The original part is a faulty design, the shops I spoke to reinforce the motor mount tabs which is the weak point

 

[Ssvladi]

Oh well, it sounds like I start hearing some knocks from my subframe again….. fingers crossed (going to be the second faulty one)

False alarm it was right axel clicking noise. So far so good.

 

[bakerboy]

Looks like it is a common defect, I started hearing a loud thump from the rear, took into the Rancho service center and the rear subframe is cracked but they're quoting me $5k in repairs! What are my options at this point?


2013 MS P85 - 142k miles

 

[MP3Mike]

Looks like it is a common defect, I started hearing a loud thump from the rear, took into the Rancho service center and the rear subframe is cracked but they're quoting me $5k in repairs! What are my options at this point?

Gruber Motors in Arizona will repair/upgrade your subframe much cheaper than that.

 

[bakerboy]

Only problem is, how do i get it there? I'm in socal

 

[MP3Mike]

Only problem is, how do i get it there? I'm in socal

Either drive it or ship it. They will arrange everything for you if you want. (And you can see if the ship/repair/return is cheaper than letting Tesla do it locally.)

 

[bakerboy]

Ok, thanks!

 

[MP3Mike]

Ok, thanks!

Really any decent welding shop could repair it, you just have to get someone to pull it, and then put it back. QC Charge in Vista, CA might be able to help.

Service your EV

At QC Charge we specialize and are experts in working with EV cars since 2013. Car not charging? Onboard Vehicle Charger Repair. Noisy electric car? New Motor Bearing Repair. Electric motor Free Speed Sensor Check. Mercedes B-Class ED and B250e Tesla Roadster, Model S, 3, x, y Toyota Rav4 EV...

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@ajbessinger what kind of options do you guys have to help with a rear subframe issue?

 

[ThomasD]

If you are mechanically inclined remove the cradle yourself and send it out for repair

 

[bakerboy]

Tesla was trying to replace other parts, that's why the quote was so high, after removing the other parts the quote dropped down to $2,444, I have moved forward with the fix. I will be selling my car after I get it back.

Thanks!

 

[xAgyex]

Welp, this happened to me a few days ago...Looks like S85 failed again...hahaha...At 131,248 Miles...I was driving home from NY to MD and just after supercharging at Newark, DE supercharger, then while going 70 MPH in AP in the middle lane, the car did this crazy swerve as though a huge gust of wind hit the car from the left to the right lane. Almost ran into the next car over. Made it home luckily and found this mess. Oye.

Seems to me all Model S pre 2022 can and will experience rear subframe crack/breaking issues, only a matter of time.

 

[lowtek]

Seems to me all Model S pre 2022 can and will experience rear subframe crack/breaking issues, only a matter of time.

What happened in 2022, did they address it somehow?

 

[xAgyex]

What happened in 2022, did they address it somehow?

2022 Model S is the complete redesign. And the subframe looks completely different. And mount points look more beefier and also reminds me of traditional ICE mount points.

 

[lowtek]

@xAgyex sweet ... thanks for the pic!

 

[Sam1]

2022 Model S is the complete redesign. And the subframe looks completely different. And mount points look more beefier and also reminds me of traditional ICE mount points.

anyone know offhand if the refresh subframe bolts are stretch bolts? Maybe @MountainPass ? I might need to adjust mine over a smidgen. Need to order a set if so.

 

[MP3Mike]

Welp, this happened to me a few days ago...Looks like S85 failed again...hahaha...At 131,248 Miles...I was driving home from NY to MD and just after supercharging at Newark, DE supercharger, then while going 70 MPH in AP in the middle lane, the car did this crazy swerve as though a huge gust of wind hit the car from the left to the right lane. Almost ran into the next car over. Made it home luckily and found this mess. Oye.

Seems to me all Model S pre 2022 can and will experience rear subframe crack/breaking issues, only a matter of time.

I've seen you post about this in a number of threads, all of which, including this thread, are for a different failure. (Even if it is still part of the sub-frame.)

 

[MountainPass]

anyone know offhand if the refresh subframe bolts are stretch bolts? Maybe @MountainPass ? I might need to adjust mine over a smidgen. Need to order a set if so.

I just had a look at the installation procedure and the torque specs don't appear to involve stretching the bolts.