Tire FEATHERING: FYI
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: california
Interesting: This month's "Automobile" magazine has a wrap-up of their 1 year test of the 350Z. I can't find the article on their web site, so I can't give you a link. But basically they swapped to Pirelli P Zero Rossos and indicate that it quelled the noise.
WOW!!! So I am not the only one who has considered trading on a new G35!!!!! Does anyone know if they have the same problems we have? I have seen just as many after-market options on the "G" as on the "Z". I don't like the look of the"G" as much, but to sacrifice the problems may be worth a little less face; close enough! Like an adverage looking woman with a bad-*** body!! Not much to look at but fun to play with!! I'm just silly sometimes! It's early, sorry.
Charter Member #63
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 215
Likes: 0
From: Cary, NC
I like the G but if I have to get rid of my Z because they won't fix the tire feathering then I can assure you that Nissan will never get another penny from me.
Originally posted by cal_z
WOW!!! So I am not the only one who has considered trading on a new G35!!!!! Does anyone know if they have the same problems we have? I have seen just as many after-market options on the "G" as on the "Z". I don't like the look of the"G" as much, but to sacrifice the problems may be worth a little less face; close enough! Like an adverage looking woman with a bad-*** body!! Not much to look at but fun to play with!! I'm just silly sometimes! It's early, sorry.
WOW!!! So I am not the only one who has considered trading on a new G35!!!!! Does anyone know if they have the same problems we have? I have seen just as many after-market options on the "G" as on the "Z". I don't like the look of the"G" as much, but to sacrifice the problems may be worth a little less face; close enough! Like an adverage looking woman with a bad-*** body!! Not much to look at but fun to play with!! I'm just silly sometimes! It's early, sorry.
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 420
Likes: 0
From: United States of America
(08:30 Feb. 09, 2004)
2003 Nissan 350Z: Third-quarter update
Testing the Love
By ROGER HART
(Photo by Roger Hart)
WHEN YOU LOVE SOMETHING (or someone), you can overlook flaws that others, less enamored with your subject, would find objectionable. That’s what happened during the third quarter of the long-term test of our Nissan 350Z.
Since the shiny blue Z arrived in April, the car has not had much downtime. One member of our staff has made it his mission in life to see just how many miles he can log behind the wheel of the car.
THIRD-QUARTER
MILES (quarter/total): 3979/19,833
FUEL MILEAGE: 19.37 mpg
MAINTENANCE: Two oil changes ($32.79 each); rotate summer tires, mount/balance snow tires ($206.50)
READERS: If you own one of the following vehicles, we’d like to hear from you: Mini Cooper, Honda Element, Nissan 350Z, Volvo XC90, Chrysler Pacifica, Jaguar XJ, Volkswagen Phaeton, Mazda RX-8, Toyota Prius, Porsche Cayenne. Send comments for use in future updates to autofile@crain.com
He’s not alone in his affection. The two-seater remains a first choice for anyone making a trip where not much space is required for luggage or passengers. Our logbook continues to record notes of praise for the car’s quickness, handling and overall high fun factor.
Unfortunately, a problem we noted during the second-quarter update regarding front tire noise grew worse this quarter. Even those who love the Z have started to pass over the car in favor of others in the fleet. A staffer noted one of the great joys of driving the car—listening to the sweet song of its 3.5-liter V6—had been lost because of the din caused by the tires.
Partly due to the tire noise, and the coming of winter, the miles driven dropped off precipitously. We logged just 3979 miles for the quarter, about half of what we’ve done in each of the previous two quarters.
We’re not alone in experiencing the tire problem. Z owners across the country have noted the same thing, forcing Nissan to issue a service bulletin saying the suspension design/geometry of some models is causing the inside of the tires to wear in a choppy fashion. Once the tire wear begins, so does the noise. The more miles accumulated, the louder the noise gets.
Nissan wasn’t able to tell us how many cars are experiencing this problem and our local dealer’s service department was instructed to reduce toe-in as much as possible and then rotate the tires. Since the tires are unidirectional and different sizes front/rear, that requires taking the front tires off their rims and remounting them on the same wheels with the worn edge of the tire going to the outside. As long as the inside edge is smooth, the noise goes away.
