Weird alignment issue after upper control arms replaced

[hari-bhari]

2018 M3 LR RWD. Recently went to Tesla to help nail down a rattle from near the steering column. They replaced the upper control arms which did not fix the rattle, and eventually after 3 weeks of having the car they gave up.

Anyways I drive off and the car is pulling significantly to the left at anything above 25mph. Sounds like they didn't do an alignment after the upper control arm replacement so I scheduled one for next week.

BUT THEN, over the past week and 50 miles the issue has completely disappeared. Car is tracking completely straight now. Any ideas what would cause this? I can still go in for an alignment but I'd like to save $250 if possible.

 

[GtiMart]

You might want to get an alignment done elsewhere, it shouldn't cost that much. Now, an alignment is a good thing to do anyway as it's about more than just pulling to one side. Your car might still be misaligned even though it goes straight.

 

[emptyspaces]

2018 M3 LR RWD. Recently went to Tesla to help nail down a rattle from near the steering column. They replaced the upper control arms which did not fix the rattle, and eventually after 3 weeks of having the car they gave up.

Anyways I drive off and the car is pulling significantly to the left at anything above 25mph. Sounds like they didn't do an alignment after the upper control arm replacement so I scheduled one for next week.

BUT THEN, over the past week and 50 miles the issue has completely disappeared. Car is tracking completely straight now. Any ideas what would cause this? I can still go in for an alignment but I'd like to save $250 if possible.

I was told they don't align it after the FUCA replacement.. but the service manual seems to require it, so..

 

[hari-bhari]

I am going to try to have them comp it since they replaced the arms even thought it wasn't necessary.

 

[afadeev]

I am going to try to have them comp it since they replaced the arms even thought it wasn't necessary.

Good luck with that!

If that doesn't work, do yourself a favor, and take the car for an alignment at a place that knows how to do that properly (e.g.: not a dealership or Tesla SC).
As to why the initial pull that later disappeared, the most undesirable explanation is that they did not tighten some of the suspension bolts properly.
Again - I would take the car to a competent independent shop to re-torque all suspension components (or DIY the job, if you are handy).

I was told they don't align it after the FUCA replacement.. but the service manual seems to require it, so..

FWIW, my local Tesla SC did NOT do an alignment after replacing my upper control arms about two years ago.
I tracked straight, and showed no irregular tire wear, so I left it alone.

HTH,
a

 

[ODWms]

Same here. I had the FUCA replaced under warranty about 3 years ago. No alignment. The car has never had an alignment in he 4 1/2 years I’ve owned it and there’s been no issues whatsoever.

 

[hari-bhari]

I can’t find any place besides Firestone here to do it for a reasonable price. Butler tire and Indy shops want $250