I just had the feathering problem fixed yesterday. Sure makes the ride quieter. I was looking at the new tires, and the tread pattern is different then the originals. I wonder if the original problem is alignment and the tires. I'll try to get some pics to illustrate. I don't have the old ones anymore, but I think the rears had the same pattern.
rich

 

Nissan put a stop to 04's getting new tires, according to my service manager, even though, I have the dreaded feathering issue. They said that the 04's have been fixed.... I don't think so...

 

Nissan bought me new tires and "fixed" the front end alignment yesterday. They have another Z that's getting the same. You need to make some irate phone calls. Here's a pic of the RE040 tread. First from the tirerack website

 

Hmm, I'll try that again

 

Here is a pic of the new tire. On the outside, the horozontal tread doesn't go all the way through to the vertical tread. It'll make it less obvious that the problem is still there. You won't be able to feel the uneveness. Maybe when it happens again it'll make less noise also. I also noticed that on the tirerack website, Michelin Pilot Sports come up as the OEM tire.

 

Richardew.....Just to let you know...As I posted on another thread. Last November I test drove the coupe and the roadster. I finally purchased my ZR on 5-28-04 and the built date of my ZR was 4-10-04. This car rides smoother and a lot better than the 2 test rides in the past. It was very noticeable to me! I'm sure happy that I waited this long. The tire design that I have is the same as you posted...Mine are Bridgestone Potenza REO 40 Front 225/50/R17 and rear 235/50/R17. Also...Just my opinion...the 17's have a better ride than the 18's had on the coupe that I drove. I'm very satisfied & happy with my SB ZR!!!!!

 

I did the irate phone call thing...went to the dealer 5 days in a row. Still no luck getting my tires replaced by Nissan. I ended up paying $600 to get new Michelin's and an alignment. Nissan says if they notice enough problems with the tires on the '04 models, the'll refund my $600. I'm not holding my breath.

 

Feathering an issue in 2004.5 models?