We had the recommended service done once and the noise went away... for a while. But it came back.
When the noise first developed, we knew we’d be swapping out the stock tires for a set of snow tires in preparation for a Michigan winter. But it seems everything about tires and the Z comes with complications.
In late November we placed an order for four LM22 Blizzaks that would allow the Z to be driven through winter. An hour after placing the order with Tire Rack, we got a call back saying the tires were not available. So we called our Nissan dealer, who had only rear tires, 245/45R-18s ($269 each), but no fronts, 225/45R-18s ($240). The dealer suggested we simply put four rear tires all around, but we quickly vetoed that proposal.
We contacted Nissan’s California public relations office to try and help with the snow tire search. Eventually, a call was made to Bridgestone offices in Japan, and after a bit of a search, four appropriately sized snow tires were found and subsequently shipped to our Detroit office along with a set of 18-inch, six-spoke alloy wheels. That allowed us to put away the nice Rays Engineering wheels that came stock on the car.
With the new tires mounted all around, one noise has been replaced by another—the sound of heavy lugged snow tires—but it’s one that is far less offensive. In fact, with flurries in the forecast, it is a comforting sound.
The car is now driveable in the white stuff and the traction control provides extra assurance that you will get to your destination, although you have to be judicious with the throttle off the line. But even with the snow tires, just switch off the traction control and you can do powerslides and donuts until boredom sets in.
Those staffers brave enough to venture out in the Z in the snow admit it is not their first choice for winter duty. Most also agree that if the Z were in their home garage, they would keep it parked for the winter and find a beater to drive until spring arrives.
CAR NEWS | MOTORSPORTS | VEHICLE REVIEWS | ARCHIVE SEARCH | CLASSIFIEDS | COMBUSTION CHAMBER | SUBSCRIBE TO AUTOWEEK
Contact AutoWeek's subscription center | Contact AutoWeek's Web Editor | AutoWeek Online's Privacy Policy and Terms of Use
All Content © 2003 Crain Communications, Inc.
2003 Nissan 350Z: Third-quarter update
Testing the Love
By ROGER HART
(Photo by Roger Hart)
WHEN YOU LOVE SOMETHING (or someone), you can overlook flaws that others, less enamored with your subject, would find objectionable. That’s what happened during the third quarter of the long-term test of our Nissan 350Z.
Since the shiny blue Z arrived in April, the car has not had much downtime. One member of our staff has made it his mission in life to see just how many miles he can log behind the wheel of the car.
THIRD-QUARTER
MILES (quarter/total): 3979/19,833
FUEL MILEAGE: 19.37 mpg
MAINTENANCE: Two oil changes ($32.79 each); rotate summer tires, mount/balance snow tires ($206.50)
READERS: If you own one of the following vehicles, we’d like to hear from you: Mini Cooper, Honda Element, Nissan 350Z, Volvo XC90, Chrysler Pacifica, Jaguar XJ, Volkswagen Phaeton, Mazda RX-8, Toyota Prius, Porsche Cayenne. Send comments for use in future updates to autofile@crain.com
He’s not alone in his affection. The two-seater remains a first choice for anyone making a trip where not much space is required for luggage or passengers. Our logbook continues to record notes of praise for the car’s quickness, handling and overall high fun factor.
Unfortunately, a problem we noted during the second-quarter update regarding front tire noise grew worse this quarter. Even those who love the Z have started to pass over the car in favor of others in the fleet. A staffer noted one of the great joys of driving the car—listening to the sweet song of its 3.5-liter V6—had been lost because of the din caused by the tires.
Partly due to the tire noise, and the coming of winter, the miles driven dropped off precipitously. We logged just 3979 miles for the quarter, about half of what we’ve done in each of the previous two quarters.
We’re not alone in experiencing the tire problem. Z owners across the country have noted the same thing, forcing Nissan to issue a service bulletin saying the suspension design/geometry of some models is causing the inside of the tires to wear in a choppy fashion. Once the tire wear begins, so does the noise. The more miles accumulated, the louder the noise gets.
Nissan wasn’t able to tell us how many cars are experiencing this problem and our local dealer’s service department was instructed to reduce toe-in as much as possible and then rotate the tires. Since the tires are unidirectional and different sizes front/rear, that requires taking the front tires off their rims and remounting them on the same wheels with the worn edge of the tire going to the outside. As long as the inside edge is smooth, the noise goes away.
