I hear about the tires feathering on the 03-04 models and I did a search to see what it was but is there a way to fix them for good? Because im going to buy an 04 very soon and this problem doesnt seem too good. Also how can i check if the car is a 04.5?

 

I dont know if Nissan has a fix, so cant help you there. I was worried about that when I was thinking of buying the car, so I just got an 06 because they supposedly fixed the problem in 05 I think. Do a search to find the VIN info to see if its an 04.5, but I think 04.5 had knee cushions/pads on the sides of the center consoles( by your knees) and 04 cars didnt.

 

I got my tires done; Nissan was pissed off enough to scratch my rims. Long story short, I got all stock rims refurb'd and now they are slightly more silvery/metallic than before and actually match the silvered accents on my car. I'll take pics this weekend if anyone wants to see...

Back story...
I got the tires done about a month ago, went to wash it 2 weeks ago, found the scratches on all 4 wheels...(they put new tires on the rear, at my cost, due to supposedly being worn down after 8K...whatever...)had them refurb this past week. I'm absolutely thrilled with the newish color, however.

 

post some pics of the wheels if you can.

 

But feathering cant be fixed? its a problem with a part that cant be fixed or something?

 

It's a design issue that I'm not sure has ever been fixed on any 350Z.
Too much caster seems to be the cause.

 

yes, it can be fixed...they fixed mine with new potenzas and new alignment at9k and now at 19k the tires still look brand new and no more roaring on the road.

 

Nissan will fix it if you drop off after you start seeing abnormal wearing. I monitor my wheels on a regular basis. Tires can be expensive, if you know what I mean.

 

Oh so, if i have any problems if i get an 03-04 and its not under warranty anymore they can fix it for free?

 

Nissan has extended the warranty for the tire feathering issue for 3 years or 36,000 miles. Original was 1 year and 12K miles. I don't think they will cover costs if car is exceeds these limits. The car has got to have OEM tires, rims and suspension to be covered

 

Will they try to fix the feathering problem for good or just for the time being so i can drive normally till it happens again?

 

I just talk to my dealer yesterday (I do not have OEM wheels/tires). I had an alignment done when I was at 22K w/ OEM wheels/tires. I did not get tire replacement. They told me to bring it back for a re-alignment when I change wheels and tires. They did the alignment still covered by warranty. I also asked if I changed suspension (lower with Tein Flex) if a alignment still can be done on warranty and they said yes.

 

^^ Doesn't mean **** unless you have it in writing!

 

You don't think I know that Stein?? I wasn't born yesterday.
Atleast they didn't have the notion to tell me NO after I explained what I will be doing. Changing suspension and wheels aren't the only thing that throws the car out of alignment. Everyday bumps on rough driving does!!!!!!!!

 

Well just be careful then. I'd get it in writing, no matter what the cost. B/c this is a bloody business, after all.

 

Just skimmed throught the thread.

I got a letter a few months ago from Nissan to bring in the car to get the feathering fixed and that they will replace the tires at the percentage of the usage of the tire (they will pay 60% of the bill if you have 60% of your tire threads still). There was an expiration date on the letter and I didnt read it till a week after =P.

I wanted to bring my car back and tell the guy at the service department about the letter and how they told me there was no issue with the Z's and feathering, but I decided not to cause they did my alignment for free after a few minor accidents.

 

PS. Letter is available for anyone that needs a copy, just PM me.
Note: I dont read my e-mails on a daily basis. There is no time between WOW and work.