I am new to this forum, and have searched and searched, so i hope this isn't a re-post, but I am a bit confused. I'm looking at buying a 350z in the next few months and am curious about how easy the tire feathering problem in 03 and early 04 Zs is to fix.

I have read that its a camber issue and is an easy fix, I have also seen that the stock Zs have no camber adjustability. If its not an easy fix, what is a good aftermarket control arm set up that would remedy this, and how much would I be looking to spend?

Thanks in advanced for the replies, any help is much appreciated.

P.S. if this is a re-post, please redirect me, and / if necessary.

 

Its a toe issue, and a simple alignment will fit it.

 

 

^mafia

 

Simple fix - regular alignments. The front end will NOT hold an alignment for long.

 

Good to know, thanks a lot, luckily my brother works at a shop and can get this done for free

Thanks again for all the help and responses, this forum is great! Tons of info!

 

Tire feathering on the front was a notorious problem with the early Z’s. As it turned out, some of the first-delivered 350’s had faulty alignment. The tires wore quickly, and there were enough consumer complaints to start a class action suit.

The problem was compounded by the fact that a few Nissan dealers did not have properly calibrated alignment equipment (or equipment that was not capable of setting the Z’s alignment properly). Nissan responded to this problem by requiring calibration charts from the dealers.

Of course when the problem gained more publicity, many Z owners started seeing “ghosts;” and people claimed they suffered from the “feathering problem,” and they demanded new front tires. The problem is exacerbated by the fact that summer performance tires tend to wear quickly and become noisy with wear.

The problem is solved now. But, you do need to monitor the Z’s alignment to prevent premature tire wear. The Z’s suspension is great and the car tracks so well it’s not obvious when it comes slightly out of alignment. I swap winter and summer tires, and I have an alignment done at least annually.

--Spike

 

Wow, great info, thanks a million. Im looking at 2004-05 (price) and I was thinking I might have to rule out the early 2004s, but it sounds like as long as I stay on top of things, everything should be fine. Thanks guys for the responses and valuable information.

 

Im soon to be putting suspension mods and wheels on my '04. If i get an alignment like every 6 months i should be okay and not have to pay out the a$$ for tires?
Thanks!

 

I'm having a very similar problem with my 06 enthusiast. The front tires feather real quick by the inside part. I have changed tires so many times and not too long ago I did an alignment and already I have to change a front tire

 

Take your car to a Nissan dealership and have them do the alignment. Nissan provided calibration specifications allowing the dealerships to eliminate tire feathering. --Spike

 

Thanks for the info

 

Does it HAVE to be a nissan dealership?

 

I doubt a ford dealer or even most independent shops would have the correct and updated specs to align a Z.

 

Right. I was just asking because the closest nissan dealer is like 30-45mins away :l

 

I was expecting you to say it was a couple hours away. 30-45 min is nothing compared to replacing tires every few thousand miles.

 

Good point, my tires wont be messed up too bad if im specs are completely thrown off?

 

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Are these the correct specs? If so i can get a good deal with a buddy at toyota