I hate to admit it, but the only way we are ever going to get this resolved, is to get some national exposure on this issue and to create some major embarassment for Nissan. I realize this could also back fire on us owners and expose the defects in the car to the world,but I think it's worth the risk. I don't know how everyone else feels about this, but personallyI want to generate some major negative publicity for Nissan.Don't get mad get even.
What they are doing to us is pathetic.How much would it cost to take out a full page ad in USA Today.That would get there attention.Lets brainstorm some ideas as to how we can get this problem to the masses.I think it's the only way Nissan will step up address the problem.
Zeeman03

 

Do we know how many owners really have a problem with this? By the way if you are trading a car in it is not worth anything per the dealer your trading with. When you are buying a car it is a very rare and dear item that is worth more than any other in the world. Just ask any car dealer. You should use the information on this site to get your alignment fixed and new front tires. If you don't then it is your problem not the service managers. JMHO

 

Is this cupping problem on all the 350Z?

 

From my limited exposure to Texas 350s, I would say that this problem is NOT on ALL 350s. I also believe that it can be rectified with a PROPER alignment. JMHO!

 

Could someone post the lastest & greatest alignment settings from NNA? I'd like to see it stickied by the mods. so everyone is working off the latest settings.

 

How can you say this? Proper alignment doesn't seem to be helping anyone?! The way I see it is that if all the 2003 350Zs made have the same suspension parts and tires then more or less they should all have the feathering problem. Unless there was a batch of defective parts or some running production change??? The reason everyone doesn't report it on this forum is more likely a) not enough mileage yet, b) doesn't know or care about tires and isn't even checking...

Don't believe the posters that say I've got no problems with my tires and then tells you his mileage is 1600...give them time...

BTW I talked to a new owner the other day and asked him how he liked his 350Z...he replied "Yeah I like it but the tire noise is getting pretty loud", I said something about feathering and this forum and the dealer probable response and TSBs and his eyes glazed over like I was speaking spanish...I don't think this guy owns a screwdriver let alone understands how a tire should wear...I'm guessing there are many like this that just don't know that they even have a problem...

 

superfly84ZX

You are correct ,many owners dont know they have a problem .
The tire noise is very gradual. If you dont drive another car then get back in the Z it is hard to notice when it first happens. The noise gets louder but dont notice untill you look down an notice that the radio volume has to be turned up louder and louder to over come the tire noise.
There are many owers who do not know they have a problem. I look at every Z I see parked. I go over and look at the tires. Most have feathering ,new tires or tires that have been fliped VIA the TSB.
I have a friend whos brother inlaw has an 03 Z. He knows nothing about cars. I asked him about his tires and he looked like a deer in my headlights. I explained the 3 sets of tires on my car and what to listen for and look for. Then he said oh maybee thats why they rotated my tires and ballanced them on my last inspection. He asked why there was no charge and the service writer told him it was part of the free service.
This schmuck did not even know he had a problem.

I have always wondered if NNA has a few people posing as owners posting misinformation and pretending like they own cars with no problems?
Just my opinion dont belive everything you read.
You are your own best judge by what problem you see and continue to have with your Z. They know about this site and would be stupid not to watch it.

 

Thanks for the info. This is something to watch. The reason I asked is I had a Dodge CTD and on the CTD website many members were having problems with failed lift pumps. From reading the thread you would think that all CTD lift pumps failed and they did, but some sooner than others. Plus if you were knowledgable you knew what to look for. Sounds like this is the same type of chronic problem. Some get it sooner and worse than others. Glad to see that members and Nissan are both looking for solutions. But I agree that some owners will never have a clue, they will just drive it and put new tires on when needed. Glad you guys are looking out for the rest of us.

 

Just dropped mine off. Dealer claims a toe adjustment will fix the problem, but smells funny to me.

 

I was at the dealership today and saw a few Z's out there that were in for service. I decided to look at there tires and sure enough, all of them had feathering problems. Not sure if these owners even know about it.

 

Do the 2004's have the same feathering problem?

 

Here's an update from last week:

NNA assured me the tires would be in on Friday the 21st. Well, I have to report bad news..... No tires as of today. I figured as much but wanted to give them the benefit of the doubt.

While at lunch today, a person from NNA Arbitration called to discuss my BBB/LL claim and what can be done to fix the problem. Of course, he was out to lunch when I returned his call. Wonder what he would like to talk about...... anyone??? Any kind words you want me to pass along? jk

 

anyone??? maybe alignment is the solution

 

my update!!!

I called my dealer and NNA and talked to them both for some time. I talked to the GM assistant as well (or next guy down).

First NNA - "this is not a safety issue so Nissan is not issuing a recall" I said how many deaths does it take to consider it a safety issue like adding a stop light to a intersection. 3 deaths = stop light or 3 wrecked cars and possibly hurt people before it becomes an issue. She could not respond other than Nissan doesn't consider it a safety issue. (conversations are recorded)

They said to let the dealer perform the TSB and if problem reappears then MAYBE tire replacement. MAYBE was stressed. I said what if it appears again. she had no answer! I said new front suspension! She agreed in a non liable way!

second Called my dealer, service guy said he will not replace my tires, called GM and his assistant called me back and said they will most likely replace my tires. I explained further to him that cuppin would occur now and feathering would be fixed. I said the only true fix would be a new suspension like S-Tune or 2004 replacement if possible. He said he would do his best and see about a total fix.

What i said to get a response was simple. I filed a complaint at NHTSA and am on the verge of filling with the BBB for selling a defective car with out proper product knowledge just to make a few bux in commission!

I also stated that my step mom was buying a Z in jan and she will no longer be buying from them and i will never buy nor refer anyone to nissan ever again unless Customer service is taken literally!

They are as far as i know working very dilligantly on fixing my problem. I have an appointment for 8:30 am tomorrow and we will see what hapens from there!

wish me luck!!!

 

I had my allignment done at a custom wheel shop with the latest Hunter machines. Within 10 miles of driving the car seemed funny so I took it back it. They put it back on the machine and their eyes just about popped out of their heads when they saw the specs.

I'm not wasting my time on this. In my case allignment is definitley NOT the problem.

 

I took my Z (8500 miles) in today to have the feathering TSB performed. I noticed minor feathering a few weeks ago on my track model. Service manager was very straightforward about the swapping of tires left to right, and the toe-in adjustments. I credit this forum for allowing me to appear very educated on the matter.

They just called to tell me that they've decided to order new tires rather than swap the existing ones side to side. They'll do the toe adjustments when they mount the new tires. (7-8 days backorder on the tires) My feathering was noticable, but not nearly as bad as some of the pictures I've seen here.

Is tire replacment becoming the norm? I'd expected more of a fight from the dealership on this. I'll see what they have to say when I pick up the car tonight and post if there's anything enlightening.

 

Where did you take it in Austin? I took it to South Point and they wouldn't replace the tires. I have 8000 miles and the road noise was, is bad. They just swapped the tires.

 

I expect less of a fight and more fixing when i spend over 35,000 on a car

 

vincenzobar:

Is this your first Nissan?

My 98 Maxima was near bulletproof, but on the few occasions it went in for service it was never pleasent. "Well these modifications obviously.... blah blah blah" Exception being Courtesy Nissan in Dallas, as they are mod friendly and even installed the exhaust and y-pipe on that car.

My old man switched from Maximas (92,95) to I30/35's (98,02) after he tired of dealing with Nissan service. The Infiniti folks seem to understand service much better.

mf01: You have PM.

 

Can you clarify, "felt funny" and "what were the specs" that astounded the techs? You may have said this before, but I can't locate where, sorry. Thanks.