We had the recommended service done once and the noise went away... for a while. But it came back.
When the noise first developed, we knew we’d be swapping out the stock tires for a set of snow tires in preparation for a Michigan winter. But it seems everything about tires and the Z comes with complications.
In late November we placed an order for four LM22 Blizzaks that would allow the Z to be driven through winter. An hour after placing the order with Tire Rack, we got a call back saying the tires were not available. So we called our Nissan dealer, who had only rear tires, 245/45R-18s ($269 each), but no fronts, 225/45R-18s ($240). The dealer suggested we simply put four rear tires all around, but we quickly vetoed that proposal.
We contacted Nissan’s California public relations office to try and help with the snow tire search. Eventually, a call was made to Bridgestone offices in Japan, and after a bit of a search, four appropriately sized snow tires were found and subsequently shipped to our Detroit office along with a set of 18-inch, six-spoke alloy wheels. That allowed us to put away the nice Rays Engineering wheels that came stock on the car.
With the new tires mounted all around, one noise has been replaced by another—the sound of heavy lugged snow tires—but it’s one that is far less offensive. In fact, with flurries in the forecast, it is a comforting sound.
The car is now driveable in the white stuff and the traction control provides extra assurance that you will get to your destination, although you have to be judicious with the throttle off the line. But even with the snow tires, just switch off the traction control and you can do powerslides and donuts until boredom sets in.
Those staffers brave enough to venture out in the Z in the snow admit it is not their first choice for winter duty. Most also agree that if the Z were in their home garage, they would keep it parked for the winter and find a beater to drive until spring arrives.
CAR NEWS | MOTORSPORTS | VEHICLE REVIEWS | ARCHIVE SEARCH | CLASSIFIEDS | COMBUSTION CHAMBER | SUBSCRIBE TO AUTOWEEK
Contact AutoWeek's subscription center | Contact AutoWeek's Web Editor | AutoWeek Online's Privacy Policy and Terms of Use
All Content © 2003 Crain Communications, Inc.
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 420
Likes: 0
From: United States of America
Can you run the same size tires that are on the rear of the Z on the front of the Z? Has anyone done this? How does it handle? If you can, I would think it would give you more rotation options? Front to rear and then side to side. Maybe get 18K-20K out of a set???
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 162
Likes: 1
From: Clearwater, Florida
Re AutoWeek Article
Did anyone notice the error in the article? Should it not have said "our local dealer’s service department was instructed to increase toe-in as much as possible and then rotate the tires" as opposed to "reduce". I e-mailed the author but he did not respond. Actually AutoWeek has not responded to any of my e-mails. I guess it's just not worth the trouble to correct the error. Never the less it is definitely a step in the right direction in terms of bringing more attention to the problem.
Originally posted by Pit Bull
Can you run the same size tires that are on the rear of the Z on the front of the Z? Has anyone done this? How does it handle? If you can, I would think it would give you more rotation options? Front to rear and then side to side. Maybe get 18K-20K out of a set???
Can you run the same size tires that are on the rear of the Z on the front of the Z? Has anyone done this? How does it handle? If you can, I would think it would give you more rotation options? Front to rear and then side to side. Maybe get 18K-20K out of a set???
I may just experiment with that someday.
Registered User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: California, USA
Feathering solution?
I talked to my dealer regarding the feathering problem ( I don't have a problem yet-8800 miles )I was interested in buying Nismo wheels but have to buy tires too since they use wider tires. My dealer rep (Performance Nisssan, Duarte CA) said this would take care of any problem with feathering based on their experience with the Nismo wheel and tire changeout. Performance has been an excellent dealer based on others on this forum. I was wondering if the Nismo is a solution or is the
$3000 investment at risk.
Any thoughts from forum members.
$3000 investment at risk.
Any thoughts from forum members.
Originally posted by Pit Bull
(08:30 Feb. 09, 2004)
2003 Nissan 350Z: Third-quarter update
Testing the Love
By ROGER HART
(Photo by Roger Hart)
WHEN YOU LOVE SOMETHING (or someone), you can overlook flaws that others, less enamored with your subject, would find objectionable. That’s what happened during the third quarter of the long-term test of our Nissan 350Z.
