Devastating update 🚨😣🥺😔

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[Watch this video. Rich Rebuilds](https://youtu.be/vVSw3KSevEc?si=2lz0t-rYQjw0FTaO) Good stuff starts at like 14 minutes in.

Unfortunately, this happens.  The mechanic you took it to is full of shit - $4k for recycling? He can sell it for $4k any day of the week.   Yes, it’s a fairly simple repair to the nipple if you’re comfortable with taps and dies.  Tesla won’t do it, but there are aftermarket companies that will (and there are aftermarket products that bolt on to protect this area).  Finding one may be difficult; I’m a weekend shade tree mechanic and would have no problem doing mine.

Could you help OP out?

Not sure how, other than packing my tools and getting on a plane to wherever.

i got my car from the auction same damage fixing now u have a perfect break so you lucky, what you will need [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FSK84Y96?ref=ppx\_yo2ov\_dt\_b\_fed\_asin\_title](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FSK84Y96?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title) tap kit you need the 1/4 once started do about 12 half spins [https://www.amazon.com/Boeray-Fitting-Thread-Straight-Coupler/dp/B075LKML7D/ref=sr\_1\_1\_sspa?crid=1R30GPVAU08KQ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.C3qcum-NKSW-0osa7jNr0F3640xHcBG5pOwNX\_bvmiQuQ69-kUuTiU7IF2ieEvhA-U9r-CFAjgR6LW3sPI9fnagk7Td4JuRXbn8mVOHXQICX8Y-Ivl2m3PhMM0mwk5b10Tl86HU-sy1Rfzb76Dpu4Mk6Ei73BXSf6yMhm3WUFld6Dd-LBPWkP-QUDYVUBR0DVIZeVTfzlAGbrHEoGhqJcg4ha0MCNhBxqdQWQ1vOJICCT\_dd4GW\_5NgGOT-IbpYmsjzi\_Y5bDPDU2iEf8CZLD4u5lA3ovGhMeeKvj9p-CbY.\_hRE1dSW6CX\_IQ9NO3b\_gjnI5Bbkx1u\_SZWc\_BEoPiU&dib\_tag=se&keywords=brass%2B1%2F4%2Bnipple&qid=1769577905&s=hi&sprefix=brass%2B1%2Ctools%2C5599&sr=1-1-spons&sp\_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1](https://www.amazon.com/Boeray-Fitting-Thread-Straight-Coupler/dp/B075LKML7D/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=1R30GPVAU08KQ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.C3qcum-NKSW-0osa7jNr0F3640xHcBG5pOwNX_bvmiQuQ69-kUuTiU7IF2ieEvhA-U9r-CFAjgR6LW3sPI9fnagk7Td4JuRXbn8mVOHXQICX8Y-Ivl2m3PhMM0mwk5b10Tl86HU-sy1Rfzb76Dpu4Mk6Ei73BXSf6yMhm3WUFld6Dd-LBPWkP-QUDYVUBR0DVIZeVTfzlAGbrHEoGhqJcg4ha0MCNhBxqdQWQ1vOJICCT_dd4GW_5NgGOT-IbpYmsjzi_Y5bDPDU2iEf8CZLD4u5lA3ovGhMeeKvj9p-CbY._hRE1dSW6CX_IQ9NO3b_gjnI5Bbkx1u_SZWc_BEoPiU&dib_tag=se&keywords=brass%2B1%2F4%2Bnipple&qid=1769577905&s=hi&sprefix=brass%2B1%2Ctools%2C5599&sr=1-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1) thread seal you tap both sides

So not to spin 360 degrees (not to twist the full circle ?) ? But only half circle, is that you saying?? And after making the threads in the hole, I need to twist the brass nipple in, and what on the other side of the brass ???

Replacing the whole battery over this is actually insane.

If you have full coverage I feel like this could be a road hazard car insurance claim.

this.

https://www.sodadispenserdepot.com/products/parts/co2-tanks-and-regulators/7155B.html#:~:text=A%201/4%22%20right%20hand%20(RH)%20to%20left,pipe%20thread%20nipple%20for%20$3.85%20plus%20shipping. & Both a left and right hand tap Or do 2 fittings and a piece of crimp on pex to connect em? But I'm no expert

These guys fix it by cutting a larger hole in the battery casing and replacing the part. Unfortunately video is in Swedish. https://youtu.be/?si=klYLb-UD8PsLp1QR

I’m excited to see you fix this! Good luck man you got this.

