how's it going guys? im new to the forum and a future Z owner...but before i dump my hard earned cash on one, i want to clearify some common problems that ive heard about Z's. wat exactly is the tire feathering problem that i hear all the time? has it been fixed on the '05 models cuz thats the yr that im planning on getting. if it hasnt been fixed yet, it is something that can be fixed fairly easily? thanks in advance for your guys' help....

 

well, theres like a ton of info on this allready here, but ill try to sum it up in like 4 points.

1. Feathering comes in batches from the factory, and as far as i have heard, hasnt been completely fixed on 05s.

2. There is nothing Nissan will do to fix your car.

3. Feathering is the uneven tread wear on the inside of the front tires caused by aggressive factory camber settings.

4. You can fix feathering by an aftermarket coilover and camber arm kit (Front).

SHould run you about 1500-3000 buks depending on what parts you decide to go with.

Hope this helps.

Bryan-

 

Do a search... lots of info!

 

I have a 05 with 5000 miles on it... and so far so good...

 

Another potential 350Z owner scared of buying thanks to MY350Z and the "tire feathering" threads. The sad part is that all this guy knows is that it is bad, he has no idea what it is, and it might keep him from buying one.

 

If we could figure out how to email these threads to Nissan, maybe one would get thru....

"2. There is nothing Nissan will do to fix your car."

I have an 05' that I have already taken in to have the alignment checked. I have discussed possible tire feathering with the service department. I am taking a proactive approach by letting Nissan check alignment every 2K. That way if I have a problem it will at least be well documented. It does'nt cost me anything but time. Don't get hung up on this, BUY THE Z!

 

Exactly. Don't worry about problems before they ever happen. Remember there ARE 2003 owners that have had no problems whatsoever.

 

THis is true. But 99% of car owners do not have the time or patience to take their car in every 2k miles. At least i dont. Remember as soon as you step outside those boudaries nissans hands are in the air.

 

I'm also considering a new 2005 Z but was hesitant because of the past problems. I don't mind extra work/money for a nice sportscar but I don't want to buy a bunch of headaches either...

Sounds like if you take a proactive approach, make the dealership check the alignment and frequently have your car's alignment checked or just be aware the problem may happen then you can probably head off some problems.

I've already confonted my local dealership and according to them Nissan will follow their service bulletin they issued in 03/04 for the 05 models. Of course, I don't have that in writing yet by the General Manager of the place and according to them they have seen only a few 04 models and no 05 yet with tire feathering.

I don't think there will be any problems with the 05 model and will probably buy one, I just want to be sure how Nissan and dealership will deal with me if it does happen.

 

I just recently traded in my Z and still find myself snooping around these forums. Let me tell you this, tire feathering sucks. It makes your nice litle sports car sound like a off road 4 x 4 with super swampers. The inside of your tires will get eaten. My opinion is if your Z is going to be a daily driver, I hope you have $$$$ for new front tires often, every 12k miles. I finally traded her in cause it bothered me that the only fix was an additional expense as mentioned earlier. I plan on waiting this one out. I'm just offering my .02 cents. Maybe you'll get lucky and have no feathering. Buy the car and cross your fingers, in the mean time save a little extra money every month for replacement front tires. The feathering sound will drive you nuts!!

 

I have an 03 with 11k miles....with aftermarket tires I haven't had any signs of feathering at all.

 

nissan WILL replace your fron tires and do an alignment that takes care of the problem 8 out of 10 times...so if your feathering starts or your car starts pulling to the ruight...you take it to nissan...and they'll fix it..anyone i know that had this...got it fixed..

 

I read a lot about people bringing in their Z for an alignment every 2-3,000 miles. Does the customer wind up paying for that? Also, based on one of the previous posts above referring to TSB, is there one for the 04?

Thanks

 

Hi maximZ, which aftermarket tires are you using? Thanks.

 

So far I haven't found one issued for 04, just the one for the '03 but apparently that's what they're sticking to for all models with the same problem. I don't think there's anything specific for the '04