Since the shiny blue Z arrived in April, the car has not had much downtime. One member of our staff has made it his mission in life to see just how many miles he can log behind the wheel of the car.
THIRD-QUARTER
MILES (quarter/total): 3979/19,833
FUEL MILEAGE: 19.37 mpg
MAINTENANCE: Two oil changes ($32.79 each); rotate summer tires, mount/balance snow tires ($206.50)
READERS: If you own one of the following vehicles, we’d like to hear from you: Mini Cooper, Honda Element, Nissan 350Z, Volvo XC90, Chrysler Pacifica, Jaguar XJ, Volkswagen Phaeton, Mazda RX-8, Toyota Prius, Porsche Cayenne. Send comments for use in future updates to autofile@crain.com
He’s not alone in his affection. The two-seater remains a first choice for anyone making a trip where not much space is required for luggage or passengers. Our logbook continues to record notes of praise for the car’s quickness, handling and overall high fun factor.
Unfortunately, a problem we noted during the second-quarter update regarding front tire noise grew worse this quarter. Even those who love the Z have started to pass over the car in favor of others in the fleet. A staffer noted one of the great joys of driving the car—listening to the sweet song of its 3.5-liter V6—had been lost because of the din caused by the tires.
Partly due to the tire noise, and the coming of winter, the miles driven dropped off precipitously. We logged just 3979 miles for the quarter, about half of what we’ve done in each of the previous two quarters.
We’re not alone in experiencing the tire problem. Z owners across the country have noted the same thing, forcing Nissan to issue a service bulletin saying the suspension design/geometry of some models is causing the inside of the tires to wear in a choppy fashion. Once the tire wear begins, so does the noise. The more miles accumulated, the louder the noise gets.
Nissan wasn’t able to tell us how many cars are experiencing this problem and our local dealer’s service department was instructed to reduce toe-in as much as possible and then rotate the tires. Since the tires are unidirectional and different sizes front/rear, that requires taking the front tires off their rims and remounting them on the same wheels with the worn edge of the tire going to the outside. As long as the inside edge is smooth, the noise goes away.
We had the recommended service done once and the noise went away... for a while. But it came back.
When the noise first developed, we knew we’d be swapping out the stock tires for a set of snow tires in preparation for a Michigan winter. But it seems everything about tires and the Z comes with complications.
In late November we placed an order for four LM22 Blizzaks that would allow the Z to be driven through winter. An hour after placing the order with Tire Rack, we got a call back saying the tires were not available. So we called our Nissan dealer, who had only rear tires, 245/45R-18s ($269 each), but no fronts, 225/45R-18s ($240). The dealer suggested we simply put four rear tires all around, but we quickly vetoed that proposal.
We contacted Nissan’s California public relations office to try and help with the snow tire search. Eventually, a call was made to Bridgestone offices in Japan, and after a bit of a search, four appropriately sized snow tires were found and subsequently shipped to our Detroit office along with a set of 18-inch, six-spoke alloy wheels. That allowed us to put away the nice Rays Engineering wheels that came stock on the car.
With the new tires mounted all around, one noise has been replaced by another—the sound of heavy lugged snow tires—but it’s one that is far less offensive. In fact, with flurries in the forecast, it is a comforting sound.
The car is now driveable in the white stuff and the traction control provides extra assurance that you will get to your destination, although you have to be judicious with the throttle off the line. But even with the snow tires, just switch off the traction control and you can do powerslides and donuts until boredom sets in.
Those staffers brave enough to venture out in the Z in the snow admit it is not their first choice for winter duty. Most also agree that if the Z were in their home garage, they would keep it parked for the winter and find a beater to drive until spring arrives.
CAR NEWS | MOTORSPORTS | VEHICLE REVIEWS | ARCHIVE SEARCH | CLASSIFIEDS | COMBUSTION CHAMBER | SUBSCRIBE TO AUTOWEEK
Contact AutoWeek's subscription center | Contact AutoWeek's Web Editor | AutoWeek Online's Privacy Policy and Terms of Use
All Content © 2003 Crain Communications, Inc.