I had this exact problem and I fixed this myself. I've driven \~20k miles since then. Honestly, the trickiest part was loading all the coolant back in afterwards. I also had a problem where there was a slow leak (a few drops per day) because I used pliers that left little ridges on the nipple. I had to go back and clean up those ridges. I would suggest getting distilled water and using that instead of coolant while you work to ensure that there is a proper seal. You'll also want a kit for getting coolant into the system without bubbles. The kit is about $20 and needs an air compressor. Get comfortable crawling under there. Fixed: https://preview.redd.it/3kkkbw8cs1gg1.png?width=608&format=png&auto=webp&s=625010f5b3467d70af6500200acfd626033d6f0d

I just got a Tesla M3. What is this pipe?

Battery coolant line

Here's a video of a professional replacing that fitting. Tesla will indeed require a whole battery replacement as they do not service the internals. They would give you a rebuilt pack and then send yours off to be recertified in turn. https://youtu.be/av26zccPsvk?si=IR2U7fadJxc5ED41

You need to open the pack to replace the fitting from the inside. Tesla would swap the pack with a rebuilt one and then send off OP's to be rebuilt in turn.

Proud of you. How did it break?

[deleted]

Can you file a claim with full coverage insurance and eat an at fault? If impact target was stationary its ruled against you, if moving it's not. This would be covered under collision, since it's battery impact it's an 80% chance of total loss. You'd also have a 30-50% surcharge depending on carrier at renewal. Up to you save receipts if you go down this road for reimbursement.

Rich Rebuild fixed a similar issue and it worked …

"absolutely no way to fix"

And there should be some reenforcement to that area cos its happening to often.

4k for recycling sounds like a rip-off. The battery can be repaired and resell after.

what do you mean, he literally said he ran over a pile of ice?

How much is this car worth to you and is it not covered under warranty? Can you not go through insurance? If you fix this yourself, I am going to assume Tesla will void the warranty on this battery when/if they ever go in for a replacement.

This is a perfect repair solution for a poor design.

Or the mechanic does the plumbing repair but charges as if he did a battery replacement.

Your insurance will cover the cost of a new battery. Take it to Tesla, have it done right, and you’ll now have a slight warranty on the new pack (assuming your HV warranty is expired) Tesla sees this wayyy more than you’d think. And no I wouldn’t suggest diy personally, there isn’t a way to cleanly replace this unless you peel the casing of the pack and get it from the inside or do a weird diy thing like these other guys, which it could happen again, might be more likely with how it’s done. Really I Say you get the pack swapped enjoy the reliability of a new pack and get a metal aero shield if you’re going to keep running things over just to play it safe

So the hole left behind is not plastic it’s metal? Hard to tell from OPs pic.

YESSS THIS IS THE ANSWERRRRE!!!!!!!!

Common consequence for hitting such a ball. Known poor design by Tesla. The key is to drill and thread the nipple (cmon Tesla, plastic?) and attach the pipe with an adapter. You MUST be sure to clean the coolant circuit from ANY debris (using a vacuum cleaner while drilling and forcing coolant circulation after). Do a seal test to be sure there are no leaks. Then buy a kit to fill the system without air bubbles. You're ready to go buddy.

Also, your insurance will double in price. 😭 I would go with DIY first, then try the swap if you can’t do it yourself.

If your insurance price doubles just by using the service that you’re paying for exactly how it is intended to be used, then you should find a new insurance company. That’s insane to hear.

Yes, filing a claim for a battery—particularly for electric vehicle (EV) battery damage—can cause car insurance premiums to increase. While a single roadside assistance call for a dead battery might not trigger a rate hike, a comprehensive or collision claim for a damaged battery, which can cost $5,000–$15,000+, will significantly impact future premiums. Well don’t give advice if you don’t know how car insurance works 🤣🤣

I know exactly how insurance works, I am also a technician with Tesla who has had the misfortune of running over a ladder, and had to get er towed in. This was last year, May 25’ and in FL, my monthly premium is the exact same it was prior to the accident. Again, you pay for insurance for this exact reason. Not here to argue.. [here’s mine](https://imgur.com/a/F2vUIeK)

Its a total

LMAO @ "cracked nipple" 🤭😂😂

Would you know what standard size fittings to use? I wasn't sure between 1/4" and 3/8".

Is this the same for MY?

not really.. they had the whole thing to tap, you have just the little bit on the inside -- might hold, might not. I'd just do an insurance claim personally, that's what it is for.

I wouldn’t it’s not a regular ICE car which has very high pressures the coolant pressure for electric cars are much lower

So how can we prevent this?

I ran over a dead doe on the last 50 miles of a cross country trip during covid. I tapped the brakes which I think lowered my nose down just enough to scoop the problem up.

The brass fitting is the part that I added. I bought it off the shelf at harbor freight.

Wait, can you share the an aftermarket product to protect that area? I never heard about this before.

