Plastic Component Repair Guidelines

Guidelines for plastic component repair and refinishing.

Non-safety related plastic components can be repaired using industry standard tools and methods, such as nitrogen welding or two-part adhesive designed for plastic repair.

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Note
Refer to the instructions available from the tool supplier on how to perform a plastic repair.

Identify the plastic material of the component prior to repair. Inspect each component for an abbreviation that identifies the component material.

Abbreviation Material Type
ABS Acrylontrile Butadiene Styrene
PP Polypropylene
PP/PE Polypropylene/Polyethylene
PPO Rigid Polymer Alloy
EPDM Ethylene Propylene Diene Modified
TPO Thermoplastic Olefin
TPE Thermoplastic Elastomer
TEO Thermoplastic Elastomer Olefin
PUR Polyurethane
RIM Reaction Injection Molded Urethane
TPUR Thermoplastic Polyurethane

Common Repairable Parts

These commonly damaged components can be repaired using industry standard tools and methods.

Description Notes
Front Fascia
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CAUTION
Plastic repairs are not allowed in the area of radar sensors. Refer to Front Bumper Fascia Repair Guidelines for more information.
Rear Fascia
Ducting Assembly
Lower Valance
Front Carrier
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CAUTION
The only repairable portions of a front carrier are the mounting tabs. Damage to any other part of a front carrier cannot be repaired and the part must be replaced.
Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
CAUTION
The front carrier on Model S Rear Wheel Drive vehicles built before April 2016 is made of magnesium, not polypropylene. Magnesium front carriers cannot be repaired and must be replaced.