(08:30 Feb. 09, 2004)
2003 Nissan 350Z: Third-quarter update
Testing the Love
By ROGER HART
(Photo by Roger Hart)
WHEN YOU LOVE SOMETHING (or someone), you can overlook flaws that others, less enamored with your subject, would find objectionable. That’s what happened during the third quarter of the long-term test of our Nissan 350Z.
Since the shiny blue Z arrived in April, the car has not had much downtime. One member of our staff has made it his mission in life to see just how many miles he can log behind the wheel of the car.
THIRD-QUARTER
MILES (quarter/total): 3979/19,833
FUEL MILEAGE: 19.37 mpg
MAINTENANCE: Two oil changes ($32.79 each); rotate summer tires, mount/balance snow tires ($206.50)
READERS: If you own one of the following vehicles, we’d like to hear from you: Mini Cooper, Honda Element, Nissan 350Z, Volvo XC90, Chrysler Pacifica, Jaguar XJ, Volkswagen Phaeton, Mazda RX-8, Toyota Prius, Porsche Cayenne. Send comments for use in future updates to autofile@crain.com
He’s not alone in his affection. The two-seater remains a first choice for anyone making a trip where not much space is required for luggage or passengers. Our logbook continues to record notes of praise for the car’s quickness, handling and overall high fun factor.
Unfortunately, a problem we noted during the second-quarter update regarding front tire noise grew worse this quarter. Even those who love the Z have started to pass over the car in favor of others in the fleet. A staffer noted one of the great joys of driving the car—listening to the sweet song of its 3.5-liter V6—had been lost because of the din caused by the tires.
Partly due to the tire noise, and the coming of winter, the miles driven dropped off precipitously. We logged just 3979 miles for the quarter, about half of what we’ve done in each of the previous two quarters.
We’re not alone in experiencing the tire problem. Z owners across the country have noted the same thing, forcing Nissan to issue a service bulletin saying the suspension design/geometry of some models is causing the inside of the tires to wear in a choppy fashion. Once the tire wear begins, so does the noise. The more miles accumulated, the louder the noise gets.
Nissan wasn’t able to tell us how many cars are experiencing this problem and our local dealer’s service department was instructed to reduce toe-in as much as possible and then rotate the tires. Since the tires are unidirectional and different sizes front/rear, that requires taking the front tires off their rims and remounting them on the same wheels with the worn edge of the tire going to the outside. As long as the inside edge is smooth, the noise goes away.
We had the recommended service done once and the noise went away... for a while. But it came back.
When the noise first developed, we knew we’d be swapping out the stock tires for a set of snow tires in preparation for a Michigan winter. But it seems everything about tires and the Z comes with complications.
In late November we placed an order for four LM22 Blizzaks that would allow the Z to be driven through winter. An hour after placing the order with Tire Rack, we got a call back saying the tires were not available. So we called our Nissan dealer, who had only rear tires, 245/45R-18s ($269 each), but no fronts, 225/45R-18s ($240). The dealer suggested we simply put four rear tires all around, but we quickly vetoed that proposal.
We contacted Nissan’s California public relations office to try and help with the snow tire search. Eventually, a call was made to Bridgestone offices in Japan, and after a bit of a search, four appropriately sized snow tires were found and subsequently shipped to our Detroit office along with a set of 18-inch, six-spoke alloy wheels. That allowed us to put away the nice Rays Engineering wheels that came stock on the car.
With the new tires mounted all around, one noise has been replaced by another—the sound of heavy lugged snow tires—but it’s one that is far less offensive. In fact, with flurries in the forecast, it is a comforting sound.
The car is now driveable in the white stuff and the traction control provides extra assurance that you will get to your destination, although you have to be judicious with the throttle off the line. But even with the snow tires, just switch off the traction control and you can do powerslides and donuts until boredom sets in.
Those staffers brave enough to venture out in the Z in the snow admit it is not their first choice for winter duty. Most also agree that if the Z were in their home garage, they would keep it parked for the winter and find a beater to drive until spring arrives.
CAR NEWS | MOTORSPORTS | VEHICLE REVIEWS | ARCHIVE SEARCH | CLASSIFIEDS | COMBUSTION CHAMBER | SUBSCRIBE TO AUTOWEEK
Contact AutoWeek's subscription center | Contact AutoWeek's Web Editor | AutoWeek Online's Privacy Policy and Terms of Use
All Content © 2003 Crain Communications, Inc.