Test out the fit on something else before you tap the battery

Someone is lying to you if they want $4k to recycle the old battery, people will pay you for them.

username checks out!

Hell if I lived nearby I would pay 4k in a heartbeat

Good question! I think someone having the car in that situation can measure the inner diameter of the pipe, and from there we should understand which standard to use. Perhaps some YT videos talk about his

The simple answer is, it depends. I've had multiple claims do nothing to insurance, and then others that weren't my fault increased insurance. I usually just price shop if that happens.

I just watched the Rich rebuilds video and I could 100% do this fix if I had to. I’m mechanically inclined tho… That shop wants money so of course he’s going to want you to bring it to them.

That should be protected better from the factory. Sheesh plastic is trash

I think this is a common EV situation. My f150 Lightning also has the same coolant type nipple that can snap off and it requires the same thing - pulling the whole battery out to replace the nipple from inside the battery. It’s so dumb. Luckily the Lightning has massive steel plates underneath but I know of at least one person that ran over a tree branch at just the right angle and it poked through the side opening and snapped the coolant nipple like this.

Damn so essentially, you pay for a "new" battery pack, give them yours for free and they fix yours and resell it.

MY is much taller than M3

You need a front cover, those are sold online.

For those concerned about this, I got a skid plate from mountain pass that protects the whole front of the battery. Happy with it and would really lower the chances of this sort of issue happening.

[https://tsportline.com/products/model-3-coolant-line-aluminum-protection-guards](https://tsportline.com/products/model-3-coolant-line-aluminum-protection-guards)

Yeah, been looking. Basically coolant skid plates.

Depends on state and insurance company, highly YMMV.

You're exactly right

yes if you watch the video its half spins you don't want to go too far and once the threads start, its good its low pressure so as long as its sealed you good

you tap both sides, the nipple that broke off take it out and thread it too

This is absolutely no way to build a car that cost that much. Sad

So now it’s time to buy a front skid plate ✅

It goes in for a few cm's beyond that break point

The problem with this fix is it probably voids your HV battery warranty (if it is still within the window), and Tesla could disable supercharging if they find out. If I was still within the warranty period and had comprehensive auto insurance, I would have to bite the bullet if I wanted to keep the HV battery warranty on my car (assuming they dont reset the HV battery warranty to the new/remanned HV battery's warranty).

That's why I lifted mine 2 inches, installed manganese steel skid plates and steel coolant guards

Yes, this can happen to all Teslas. You need to replace your aeroshield with a skid plate (Mountain Pass SmashMe plate, is an example), then another option is some wheel well armored shields. Here's a good tutorial on what to do on a Model Y someone else posted here a while back: https://www.reddit.com/gallery/1pnjpb6

https://www.reddit.com/gallery/1pnjpb6

Legit video 👍

JB weld might do it unless the plastic is brittle from the anty freeze.

Id file an insurance claim but state you believe the object rolled from under the vehicle in front of you if that's what occurred, then have Tesla fix it.

He’s right this typically needs a battery, have had this on a couple of our teslas and the Insurance will either pay for a new battery or total the car. I’m sure there’s a way to rig it so it would still work but it will probably be used by Tesla if you ever take it in for any warranty stuff pertaining to anything coolant or battery related to deny it

Battery warranty isn't going to cover physical damage caused by the owner.

This is the proper fix. Other suggestions of tapping and putting in a pipe restricts coolant flow. At 13:48 the video suggests the crossectional area of the tube gets reduced by basically 25 to 50%(!) Brass fitting 25%, plastic fitting 50%. Oof. Of course some coolant flow is better than none, but the proper fix is to do what is shown in this video. Drop the pack. Open it up. Loosen invidual module. Lift of the module. Replace the broken fixture.

This is not a proper repair and it restricts coolant flow. This is the proper repair. https://youtu.be/av26zccPsvk?si=DFc8mOlUhrhxOpsr At 13:48 he estimates that a brass fitting reduces crossectional area by ~25%. A plastic on reduces it by approximately 50%. Oof! Of course most people won't do the proper fix. Even though it is much cheaper than replacing the pack. Instead they'll take the easy way out and decide it's ok to restrict the coolant flow. Oh well.

You're right. Damaging the HV battery voids the HV battery warranty. The point I'm trying to make, however, is if someone were to get a cheap fix like the nipple drainage plug fix in the Electrified Garage video, which is arguably not real damage to the HV battery itself (so long as you power down the car and get it towed), the HV battery warranty would still be void. It's really at the owner's discretion to choose to fix it and have a voided warranty, or get it replaced and have some kind of warranty on the battery still.

Yeah, essentially an overpriced “core charge.”

