Cupping may not be feathering but I don't believe either term applies to the 350Z problem. Note how we're the only ones talking about "feathering". Haven't heard Nissan use the term. From what I've read, feathering is caused by an alignment problem, usually toe, but the resulting high-low wear pattern runs across the tire from one side to the other not latterally around it. I believe the Z problem is actually much closer to cupping both in terms of the wear pattern and the cause. The high low pattern is parallel to the circumference of the tire, like cupping. Incorrect toe would tend to scuff across the tire or at some angle to it. The only wear pattern photos that I have found that resemble the 350Z problem came from a tractor trailer web site where they referred to it as "heel and toe" or something like that. In any case the pattern was identical to what is seen on the 350. I believe that they attributed it, like cupping, to a shock/spring or otherwise faulty suspension problem possibly exacerbated by hard breaking (torgue stress) and/or improperly designed tires. I don't really care about the nomenclature but I just don't believe any amount of alignment is going to fix this problem and I am begining to wonder if Nissan has any intention of addressing this issue long term. If not I'll be joining others in their lemon law actions.

 

perauto1,

It's amazing how identical our situations are. I have been following your troubles for the last few weeks because I too live in VA (about 50 miles north of Richmond) and my car has exibited the same symptoms at the same times yours has. Like you I am on my second set of tires and I believe I can hear the road noise returning after about 1500 miles. I am interested in exploring the possibility of exercising the VA Lemon Law. If you don't mind could you send me some more specifics about how to proceed. Maybe it would help if we used the same attorney. You can email me at home at TMCKandC@aol.com or at work at KelleyTW@state.gov. This whole situation really pisses me off and I would like to be done with it. Thanks.

 

What type of attorney did you contact?

Black Track

 

My tires now have 4000 on them and 1700 since the the alignment and, knock on wood, the wear is fine....SO FAR...
As far as a tire change is concerned, I picked up a nail, luckily the dealership was able to repair the tire, but the nail was close to the edge.
My dealership had to buy a new machine to handle the 350Z wheels and of course if its a 6 speed the tire pressure adapters. So changing these tires is different, and more expensive, than the old Nissan stuff.
If they damaged your rims they need to make it good

 

I located an attorney that specializes in Virginia Lemon Law cases.
He gave me advice on how to notify Nissan about our impending case and request a buy back under the Virginia lemon law. Nissan will have 15 days under VA law to fix the problem.
If Nissan does not want to buy it back voluntarily,he will represent us in court. When we win Nissan will have to pay us in full for our car,all lawyers fees and interest on our loan amount.
Most manufactures will buy a car back with out going to court if you have a strong case. We all know that they have admitted a problem with the TSB. The car is worth more to Nissan without a branded "lemon law buy back" title
Mark

 

Mark,
Sorry I didn't get back to you today. I was relocating my office and things were quite hectic. I will call you at work tomorrow.

I have a long standing case open with NNA. Should I call them back and inform them that I am persuing the VA Lemon Law?

 

No I would not give them a heads up. They have a problem that cant be fixed so why let them know what you are doing. You gave them a chance now it your turn. Give me a call tomorrow at work 804 784 8851 or www.performanceautosport.com
Mark

 

If I sold the car because of the problems I was having will NIssan Compensate for my losses that i took on my car during trade in? I wishing i would of just kept the car now and pursued the big LEMON Law, but hell then I think again and I'm so happy i got rid of it. Anyone pursuing the lemon law in Kansas? Any recommendations on a lawyer? By the way I'm dam happy with my '03 M3

 

Perauto1,

Care to share what your lawyer told you to do? Just want to know to see if my consultation fee will go wasted, but come to think of it, it's worth it considering the amount I'll lose if I keep the car. I don't know if yall see this but am I seeing the beginning of hopelessness in our beloved car? Damn, I really loved this car during the first three weeks (I commute; therefore, I racked up 4k in a month and noticed the cupping)

BTW, someone mentioned this, but I'll say it again. What we have here is a cupping issue, not feathering. Again, NOT feathering. Unless they fix the suspension, it will not go away. It is a sports car. it is suppose to be rough, but not f-ed up.

Lastly, if you all want me to ask anything to Firestone, now is a good time to post it. The rep will definitely give me some good answers since he claims that the dealerships tend to blame them when things like this happen.

