Structural Repair Guidelines

Pulling or Pushing

Tesla does not support the pulling or pushing of any component using frame straightening equipment.

Pulling or pushing can damage the integrity of the component or the joint (including mechanical fasteners or adhesive) between structural components, including those in seemingly unrelated parts of the body structure.

Pulling or pushing of exterior body panels is supported only as described in Repairing Cosmetic Damage.

Cosmetic Repairs Allowed

Cosmetic repairs to exterior body panels are allowed as described in Repairing Cosmetic Damage.

Note

Refer to Body Structure Materials and Allowed Operations for information about permitted repairs to all materials.

Used, Recycled, or Aftermarket Parts

All parts used in the repair of a Tesla vehicle should follow the guidelines in “Repair Guidelines for Parts, Fasteners, and Chemicals.”

Use Only Approved Chemicals

Use only the chemicals listed in “Approved Chemicals” for structural repairs on Tesla vehicles.

Warning

Do not use a non-approved structural adhesive for a structural repair on a Tesla vehicle. Using a non-approved structural adhesive might compromise vehicle crash integrity.

Warning

Never use expired structural adhesive. Always check the expiration date on the structural adhesive before use. Using expired structural adhesive might compromise vehicle crash integrity.

Warning

Do not use structural adhesive as a substitute for welds, rivets, or any other fastening method listed in a Tesla Collision Repair manual unless directed to do so in the specific repair procedure.

Note

Unless specified otherwise in the repair procedure, apply structural adhesive to all non-welded mating surfaces of the vehicle and all panels being replaced in the repair. Refer to "Apply Adhesives" for more information on the proper application of adhesives.

Use Only Approved Fasteners

Use only the fasteners listed in “Approved Fasteners and Fastener Installation Tools for Structural Repair” for structural repairs on Tesla vehicles.

Warning

Use only approved fasteners when performing structural repairs on Tesla vehicles. Using non-approved fasteners might compromise the integrity of the repair and vehicle safety. Using non-approved fasteners might also affect whether Tesla supports the vehicle.

All fasteners used in the repair of a Tesla vehicle should follow the guidelines in “Repair Guidelines for Parts, Fasteners, and Chemicals.”

Use Only Approved Welders

Use only the GMA welders and squeeze-type resistance spot welders listed in “Approved Gas Metal Arc (GMA) Welders and Welding Wire” and “Approved Squeeze-Type Resistance Spot (STRS) Welders” for structural repairs on Tesla vehicles.

Warning

Use only approved welders when performing structural repairs on Tesla vehicles. Using non-approved welders might compromise the integrity of the repair and vehicle safety.

Use Only Approved GMA Welding Wire

Use only the welding wires listed in “Approved Gas Metal Arc (GMA) Welders and Welding Wire” for structural repairs on Tesla vehicles.

Warning

Do not use non-approved welding wire for a Tesla structural repair. Using a non-approved welding wire might compromise vehicle crash integrity.