I've started to do a little research on this and here are couple of results. My research is based mostly on searching the forum archives for the repective vehicles.

Acura NSX - OEM RE040's starting with '02 models. Found no reports of abnormal wear. Many reports of wearing the inside edges out but with considerably higher mileage on them then the 350Z and they were simply worn out as opposed to irregularly cupped or feathered and many were running beaucoup negative camber. Also many owners seem to choose the same tire for replacment.

Lexus IS300 - Also OEM RE040's. No reports of abnormal wear; cupping, feathering, etc. Many reports of worn out inside edges but again at higher mileage (~14,000) and no feathering. IS also has more factory negative front camber (.7 as opposed to .58 for the Z). Did find out that there was, at one time, a recall on the RE040's for "bubbles" in the sidewalls. I think this may have also applied to the Acuras but it was before the Z's time and new and improved RE040's were used as replacements.

 

well.....Ive read lots of reports of tire feathering and uneven wear on audi, lexus and other cars........

LOTS OF THEM>>>>>>and check out overall satisfaction ratings.....very poor reviews.....

these OEM tires....are not very good.

 

Thanks Wotnot. Can you provide any links, references, articles, etc? I would like more information if you have it. That's what this is all about. I'm not a defender of the RE040. I'm trying to stay neutral on this one. If one can only reach the conclusion that it hasn't happened on other vehicles becuase the set-ups are different then I guess that, in itself, answers the question. It's not the tires. On the other hand, if similar cases can be documented on other vehicles it may demonstrate that this tire does indeed have a problem or at least a propensity toward irregular wear. I know the customer review statistics at Tire Rack are not that good and that is not suprising given how soft the RE040 is. But that information is not very useful in terms determining if the RE040's have done the same thing on another vehicle and how it was resolved. I just went to a few forums and spent some time searching the archives. If there are problems, it would show up there just as it has here. I've only looked at two cars so far so I'm not drawing any conclusions. The NSX had a BIG problem with Yokahomas and starting on the '02 models they went with the RE040. I did not, however, find a single complaint of feathering or cupping on this tire. I found many posts were owners were considering replacing with the same tire. I wonder how many people here would consider buying a set of RE040's? Similarly, the IS300 uses the RE040 and, as I said there was actually a recall due to sidewall "bubble" issues. I also found many posts and pictures of worn inside tread blocks but no reports of unusual feathering or cupping. If anyone has anything to add, or even owns one of the vehicles that runs this tire, I would like your input. Thanks.

 

I feel this whole tire featuring issue will come to a head this summer when the 2004 euro-tuned suspension 350Z's have enough mileage to demonstrate signs of featuring or not. If they show no signs of featuring/cupping then Nissan will have a hard time explaining the suspension does cause the problem.

 

I started a thread elsewhere to vent frustration...
My tires were perfect up to about 8500 miles. Then, they started to get growly and loud. Began to see the feathering. Went to the dealer, who said that the fix is to swap sides... They checked the alignment, and said it was perfect (I had it checked elsewhere before going to the dealer- the other shop said it was perfect also).
Well, I am an experimental kind of guy, so I said OK to the swap. Actually, it worked... at least for a while. The noise returned at about 9700 miles, and two days ago at about 10,150 miles, I saw that one of the tires is actually coming apart like an old superball. Big chunks are coming off the outer tread blocks, and cracks have formed like the rubber is trying to delaminate from the belts (like a truck tire on the highway). Called the dealer, and will take it in Monday AM very slowly.... Wish me luck.

 

What date will we use for the 2004 euro-tuned suspended Zs? When the TSB NTB03-006b issued in December, 2003 called for all Zs made before May 23, 2003, stated dealers should change the toein to 0.04? Are all 04 350Zs made from that day the euro-tuned ones? I'm a little cloudy on that, could you clear it up for me?

 

I thought I read somewhere that all 350Z's built November 2003 and after had the euro-tuned suspension. The first batch of 2004 Zs (built July 2003) had the same suspension as the 2003s.

 

NM

 

? Cryptic

 

Never Mind ?

 

OK, already answered by JLC350ZX. thanks, too many acronyms for me.

 

 

please make sure you warm up before attemting..Warning do not do this at home!

 

I am not sure about the flexibility aspects of the image from OZ-Z.....
Regarding my note from the other night... "perfect" alignment to me is the mechanical stuff measured by the alignment systems, AND, the ability to track for a half mile or so without touching the wheel and without wandering out of a lane (on a decent piece of road, of course)
However, when I took the car to the dealer today, they took one look at the tires and said- we will replace the front tires (the back ones are still near-perfect...). So, at least this is one positive vote for the dealer, but I do not think it lets Bridgestone off the hook. Also got the front seat pin fixed- tended to pop out of the track locking mechanism.

 

Nissan changed the alignmentt specs several times( so I'm told). If they do not have the most current ones thay may not be best for your car.My enth 03 is starting to growl again but Im sure eventually it wil be made right. You can't blame the dealers as mine is doing all they can given the circumstance. ANYONE heard they have a new and positve fix anouncment later this Month of Feb?

 

Do you think Nissan holds classes on this maneuver? It seems to be their favorite postion when dealing with the Z. That sounded harsh, didn't it? Maybe too harsh, do you think?

 

That is slightly abrasive, saying that Nissan has their head up thier *** Asterik's when it come to the "Tire Eating Monster" 350Z


Remember you can get a lot more fly's with sugar, than vinegar.

A wine gone Bad..

Ha !

Cheers Amy -

 

OK, Mea culpa, my bad. It was irresistable. Change of subject, how do you like the Hotchkiss anti-roll bars? And did put them on before you put on the springs? I want anti-roll bars that change the ride stiffness very little after I put on the Konis. I don't want a lot stiffer ride after I put on the Konis. I want to reduce the understeer, but not at the expense of the ride. Any help would be appreciated, Amy. I value your opinion, my dear, also, your the only owner I know who has put them on. Send when you have time, please.

Keith/Boomer--waiting with bated breath for your answer.

 

A little Laughter always helps don't you think?

 

Add one more Z to the list. I brought my 03 Touring 6MT with 6900 into service for Tire Feathering (Built 04/03). Regal Nissan in Roswell GA has got of hold of it. We'll see how it goes... Wish me luck.

Justin