Black Track
Seeing the Firestone rep on Sat.
Seeing the lawyer on Tue 3pm. (Damn, have to take off work early)

 

The first consultation was free.
I found them Via the web and a friend in the new car business. He told me to follow the VA guide lines on filing a lemon law case.
The lawyers first impression was that we would not need his services because of the large amount of others having the same problems. It is not like we are chasing a rattle or strange water leak.
The facts are of the problems are very evident with us Z owners. NNA own TSB is the most incriminating evidence and the fact that they have not followed up with a fix?
The only was to re coupe costs is with the Lemon law. Each state has its own requirements to file a case. If you trade it or sell it out right you are stuck.
My wife and I hope that Nissan will just buy it back and we will not have to go to court, but it is up to NNA.
Mark

 

Thanks, man.

Black Track.

 

My experience with Texas Lemon Law went almost the as my experience with 350Z.... bit up then let down ..

Some points....

1) Lawyers fees are from 0 to 1 hour fee for initial consultation
and very few lawyers that have experience with consumer law

2) Gotcha .... fair usage fee, this is amount deducted from total cost of car based on 120 000 mile life of car. For a $40K car like Touring + Nav + Taxes and Title fees it is about 33 cent per mile driven. Half that cost after NNA is notified via certified mail, return receipt requested.

3) Gotcha... have provide the required number of attempts to fix car before able to send certified letter.

4) Gotcha... after all above may have to give one more try to fix car!

5) Be specific from start not easy to change from request to fix to repurchase vehicle without having to give NNA more time to fix car!

Not being a lawyer and not dot'ing all the i's and crossing the t's may end up costing me about $5k in usage fees if NNA repurchase vehicle. Not to mention loss of time and fustration and interest payments etc. Process started back in November and because of lack of experience final hearing has not been schedule yet!

Ouch! Half way to project loss if trade or sell.

 

Do all Z owners have tire problems- or is this just the early Z models?

Lemon laws, class action suits. What's up?

Do all the cars must have problems.

Is anyone happy with their tires and alignment??

Does anyone know if Nissan has an answer or are all the tires going to H---??? without a solution?

Please reply if you have a lot of miles and no problems.

I am getting worried.

I have3500 miles with no feathering or cupping or tire noise.

 

Up until 4600 miles I had no problems and was feeling pretty good. I just passed 4800 miles now and heard a "thumping" kind of like a wheel bearing... Well, I took it to the dealer, and within 5 minutes I was diagnosed with "tire Cupping" My SErvice manager was VERY nice to me and already is trying to get new tires. My problem however is that this simply won't resolve the issue without something else being done. When I get my new tires I'm getting an alignment as everyone else has. If nothing els is done I expect to be back at the dealer in another 5000 miles.

Is it possible that this is a TIRE problem and not a Z problem? (I've read a LOT of this post, but not every single page... Any luck with Michelin Pilots or Bridgestone S-03's? MY dealer asked if I wanted to try different tires...

 

Perauto:
Please keep us informed on the progress you make with the Lemon law and Nissan. I think we all will be interested in what Nissan says and does. No doubt there is a problem with the front ends of these beautiful vehicles.

 

[Is it possible that this is a TIRE problem and not a Z problem? (I've read a LOT of this post, but not every single page... Any luck with Michelin Pilots or Bridgestone S-03's? MY dealer asked if I wanted to try different tires... [/B][/QUOTE]

The only change that I've read about fixing the issue is replacing the shocks/springs with performance parts. All of which lower the car to some degree. I didn't buy the Track model so I would have to upgrade (spend more $) the suspension.

The way I see it, Nissan doesn't have to do anything unless this becomes a safety issue. My biggest grievence is that my tires are back-ordered, yet there are four dealerships within driving distance that are selling new cars with new tires on them. It seems to me there is a responsibility to make current customers happy before trying to get new ones. That's not how business is done though. Just keep quite and the problem will go away.

Do you think that if we all sat in front of a couple of dealerships and showed off our tires to potential customers Nissan would react?

 

Does anyone know if the G35 coupe has any feathering/alignment problems, since it is very similar to the Z?

Also, G35 Coupe comes with Michelin Pilot tires which are probably better-wonder if that would help.

 

XLR8:
I guess different tires are an alternative......But if your dealer is asking you then they probably don't have a fix.
I think they know there is a problem, Yes, they want to keep it low key. That is why I am waiting for results of the Lemon law attempts made by some of the folks on this page.
Again, I have about 2000 miles since they aligned mine ans so far the wearing is normal. I hope it's tires

 

G35 coupe does not have the same problem. The only problem they have that shares with 350z is PULLING to the right problem.

Also their suspension are different than 350z. I think they are softer...

 

I'm in the NJ area and always looking for a good service shop for my car. What dealer did you bring your Z to and would you really recommend them?

I have no problems as of yet, but only have 500+ miles on my car. I'm really hoping I don't have the issues this thread metions.