WTF Alignment Estimate from Tesla

[Pied]

I went to a performance shop where I used to take my ISF. Their rates are higher than most places, but still only $140 for my alignment in Bay Area, CA. I wouldn't pay anything over $120 for Tesla to do it.

 

[Effopec]

I had mine done at the Plano, TX SC last year for $140.

 

[AngryCPA]

Just got the car back, it ended up being $117!

 

[saycortes]

TrueLine Wheel Alignment in El Cajon. I paid 180 for a four wheel and my steering wheel started off 7degrees off-center and it is perfect now!

 

[webbah]

I take mine to my preferred shop that has worked on my race cars for years. Never pay more than $125. Any talk about them not having the Model 3 in the calibration computer is BS. They can manage it if they have the specs, and I got the specs from Tesla SC sent to me in PDF.

 

[Dolemite]

I think alignments are notoriously unprofitable - doing it well is extremely time-consuming. And they never get it perfect. My local SC quoted me $300+, which I thought was hilarious. After calling 10+ local shops, I finally landed on a reputable one that was willing to align a scary Tesla. They ended up doing a *sugar* job, so I’m hoping to DIY my next one.

 

[AGARubberDuck]

What are you guys doing that makes the alignment go out of adjustment? Everyone getting coil-overs? Maybe letting autopilot mash every pot hole in its path? Finding edge of the road by bouncing off of curbs? Letting your wives drive?

 

[holmgang]

I think alignments are notoriously unprofitable - doing it well is extremely time-consuming. And they never get it perfect. My local SC quoted me $300+, which I thought was hilarious. After calling 10+ local shops, I finally landed on a reputable one that was willing to align a scary Tesla. They ended up doing a *sugar* job, so I’m hoping to DIY my next one.

alignments are just an opportunity to sell people into wheels and tires, suspension and other services

 

[john5520]

Someone should Tweet Elon: "$516 for an alignment Elon!!?? Really?"

 

[howie328]

Just got the car back, it ended up being $117!

Which advisor did you talk to from this SC? Can you share the name or email?

 

[TLLMRRJ]

What are you guys doing that makes the alignment go out of adjustment? Everyone getting coil-overs? Maybe letting autopilot mash every pot hole in its path? Finding edge of the road by bouncing off of curbs? Letting your wives drive?

Ask Tesla. They are pumping out new cars with bad alignments at an alarming rate.

 

[YisSerL]

Should have ask the SC: Great, can I bring the car in today? By the way, can I pick the color of the roadster loaner you're giving me?

And I know you guys are pretty booked, would an alignment takes a couple of weeks to complete? I'm not in a rush since I'm shelter at place at home. Take your time!

 

[Fernand]

@iwannam3 is there any other scary stuff that you've "heard" like that?

My M3 tire rotation was either $36 or $39, I forget.
And overall service has been very good, once I'd scheduled it.
.

 

[spex]

$516 is the price for an alignment including caster and camber adjustments. If you just need a toe adjustment then it will be more like $150

Camber and caster are crazy hard to do on Model 3

 

[Dolemite]

$516 is the price for an alignment including caster and camber adjustments. If you just need a toe adjustment then it will be more like $150

Camber and caster are crazy hard to do on Model 3

I think this goes deeper than that - camber adjustment is basically non-existent on these cars. Not really even worth talking about - it basically amounts to the "play" between the different components & fasteners. I think the "full alignment" price you've quoted there includes moving subframe around & whatnot - something my local SC guys have said they've had to do to get certain cars back in-spec. Made in California!

 

[TLLMRRJ]

$516 is the price for an alignment including caster and camber adjustments. If you just need a toe adjustment then it will be more like $150

Camber and caster are crazy hard to do on Model 3

Not from what I read in the shop manual. What makes you think they are "crazy" hard?

 

[Fernand]

Who needs those camber casters? I just want audiophile sound!