Hey guys, just got my Z used. Has 19" Michelin SP2's on it.

My abnormal wear is on the OUTER rib, classic feathering, like Eagle GT's used to get back in the 80's on my front wheel drive Daytona Z.
(I think I've owned all the Z's, Nissan Z, Daytona Turbo Z, Z28, Z06)

Anyway, with aftermarket rims and tires, is there any point going to a Nissan dealership with this, or should I just head for my trusted alignment shop?

 

Is this tire feathering issue only on the 2003 model? I heard it was resolved for 2004, but from these postings, it seems otherwise. I have been looking at them and test driving them, and want one so badly, but I am scared to death to get one now. What to do?????

 

The feathering appears to be corrected in my 2003, but it took a lot of effort. Also, if you're worried about tires in general; I seem to go through tires frequently and I don't drive hard. Lastly, I love my Z... (my two cents)

 

Im probably just gonna get one anyway and hope for hte best...there is an 03 touring w/like 30k miles on it at the lexus dealership over here for like 22,500. Not too bad. What do you recommend for a good quality tire, i.e., michelin, bridgestone etc..that is not TOO expensive? Did tire brand seem to matter in the feathering?

 

I still have the oem Bridgston Potenza RE040, because I didn't want to go out and buy four new tires when I could just replace just the back / front. I don't know about the brand name being an issue for the feathering, but Bridgstone did change the Potenza RE040 slightly and those haven't yet feathered. I want to BELIEVEw/ the new alignment and new tire design the issue is gone

Wow an '03 w/ 30K - I have an '03 w/ 50K

 

No, my 04 (not 04.5) started developing feathering/cupping on the inner edges of the front tires as well. The dealer replaced them and did a realignment under the alignment warranty extension they gave to 04 folks and re-extended to 03 owners. See http://www.nissanhelp.com/Ownership/.../NTB04-043.htm.

The replacement RE040s do have a different tread design.

BTW, if I were you, I would NOT buy a used 03. Not surprisingly, most likely because it was the 1st model year, many have had lots of problems (feathering, manual transmission grinding, clicking from rear axles, window grease, window motors and regulators failing, etc.). Luckily, there are TSBs for a lot/all of these issues.

Go look at the April 06 issue of Consumer Reports. The 03 Z received a solid black dot (worst possible) rating for used car verdict. The big problem spots were transmission, suspension [probably b/c of this feathering/alignment prob], and power equipment.

FWIW, both my power window motors and regulators on my 04 failed but were replaced under warranty. If you get an 03, from a Lexus dealer, it's probably gonna have little or none of the 3 yr/36K basic warranty left. If you wanna chance it, get an extended warranty or certified pre-owned from a Nissan dealer. See http://www.edmunds.com/advice/cpo/ar...0/page030.html for Nissan's CPO details (I'd also get the policy in writing from a dealer before buying).

Interestingly http://www.nissanusa.com/buying/Owne...ts/0,,,00.html doesn't mention "72-month/100,000-mile limited warranty from the vehicle's original in-service date. This represents at least 12 months/40,000 miles of extended coverage". Unclear if that's been dropped from CPO.

 

Yea I know I have always believed that you dont buy a first year model car, but at the same time, it seems what little Nissan has done for this problem benefits the 2003 models and not 2004s. I was wondering earlier if you could just buy an extended warranty. Even if it costs more money, the costs of tires and maintenance will far exceed this price in a few years if the warranty covers stuff like that.

 

I have this issue on my G35 sedan. I am using 350z track wheels with the OEM tires. Does anyone know what I can do to solve this issue? I really belive that the alignment is off as well.

 

ok so whats the deal will nissan replace my tires for free under warrenty or what?? there are like 190 pages to this thing I just need a simple answer?

 

You need to go to the recall notice and read it to see if you are eligible. I am suing Nissan to buy the car back using the NJ Lemon Law. My trial date is May 1, 2006 in Bergen County Supreme Court. Why keep the car when it can't be fixed?

 

http://www.nissanhelp.com/Ownership/.../NTB04-043.htm
http://www.nissannews.com/nissan/new...08120855.shtml

 

Yeah good luck...Ive had my tires replaced twice and an alignment according to whatever specs they are using at the time. First set lasted 6K and the second was about the same. Switched to Goodyear F1 GSD3s and a mechanical alignment about 5K ago. Well guess what...I had to rotate the front tires because the tire roar was coming back. The rotation helped but we'll see how long that lasts! Hopefully the forum will eventually find a tire that minimizes the problem. Becasue Nissan isn't going to give us the answer or fix the problem. The Z sales are still good so there is no motivation on their part to spend the money to fix the older models. I have an early 03 touring. Otherwise I love this car and have no other problems.

 

this has to be the longest thread in history

so whats the bottom line here...will there ever be a resolution either by manufacturer or aftermarket?

please, lets get the rubber meeting the road here...no pun intended

 

I rotated my front OEM tires because of roar. It didn't help. The tires were as loud after rotation as before. And I was out $60.

 

I have noticed a lot of people have the same 2003 G35 & Z front tire wear and noise that I do. I have had tires replaced and front end realigned and the problem returns after several thousand miles. My Infinity dealer was not aware of any problems, however I filed a complaint with Nissan and they were aware of a problem but had no solution. The only way to get Nissan to do something is for everyone to file a complaint. That's how the brake problem got fixed. The number is 1-800-NISSAN1.

 

WilsonPie - Tell me about the Brake Problem - You can PM me so we don't HiJack this thread..

Cheers Amy -

 

So does the feathering problem occur on 05's?

-k99

 

My 2003 Z had this at ~5k, again noticeable ~10k miles (feathering).

My 2004 G has no abnormal wear on the Michie PS's or the Pirelli Snowsport Winter tires, now in their second season. I have not done an alignment since new.

Now at 25,000 miles, no issues, has to make me wonder and no regrets trading back my Z at 11k miles with toasted brakes, feathered tires, rocking seat...

 

Bizzare. Another data point - No tire problems.Bought my G Coupe (2004) Dec 2003, my 350Z was a Nov 2002 purchase of 2003 model year and had virtually every problem in the TSB list. No tire issues to date with my 04 Coupe - no alignments, swapping tires, any of that crap. Run 2/3 year on Pilot Sports OEM, 1/3 on separate set of wheels with Pirelli Snowsport 240's. Both sets are 18".

Just passed 25,000 miles in March, have had the car now for 2 years and 3 months. Biggest problem I have to date is the "Premium BOSE Stereo" head unit lost the left channel (warranty replacement) and the service guys didn't remember to hook up the light for the clock (Tragedy!!!)

No excuse for the problems, the 2003 IMHO was fundamentally flawed and they got so many details wrong (seat rocking, grease, transmissions eating 3rd gear, undersized brakes except for the track model) - then NNA further screwed up by handling the problem so poorly.

First problem picks with tires can be seen at:
http://homepage.mac.com/stracy01/Auto/PhotoAlbum12.html

P1010154.JPG is right after the side to side swap and alignment, replacement of a rod in the front right suspension - you can see the cupped wear pattern (then on the outside post-swap). The inside of the tires were just as bad ~5k miles later.

Search this forum and you can see the same posts I was making two years ago - you guys are asking the same questions, getting the same BS answers from NNA, two words: Lemon Law.

G Home Page:
http://homepage.mac.com/stracy01/G35...toAlbum32.html

 

Damn it I just recently purchased a 2003 Track, and am noticing the feathering more and more. It's getting louder and louder, Car still is under warranty, but it seems as though there is no fix for this thing.

Too bad because I just love the car. Only has 13000 Km on it.