Registered User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 178
Likes: 0
From: Big Canoe, Georgia
Originally posted by waldf
Interesting: This month's "Automobile" magazine has a wrap-up of their 1 year test of the 350Z. I can't find the article on their web site, so I can't give you a link. But basically they swapped to Pirelli P Zero Rossos and indicate that it quelled the noise.
Interesting: This month's "Automobile" magazine has a wrap-up of their 1 year test of the 350Z. I can't find the article on their web site, so I can't give you a link. But basically they swapped to Pirelli P Zero Rossos and indicate that it quelled the noise.
When the dealership repalced my tires at 9400 miles with another set of the OE tires, it killed the noise as well. The noise is just about back at 15K and the tires are starting to feather again. The dealer said, give them another 5K and I'll replace them again.
The Svc Mgr states, Nissan knows there is a problem and hasn't a clue on what to do to fix it; but truly believes they will. He is almost as frustrated as I am. The good news is I now have more ammunition for my pending LL case
Registered User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 178
Likes: 0
From: Big Canoe, Georgia
Originally posted by Pit Bull
Can you run the same size tires that are on the rear of the Z on the front of the Z? Has anyone done this? How does it handle? If you can, I would think it would give you more rotation options? Front to rear and then side to side. Maybe get 18K-20K out of a set???
Can you run the same size tires that are on the rear of the Z on the front of the Z? Has anyone done this? How does it handle? If you can, I would think it would give you more rotation options? Front to rear and then side to side. Maybe get 18K-20K out of a set???
Options galore, then all four tires would take longer to show feathering.
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,025
Likes: 0
From: Raleigh, NC
Originally posted by dnguyent
I have the 225/50/17 up front and 235/50/17 in the rear. Even though they are so similar in size, I think the slight differences in diameter may affect traction control and/or VDC. VDC/TC might just kick in since the rear wheel would be spinning faster than the fronts.
I may just experiment with that someday.
I have the 225/50/17 up front and 235/50/17 in the rear. Even though they are so similar in size, I think the slight differences in diameter may affect traction control and/or VDC. VDC/TC might just kick in since the rear wheel would be spinning faster than the fronts.
I may just experiment with that someday.
Originally posted by Pit Bull
Can you run the same size tires that are on the rear of the Z on the front of the Z? Has anyone done this? How does it handle? If you can, I would think it would give you more rotation options? Front to rear and then side to side. Maybe get 18K-20K out of a set???
Can you run the same size tires that are on the rear of the Z on the front of the Z? Has anyone done this? How does it handle? If you can, I would think it would give you more rotation options? Front to rear and then side to side. Maybe get 18K-20K out of a set???
Here's a link to a good tire size calculator, very useful when deciding on tires:
Tire size calculator
On my Track model, the wheel width is different front-back, which means I can't rotate tires front-back without remounting them, prob not worth the effort/expense. One thing that I noticed recently is that the 245/40/18 tire has the same diameter/circumference as the stock 225/45/18. My next (soon to be installed) set will be 245/40/18 front, 245/45/18 (stock size) rear, in an attempt to reduce understeer.
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 162
Likes: 1
From: Clearwater, Florida
Irregular Feathering?
Has anyone experienced this? I don't think it has ever been discussed before but it could be very significant and actually support Nissan's thinking, at least to some extent. After having NTB03006a applied (2mm Total Toe) and new front tires, followed up with NTB03006b (also 2mm) several months later (same tires) the feathering, scuffing, chewing, eating, cupping, munging, chopping (2 years and we still don't have a proper name) continues, however, I am now observing that all feathering is not equal. My right front now has more or less equal amounts of cupping on the inside AND outside tread blocks. The left, on the other hand, is becoming very chopped on the outside tread blocks with very little on the inside. This is indeed a very complex problem. My last aligmment showed a very small toe difference between left and right and a somewhat larger castor difference. The castor, according to the last alignment, is also out of spec on both wheels even though the previous two (2) alignments showed no such problem. While it may be true that minor alignment changes can have a significant impact on the feathering problem, this does not prove that the root cause lies in a simple alignment problem. The car should not be so sensitive that a minor alignment change, on the order of a few hundredths of a millimeter or a fraction of a degree one way or the other will result in this kind of problem. I believe when a company like Hunter suggests that excessive toe out or in will cause scuffing on the outer or inner tread blocks that they are talking about a significant amount of deviation from the specification. Indeed Nissan's own total toe specs, for example, give a 2mm margin of error. I could be mistaken, but I think I just convinced myself that the answer to the problem does not lie in the irregular feathering theory. It could just be that the 350Z suspension was modeled after the weeble principle. They wobble but they don't fall down. In any case I am getting really tired of talking about this. I wish Nissan would just fix it so I could move on to other problems like the transmission.
