Tire FEATHERING: FYI
#3921
I have an early production 03 touring which I picked up in September of 2002. I had the problem, went through the tire swaps, alignments etc. and it did become manageable. I got 42,000 miles out of the first set of tires, and changed them primarily because the rears wore out, but also because Nissan offered, based on tread life left, a partial rebate on new front ones. I now have 70,000 miles on the Z, so that's 28,000 on the 'new design' Bridgestone tires, and have no issues. I guess I'm just lucky. I have had no alignments in the three years since the new tires were put on. I don't have an answer; some cars have the problem, and some don't.
I just put on Bridgestone RE760's all around. I'm getting an alignment. We'll see what happens.
Bottom line... my Z is my stripper girlfriend. She's fun to ride, but expensive to keep.
#3922
#3923
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I have the RE960AS Pole Position, little harder compound than the 760's.
RE760's UTQG - 340-A-A < softer compound, less traction (BRAKING) summer tire
RE960's UTQG - 400-AA-A < harder compound, better traction (BRAKING), all season
I'd say for a little more the 960 would be better.
RE760's UTQG - 340-A-A < softer compound, less traction (BRAKING) summer tire
RE960's UTQG - 400-AA-A < harder compound, better traction (BRAKING), all season
I'd say for a little more the 960 would be better.
Last edited by ladyzed; 11-05-2008 at 04:48 PM.
#3924
I have Discount Tire's Yokahama 520's (very hard 520-A-A) and have seen the return of tire feathering after 10 months and 12k miles. The last tire change included an alignment at a Nissan dealer as well. So I'm not sure if harder tires alone (960's, etc.) will make much of a difference, or even getting an alignment ever year (or even 6 months). This is just something many of us have to live with.
Last edited by Master Shake; 11-18-2008 at 09:29 AM.
#3925
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So I just put a down payment on a 2003 350Z Touring and was wondering should I get this car? Have they solved the feathering problem yet? I read the majority of the posts and can only come to the conclusion that no they haven't. I think I may have to take my downpayment and apply it to another car in the showroom. What kind of percentage of people have the feathering problem?
#3926
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So I just put a down payment on a 2003 350Z Touring and was wondering should I get this car? Have they solved the feathering problem yet? I read the majority of the posts and can only come to the conclusion that no they haven't. I think I may have to take my downpayment and apply it to another car in the showroom. What kind of percentage of people have the feathering problem?
I can't say the 2003 won't have it, but the 03 and early 04's were the major ones that had the problem. I have the 04.5 and I thought I was safe until I noticed my tires doing stupid noises and feathering.
I think if you do get it, it's something you must live with. You can get the best alignment in the world and still have this problem.
#3927
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I can't say the 2003 won't have it, but the 03 and early 04's were the major ones that had the problem. I have the 04.5 and I thought I was safe until I noticed my tires doing stupid noises and feathering.
I think if you do get it, it's something you must live with. You can get the best alignment in the world and still have this problem.
I think if you do get it, it's something you must live with. You can get the best alignment in the world and still have this problem.
I went ahead with the purchase because I fell in love with the car. I will drive this winter with my winter tires. If there's not much left of the tires by summer I will drive for the summer and switch to a cheaper/smaller size tire to replace. I currently have 20" rims on the Z and have no intention of buying those size tires too often!
What is the average lifespan of an all season tire? I don't drive hard enough to warrant the extra sticky/soft tires for summer.
#3928
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I spoke with a friend of my parents who is a nissan mechanic and he pretty much told me to stay away from the Z among others from Nissan...Apparently the feathering is due to the weak frame (I think it is aluminium) and its inability to hold the alignment after even one bump or pothole. Too agressive of a suspension without the strength to resist warping. I fell in love with that car in about 5 seconds and it crushed my cruising dreams in the same day...glad I read about it on the forums.
#3929
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I got my 2006 Z 5 months ago Certified/used
Everything is stock except xo2 exhaust/5/16 plenum spacer and my car is pulling to the right out of nowhere.
Will this be covered by warranty? Is this a warning that my car might have the tire feathering issue?
Everything is stock except xo2 exhaust/5/16 plenum spacer and my car is pulling to the right out of nowhere.
Will this be covered by warranty? Is this a warning that my car might have the tire feathering issue?
#3930
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I spoke with a friend of my parents who is a nissan mechanic and he pretty much told me to stay away from the Z among others from Nissan...Apparently the feathering is due to the weak frame (I think it is aluminium) and its inability to hold the alignment after even one bump or pothole. Too agressive of a suspension without the strength to resist warping. I fell in love with that car in about 5 seconds and it crushed my cruising dreams in the same day...glad I read about it on the forums.
i've got mine almost 5 years - the tyre feathering/ suspension is not a major issue
#3932
The original tire feathering recall has already been closed out and is no longer honored.
#3933
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Well I ended up buying it anyways! I loved the car too much to pass it up. The window stopped working the day after I drove away from the lot but it's still driving like a champ. I have to punch the door and it'll work again ahahah! I found some camber kits for the 350z. If I get the camber kit is there a good chance I can reduce my tire feathering issue?
#3934
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I wonder if I could still see if there is still a warranty left for this issue? I am thinking that I am way out of warranty at this point.
When I eventually replace all four tires, the Z will once again handle the way it is supposed to. Ever since the age of the front and rear tires were of different vintages, the handling has always been off enough to annoy me a little.
#3938
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Owners of 03-04 350Z's having feathering issues need to contact Nissan regarding the class action suit. The suit has been settled and Nissan is giving "Dealer Shopping Cards" to those that apply. $225.00 for 03 models and $150.00 for 04 models.
#3940
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Any other questions/inqueries need to be directed to Nissan North America. I don't know all the specifics on how to become part of the suit. From what I do know it is only for 03 & 04 models experiencing the tire feathering issue.