Our cars are invincible but sucks to have to find out

[Xd85]

Joining the crowd too.. 2017 75D here. Swerved to avoid t-boning and hopped a standard curb at 20-30 mph. Missed a fire hydrant. Largely unscathed except for wheels/tires below. Have a service appointment but wondering what the collective thinks of the potential for serious hardware damage. And no, autopilot was not on

seriously there ought to be a collisions/repair subforum (or mods can repost me there)

 

[Bebop]

How is the steering wheel? Is it loose? Still in tact? Did you get any notifications on the car such as "stability control disabled" or "automatic emergency brake disabled" or just any in general? Are you able to drive the car still? Or is it just stuck and not drivable?

 

[Xd85]

How is the steering wheel? Is it loose? Still in tact? Did you get any notifications on the car such as "stability control disabled" or "automatic emergency brake disabled" or just any in general?

didn't notice any difference offhand, no notifications either through the vehicle or according to tesla. Just got off the phone with them and they want to pay for alignment before they can fully road-test the vehicle. A little much i think?

 

[Need]

didn't notice any difference offhand, no notifications either through the vehicle or according to tesla. Just got off the phone with them and they want to pay for alignment before they can fully road-test the vehicle. A little much i think?

You may get off by just doing an alignment! How much does Tesla charge for alignment anyway? Normally whenever the dealerships want to do an alignment, they would say, normally our price is $200 but today it is only $125. Really??? What a deal! Yeah right...

 

[Xd85]

You may get off by just doing an alignment! How much does Tesla charge for alignment anyway? Normally whenever the dealerships want to do an alignment, they would say, normally our price is $200 but today it is only $125. Really??? What a deal! Yeah right...

$239+ tax

 

[Need]

$239+ tax

Oh wow. Maybe they could rotate your tires for free. I think tire rotation at Tesla is like $79.

 

[Xd85]

Oh wow. Maybe they could rotate your tires for free. I think tire rotation at Tesla is like $79.

that tire's probably got to go, ~18000 miles and 8/32 tread

 

[unbelievable]

That rim looks cracked in the first photo. I'd just go through insurance as it's probably going to add up by the time you've had alignment, at least one rim, and anything else Tesla finds upon inspection.

Well done for avoiding all the obstacles by the way. I bet the adrenaline was a bit raised after that one.

 

[Xd85]

That rim looks cracked in the first photo. I'd just go through insurance as it's probably going to add up by the time you've had alignment, at least one rim, and anything else Tesla finds upon inspection.

Well done for avoiding all the obstacles by the way. I bet the adrenaline was a bit raised after that one.

that's a shadow i guess of the tire and smudge. Rim intact; i doubt anything is off but of course sourcing the community wisdom

 

[Doanster1]

The wheels need to be taken off and inspected. I’d be surprised if they’re not bent. Even if they look visually true/ok, you should have them put on a balancer to see for sure. 20-30mph curb hit is pretty major.

 

[Xd85]

The wheels need to be taken off and inspected. I’d be surprised if they’re not bent. Even if they look visually true/ok, you should have them put on a balancer to see for sure. 20-30mph curb hit is pretty major.

thanks for advice, will definitely get it aligned then. Hard to tell what speed but panic break at 55 from (~100 ft away, less?)

 

[demundus]

I would be extremely cautious regarding the control arms, as well as your steering rack and power steering module. These are "known" points of failure. At least have them checked for cracks or stress, and the bolts on the steering rack checked for sheering

 

[Xd85]

I would be extremely cautious regarding the control arms, as well as your steering rack and power steering module. These are "known" points of failure. At least have them checked for cracks or stress, and the bolts on the steering rack checked for sheering

would any of these be self evident driving?

 

[Doanster1]

thanks for advice, will definitely get it aligned then. Hard to tell what speed but panic break at 55 from (~100 ft away, less?)

Alignment is different than putting each wheel on a balancer. Do both...

 

[Need]

Just saw this post here:
Lifetime Alignment Shop in San Francisco Bay Area

Seems like it is only $150 for alignment at Tesla in CA.

 

[John5396]

Note that the weakness for the bolts on the power steering module is a problem with rusting, so probably wouldn't contribute to risks for the OP.

but I certainly agree that a thorough inspection of the control arms, rack, etc are needed after a hit like that. And also agree that alignment would reveal a small bend/crack that is not seen in a visual inspection.

 

[achilles992000]

the biggest gripe i have with the Model S is the size. i hit a lot of curbs!

 

[Lasairfion]

I thought all cars in America were giant land barges?

 

[dark cloud]

I thought all cars in America were giant land barges?

That's cause the gas, er, electricity is too cheap.

 

[demundus]

Note that the weakness for the bolts on the power steering module is a problem with rusting, so probably wouldn't contribute to risks for the OP.

but I certainly agree that a thorough inspection of the control arms, rack, etc are needed after a hit like that. And also agree that alignment would reveal a small bend/crack that is not seen in a visual inspection.

It was with rusting for sure (they could be rusted? lol), theres also sheering forces that happen on impacts like that... definitely a lower priority item but a very easy one to check!