Ok guys I'd like to know if anyone else had this problem. I have a noise coming from what I think is the front right wheel area. IT kind of sounds like I picked up a rock in my tire. It softly Thumps. The thump will get faster as I accellerate and slow when I decelerate. Using the brakes makes no change. I can hear this best when slowing from 35mph - 20mph.

I checked the tire and I have no stones (or screws or nails) in it... Might it be a wheel bearing or something similar?

I'll be stopping by the dealer to get it checked very soon...

 

I had the same problem and thought it was a tire or wheel bearing too. It turned out to be a piece of debris (mylar plastic or something like they wrap nudy magazines in) got stuck in the front against the radiator. The wind would make it flap against the metal. I only noticed it at moderate speeds also, so you might want to check for something like that.

Silverstone Performance
Phoenix AZ

 

Well I stopped by the dealer today. I must say the service was GREAT. I pulled and described my problem. Within 3 minutes I was doing a road test with the service manager.

Five minutes later I found out that I too have the tire cupping / feathering problem...

I talked to my service manger a bit and he was very forthcoming. He was totally honest and mentioned the TSB to rotate the front tires. (At which I asked what was going to prevent the problem from returning in another 4 - 5K miles) His honest answer was "nothing"... But Nissan is aware and working on the problem.

He is looking into getting me new tires already. (Mine are all that bad but I know they are only going to keep getting worse) He also says he'll do the alignment AFTER he gets the NEW tires on. I then asked if the issue might be a TIRE problem and not a NISSAN Z problem... So, he's going to request that Nissan give me different tires... I asked for the S03s or Michelin Pilot's. (I also made it clear that IF I get different tires, I wanted all FOUR as I didn't want two different brands of tires with different tread designs on the Z.)

Over all, the visit to the dealer was actually very pleasant, friendly, and helpful. While talking about the problem, I mentioned this message board and Gary actually chuckled... Apparently he's registered on the board and reads it regularly! Wow a knowledgable service manager who is up on what the community says about the Z's. I feel lucky!

I'll keep you all posted on the upcoming attempts at tire resolution...

 

"03 Z for ME" do you mind telling when was your Z made. I heard that the earlier Zs, the ones that have been made in late 2002 or early 2003, have more problems. Do you have any paint problems like orange peel or others? Thanks in advance.

 

My VIN is a 111548 I THINK the manufacture date was 2/03 (I'd have to run outside and check)

My Super Black has Super Orange Peel on the fenders as well...