Structural Repair Guidelines

Describes the approved types of structural repairs for Tesla vehicles.

Body Structure Pulling or Pushing Not Allowed

Pulling or pushing of exterior body panels is allowed. Tesla does not allow pulling or pushing of body structure components using frame straightening equipment. Tesla defines a structural component as any bonded, welded, weld-bonded, rivet-bonded, or riveted part of the vehicle.

Pulling or pushing the body structure 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.

Used, Recycled, or Aftermarket Parts Not Allowed

Tesla does not allow used, recycled, or aftermarket parts or components to be used for repairs.

There are no approved field testing methods to verify that the integrity of a part has not been compromised. To ensure that vehicle safety is not compromised, use only new, undamaged, Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts in conjunction with approved repair methods.

Tesla only sells parts that have been tested for safety; Tesla does not test aftermarket parts. Because Tesla cannot confirm that aftermarket parts will not adversely affect vehicle safety, Tesla does not allow the use of aftermarket parts.

For more information, refer to “Repair Guidelines for Parts, Fasteners, and Structural Adhesives.”

Performing Structural Repairs on a Frame Bench

Some structural repairs on Tesla vehicles must be performed with the vehicle properly mounted to an approved frame bench. When a frame bench is must be used to complete a particular structural repair, the Repair Information section of the repair procedure will indicate that a frame bench must be used.

For a list of approved frame bench systems, refer to “Approved Frame Bench Systems.”

Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
Note
When performing a repair using a frame bench, use a minimum of 8 control points to the frame bench.

Use Only Approved Structural Adhesives

Use only the structural adhesives listed in “Approved Structural Adhesives and Urethane Sealants” for structural repairs on Tesla vehicles.

Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
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 IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
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 IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
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.
Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
Note
Apply structural adhesive to all non-welded mating surfaces of the vehicle and all panels being replaced in the repair.

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 IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
Warning
Use only approved fasteners sourced from Tesla 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.

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 IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
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 IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
Warning
Do not use non-approved welding wire for a Tesla structural repair. Using a non-approved welding wire might compromise vehicle crash integrity.