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 123
Likes: 0
From: Canada
Quote from OverZelous:
After having NTB03006a applied (2mm Total Toe) and new front tires, followed up with NTB03006b (also 2mm) several months later (same tires) the feathering, scuffing, chewing, eating, cupping, munging, chopping (2 years and we still don't have a proper name)
I would like to be the first to properly name the tire wear phenomenon...
I believe the tire wear problem should from now on be refered to as "Zeeing"
For example:
1) My friend's 350Z also has Zeeing on his front Potenzas.
2) A man just got arrested today after punching his dealer in the mouth. Overheard at the scene was the irate man screaming "What the F#ck you mean my tires are Zeeing?!" Look at this!!! Bam
etc.
I hope that the Zeeing tire fix will be in soon because I'm not sure what happens to this thread when the views reach over 100,000??????? We're over 80K already...
Cheers The Superfly ;-)
After having NTB03006a applied (2mm Total Toe) and new front tires, followed up with NTB03006b (also 2mm) several months later (same tires) the feathering, scuffing, chewing, eating, cupping, munging, chopping (2 years and we still don't have a proper name)
I would like to be the first to properly name the tire wear phenomenon...
I believe the tire wear problem should from now on be refered to as "Zeeing"
For example:
1) My friend's 350Z also has Zeeing on his front Potenzas.
2) A man just got arrested today after punching his dealer in the mouth. Overheard at the scene was the irate man screaming "What the F#ck you mean my tires are Zeeing?!" Look at this!!! Bam
etc.
I hope that the Zeeing tire fix will be in soon because I'm not sure what happens to this thread when the views reach over 100,000??????? We're over 80K already...
Cheers The Superfly ;-)
Update link to the article
http://www.autoweek.com/search/searc...95932&record=4
http://www.autoweek.com/search/searc...95932&record=4
Originally posted by djgretzkypup
MUST READ FOR EVERYONE -
39,000 vehicles (350Z's from 2002-03) have this problem
Refer to this linK in autoweek:
http://www.autoweek.com/search/searc...=autoweek&cat_
Nissan is fully aware of the feathering problem. The failed to reimburse me and the dealer I purchased the vehicle from (Ed Napleton of North Palm Beach Nissan) gave me the run around with delays to my questions and unanswered phone calls. Nissan corporation is trying to keep this issue under wraps to avoid bad publicity. My four page letter to Nissan went unanswered. Both the general manager of the dealership and the Ms. Napleton acknowledged in an e-mail to me that the problem exists.
MUST READ FOR EVERYONE -
39,000 vehicles (350Z's from 2002-03) have this problem
Refer to this linK in autoweek:
http://www.autoweek.com/search/searc...=autoweek&cat_
Nissan is fully aware of the feathering problem. The failed to reimburse me and the dealer I purchased the vehicle from (Ed Napleton of North Palm Beach Nissan) gave me the run around with delays to my questions and unanswered phone calls. Nissan corporation is trying to keep this issue under wraps to avoid bad publicity. My four page letter to Nissan went unanswered. Both the general manager of the dealership and the Ms. Napleton acknowledged in an e-mail to me that the problem exists.
Originally posted by cal_z
WOW!!! So I am not the only one who has considered trading on a new G35!!!!! Does anyone know if they have the same problems we have? I have seen just as many after-market options on the "G" as on the "Z". I don't like the look of the"G" as much, but to sacrifice the problems may be worth a little less face; close enough! Like an adverage looking woman with a bad-*** body!! Not much to look at but fun to play with!! I'm just silly sometimes! It's early, sorry.
