So I went into my dealer for some other warranty work (windows rolling down after an auto-up), and mentioned my tires to them. Since it's a known issue, I figured that it would be no big deal, and that my tires would fall under the TSB. Well, according to the service guy that I talked to (whom I have dealt with before on other issues), the TSB had expired. He said it was over at the end of February. Having worked with TSB's as a claims adjuster before, I know they don't expire. I asked him about it further, and he said that the issue was with the Potenzas and their tread block design on the shoulders.

My question is whether you guys have heard this, or if I'm just setting myself up for more 350Z heartache. I'm gonna be getting a set of Kumho Ecsta SPT's this weekend if I can't get new Potenzas for free. I don't know, it just seems like a waste with 8/32 of tread left on everywhere on the tire but the inside shoulders.

 

Nissan has issued several policy letters about feathering, alignment and free tires. I believe that the latest policy letter with free alignment and free tires expired sometime ago.

 

Wait...........what are you talking about. I don't have my letter in front of me but I thought it basically extened the standard warranty by three years with respect to the feathering issue. I will check later.

 

I think it depends on the year. What year do you have NismoNitsuj? I think 2003 have lifetime warrantees now on the fronts. I could be wrong, anyone know of this? BEN

 

I don't think the 03s have lifetime warranties, but what I remember was that they extended the warranty for 36 months with unlimited miles. I kept the letter on my fridge in case the problem popped up again. I'll re-read it when I get home. I'm thinking I'll need to take mine back in October just before the factory warranty runs out.

 

if i remember correctlly you should still be good to go? there was different rules between 03=04's though, i think the 03's had some kind of time restraint or something. 04 you should have 0 problems.

 

I think its completly the opposite. If you have an 03 your good to go, if you have an 04-06, you are screwed.

 

To my knowledge the 03/04 Z's were given a 36 month unlimited mileage warranty on the front tires and alignment.

 

i believe that is correct and all 03 Zs are past 36 months so we are screwed if the problem persists.

 

Okay I read the letter. Here is the important part: "Nissan is further extending the warranty for alignment to 36 months or October 2005 (whichever comes later), and unlimited mileage for all 2003 models, and to 36 months and unlimited miles for all 2004 350Z models. This warranty extension will ensure you'll get an effective repair, including possible replacement of your front tires."

So what this means to me is that Nissan is extending the alignment warranty. For example, I got my alignment done MAR05, so the front alignment warranty lasts until MAR08 regardless of how many miles I have on the front tires. They will re-do the alignment and replace your front tires if you have any issues within that period.

 

K, so I stopped by the dealer on my lunch to pick up a part for my rear bumper and to make my appointment for my fuel filler hose, and ended up talking to the actual service manager. He noticed that I've bought 2 cars from my dealer, and that I've been a minimal PITA to them. Anyways, he said to bring my car in so he can look at the tires, since I got it used and I'm on my first set of tires. I'm hoping he'll take a look at it and see that I have as much tread as I do left and just give me new tires. In fact, when I told him that I was gonna buy some new tires this weekend, he told me to hold off and let him look first. So I'm going in on Thursday afternoon with my fingers crossed.

oh, and I have an '03

 

There are actually two problems. One is the alignment and the other is the tire. Just make sure he puts the new tread block pattern Bridgestone RE040 tires on. The old tread block pattern is what caused the noise. So even if you get the alignment done properly, if they put the old tread pattern tires on you will get the noise back.

 

It's not so much the noise that bothers me, as much as the waste of tire.

 

I just went through this!! I spent hrs on the phone with Nissan NA, the TSB on the alignment and tires expired in December I was told. I tried almost everything to get this taken care of and no luck here. I hope you have better luck than I did!!

 

That noise drove me bonkers. That constant humming. I can still hear it, it gives me nightmares!!!!!

 

If you read what I wrote that is in the letter, it is pretty clear. I can scan the letter in and post it up so you can print it if you like.

 

Different tread bocl design does not matter either. I went through a few sets of the potenzas on nissans dime, then went to an Expensive Toyo T1s with a V shape design tread, started making the roar again. Drove me to the point of selling my baby. I loved the car, but the roar was just to much for me to deal with. To the OP, since you have an 03, you are covered in the extended tire fix. They owe you new tires and alignment no matter how many miles you have on the car. Go to a different dealership if the one you go to says no, then report that dealership to NNA. BEN

 

I think the fact that I got it Certified Pre-Owned is what brings the whole thing into question with that service manager. Cus when I mentioned that, his tone changed.

 

Bingo, that it!!! I am sure it says suspension in the warranty and that is whats causing this problem for you!

 

I had the fronts replaced on my '04.5 about 2 months ago on nissans dime. Got the new potenzas and they also adjusted the toe. There is no more roar. It looks like no more feathering as well, but it's too soon to tell on that. It was relatively painless. No hassles from the dealership at all. Hope all goes well for you.