Im not sure how to fabricate the story the way insurance would believe and pass under “comprehensive”

i don't think so i had to buy an extra manifold and for this specific connection the hole in the branch is actually smaller than the hold coming out of the battery, i was surprised myself.

a kit what year car you have, the car can run its own purge.

I wouldn't fabricate anything, ive had a spare tire drop from under a vehicle in front of me in a snowstorm before. You can't honestly believe the object was just laying there, and the vehicle in front of you didn't hit it, or drop it.

So should i stick with other vehicles spare wheel dropped in front of me and I couldn’t do anything but drove over ? One more thing, Im curious what if they ask for the recording if they believe every tesla records the drive ! 🤔🤔🤔

Do they sell any after market solutions to avoid this ?

It snapped inside the battery, so its probably already coolant in it.

“He also said if I find a used battery, he can replace it plus $4k additional fees” WAIT!!! 4k!?!? This dude must have you by the balls or something…. $4k is insane for a battery swap. No no no…. A used battery is about $3500-$6000 depending on capacity and type. Getting it installed should only cost about $1000. It doesn’t take much effort and the old battery is $$$$. So don’t let him pull that “recycling fee” BS. Even a completely shot battery that won’t hold any charge has value. He’s gonna make a couple grand by sticking that thing on eBay. This Tesla mechanic of yours worries me a lot more than the actual issue at hand. He’s ripping you off. Just because Tesla charges $20,000 for a battery swap. Doesn’t mean that it should cost anywhere near that much. Brand new batteries are very expensive. You don’t need a brand new battery. The one you had that worked fine was used anyway.

Just file an insurance claim.

I guess when you buy your next Tesla or you get this one fixed… you’ll understand why a lot of people post on here about adding steel skid plates.

Like it was just my 2nd day of driving the car after I purchased it 🥺

That’s like someone smashing into you on the way home from the dealership. I feel your pain. I’ve been there.

Fitted a pair last week for just such an occasion..... Worth every cent imao

Me too unfortunately... 20 miles out from the Tesla delivery center I got hit on the highway.

Ya definitely looks like you can tap it and just thread a new connection in there. Just be very careful and vacuum out any debris from tapping the threads. Use a NPT looks like 1/2" or smaller and you can make that work for sure. I doubt the coolant runs at high pressure. Make sure to TAPE AND DOPE the threads when you make the connections. You can Def repair this. Don't trust that mechanic 🚩🚩🚩

Yep, this is EXACTLY what I was going to point out.

Take it to Tesla to find out the truth. My bullshit radar says this guy is trying to screw you somewhere in this story

Ah. 2018

is that a model 3 perfomance 2020 ? or Later ?

Take it to tesla and then do a insurance claim to have them pay for the repair. Tell Tesla to call you when the repair is completed. Hope your able to get it taken care of soon, so you can be back on the road.

Obviously you're not a golfer.

Won't they know if the HV battery is replaced?

Yeap rich rebuilds had this issue years ago and fixed it

Too bad you can't like rivnut + epoxy weld a new nipple on it? Or can you? Maybe Mount / epoxy a metal plate to it and tap in a threaded -oring sealed barb to the plate?

Luckily also that the Lightning uses a gasketed battery cover and not adhesive like Tesla.

I guess the question is, unless you're one of the incredibly unlucky people who needs a battery replacement due to battery degradation/failure, so what? It's agamble, but a pretty safe one. I know of one person who got a new battery pack... and that was because the case failed (likely like yours) not because the batteries died, and it was an early Model S. However, if your insurance will actually cover it, let them pay. I don't know about you, but I pay $2000+ a year, what I've paid over the decades in insurance is well more than I've recovered in accident repairs. This is what insurance is for. The risk is that the kludge fix fails a year or two down the road, and you are left with the same problem but insurance will no longer cover it. (The other risk is that the insurance company, in checking out the car, alerts Tesla to the problem - in which case insurance had better cover the replacement) Plus it dings your resale value if the car has a kludge fix. If insurance won't cover it then get the fix, drive until you really need a replacement. Maybe by then battery tech will be even better... and cheaper.

Hence the available armor package for the CyberTruck…

👋🏻 2021 MY… I had to get a new battery (under warranty)— the cells bricked in my original battery.

Interesting. What were the symptoms? Died one day out of the blue, or excessive deterioration? There was an article back around 2019 about the Model S with 400,000 miles on it. It needed a new battery pack after 180,000 or so because some of the cells were failing. But that was used as a taxi between LA and Vegas and was supercharged several times a day and run in high temperatures. But I guess with how many hundreds of 2170's in a pack, a few failures would not be surprising.

Use JB weld and just glue it back together. It’s not under a lot of pressure