WOW!!! So I am not the only one who has considered trading on a new G35!!!!! Does anyone know if they have the same problems we have? I have seen just as many after-market options on the "G" as on the "Z". I don't like the look of the"G" as much, but to sacrifice the problems may be worth a little less face; close enough! Like an adverage looking woman with a bad-*** body!! Not much to look at but fun to play with!! I'm just silly sometimes! It's early, sorry.
http://homepage.mac.com/stracy01/G35...toAlbum32.html
hardest adjustment 4 me is the height of the driver seating position. the Z wraps around you, the G is 3" higher at the top of the seat (not much if any more ground clearance). Passengers seem to like that, it is a compromise.
that and having 14 months in a Z getting used to the idea of having ANYthing behind you inside the car is spooky!
it also needs a better rear sway bar, my Z only showed any body roll at extremes (75- mph on a track in a big sweeping corner), not on the road - and that's base, stock.
the problems seem to be more in busted transmissions and a few other areas (blown stereos, premature brake wear) but not the tires on the '03. I'm sure some have had issues but not on this scale, even when you account for the almost 4:1 ration of Z's sold since intro vs. the G35 coupe in Nov 2002.
check out Nov/Dec of 2003, though - sales were dead even between the two.
then again, I just drive the car and adapt. I will say w/o question that the 350Z is the best handling, fastest stock sports car I've ever driven anywhere this side of <$40k.
don't switch to avoid this problem - that is not why I did, even if you got away from it, either you want a 2+2 or a 2-seater. The Z is a no-comprise sports car, not a sports coupe.
in my case my kids switched schools and I had a choice - get a sedan for a daily driver to ferry them back and forth, or get something with a back seat. I already have an Altima sedan, so for me the G35 coupe is a great choice.
I just consider myself lucky already having a 4-door sedan, a Caravan, a Dodge Ram Hemi, etc. that my W didn't flinch at getting the G35 if it meant trading in my "race car"
People have funny ideas some times
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: Delaware USA
Possible solution tire wear
Snap on used to make a toe in gauge (they still us something similar at the tracks) You drive over it and a gauge moves with the tire scuffing. You then adjust toe specs & retry till you get it right. This is more acurate than compututer alignments as it is relative to the given car and not an average spec.
You can also feel the tires for heat differences after 15 min Hwy diving to see if any given area has unusual abrasion from off alignment. Hot spots = uneven wear.
You can also feel the tires for heat differences after 15 min Hwy diving to see if any given area has unusual abrasion from off alignment. Hot spots = uneven wear.
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: VA
I just pickup my Z from the dealer with new rubber on the front. It took almost two months to get the new OEM Potenzas from my dealer. It is a pleasure to drive this car again, well not so much because it is now garaged until the blue jays star banging on my windows. The good thing is that my dealer swallowed the alignment cost as a "goodwill" warranty from Nissan. It is nice to get something back from Nissan, even though the car had over 12000 miles.
History:
7500. Noticed feathering and loud noise
8500. Dealer performed tire swap per TSB
15500. Noise came back with a vengeance
18200. New front tires
I will not be driving it as much since I bought a winter vehicle so i will not know right away if the problem will come back but will keep updating.
History:
7500. Noticed feathering and loud noise
8500. Dealer performed tire swap per TSB
15500. Noise came back with a vengeance
18200. New front tires
I will not be driving it as much since I bought a winter vehicle so i will not know right away if the problem will come back but will keep updating.
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: Winchester, Virginia
No new posts today?
My June 2003 Touring model, with 2 free front tires at 10,300 miles, is once again roaring to a stop at 13,800. I drive 120 highway miles each day roundtrip to work.
I am going to call NNA tomorrow and open a case. I did not the first time, hoping I was one of the lucky ones to get a good alignment.
I love this car so much, but this is really ridiculous. At least I live in VA and have a 3 strike/12 month Lemon Law.
I will post more as info comes.
I am going to call NNA tomorrow and open a case. I did not the first time, hoping I was one of the lucky ones to get a good alignment.
I love this car so much, but this is really ridiculous. At least I live in VA and have a 3 strike/12 month Lemon Law.
I will post more as info comes.