Tesla Rear Wheel Alignment Adjustment Using Aftermarket Cam Kit
Good day,
We have a particular situation that I would like to have some clarity. A new to us client brings us his Model S for rear alignment. We admit that it is our first Tesla to engage with us. The client clearly stated that he installed a rear (Australian Designed Cam Kit) and could not find anyone to align the vehicle. Tesla refused because the kit wasn't OE or proprietary, other shops he called did not wish to entertain the repair.
We are capable of setting the rear spec to a slight negative spec which (according to multiple Tesla forums) can help in eliminating premature rear tire wear. But my question is are we, or will be liable for any issue in the case the vehicle is in an accident due to any steering, ADAS related situation.
Any advice would be helpful.
Thanks again
Greg
Greg, Liability is something that a court would have to ultimately decide. If you're really asking if anyone that was associated with this transaction can be sued, the answer would be a hard yes. Keep in mind that you may be one in a string of multiple "does". Even if you are not found liable, defending yourself could prove costly and time consuming. HTH, Sevan
Hey, Greg The best answer is probably the most obvious despite knowing that you can do it and do it well. And, that is: You buy it/You own it! if anything happens to that vehicle that even remotely can be traced back to that alignment, it’s yours! I’m not sure how wise that is in a litigious society like ours. Again, just ‘cause you can doesn’t mean you should! There is a reason others have…
Thanks Mitch. My neck hairs got raised on this from the beginning and I resisted from jumping right and playing Superhero. Glad I did.
On the other hand, just because there is liability doesn't mean that you shouldn't. Every service which we provide exposes us to liability; what we decide to do is based on judgement calls. I would probably do it, unless I smelled a skunk.
What is some of the rest of the information? You are able to set the alignment specs to what, from what? What are the published specifications if any? Include all specs front and rear. What alignment machine are you using, have you inquired with their support assistance? As far as the ADAS goes, it may still need a reset and the dealer should be able to do that once the alignment is set.
I would verify the camber kit is installed properly . perform the alignment test drive with the customer to make sure he is happy with the alignment and take his money. Hopefully your not changing any parts all you going to do is make some adjustments.
Funny, teaching for an OE the comment came up, who wants to be first to be sued because you altered factor spec? We had the company's investigator talk to our classes. He asked who in the class is an engineer that designed the vehicle, software or hardware? Than why are you changing the specs? Adas is a slippery slope. If the calibration is out, codes may set. This vehicle is not operating…
Thanks everyone. We decided to punt for now. With us being brand new to Tesla and having a unit already modified, it seemed that the risk was too great for one repair. I called the client, had a very congenial, rational conversation and he understood completely. He, himself is licensed inspector and at times has to inform his clients that he's not allowed to deviate. What a shame to no be able…
Why did he want the kit installed to begin with. Was it a tire wear issue?
Yes it was Stephen. Rear tires being chewed up within a few months.
When in doubt, talk to an attorney.
And 99.9% of the time, the advice given by a lawuer will scare you into not doing anything.
Perhaps, if that's the right course of action to protect yourself, your business and family.
I have found that insurance companies will try to get there money any way they can, had a customer get rear ended and he was pushed into the car in front of him, since the car that rear ended him was not paying yet the car that he was pushed into there insurence company wanted to know if my customer had had any recent brake work done they were looking to get paid even if it meant I did some…