I have been researching this forum -- the entire internet and Nissan TSB's.. and I can't come up with much.

What I do know is the "2003 350Z" TSB that was released for the growling/roaring noise at low speeds applies to ALL 350Z's.. even the 2008's (as mine has the issue right now with 26k miles).

This is the TSB I've found:

Technical Service Bulletin (NTB03-006B)

That pulls up some info on the 350Z, saying to rotate tires on the front inside/out.. and align if necessary. (My tires are OEM, but are directional,.. so not sure how this would work.) -- But,.. more importantly, I have a 2008.

I don't see the TSB extending past 2003/2004 models. I know I'm not getting anything done for free or under warranty given that 2008 isn't within 60 months now at the end of 2013.. but I still want to be able to get Nissan tech's to pull up the right TSB info to get the problem fixed, and not say oh this is a 2003 TSB,.. yours is a 2008 so it doesn't apply, etc.

So.. Is there a TSB for 2008 models? For the feathering/noise problem?

If so,.. does anyone know the number.. or even better have the TSB they could attach as an image or whatever so I can bring it in to Nissan?

Or I guess second best,.. if anyone had this done successfully at Nissan for the feathering roar/growl issue.. maybe have an invoice of the work done with specs on how they adjusted it, to attach to post so I can download.. print out and bring in with me?

If you want to send any of this info to my email.. send it over to

ikoslog@gmail.com

But, the users of the forum would benefit from it being attached somehow I think.. there is SO many hundreds of pages of this issue on the forum.. but I've yet to be able to find any specific TSB number .. I did find the aforementioned:

Technical Service Bulletin (NTB03-006B) Which applies to 2003 350's.. But, again.. This is an issue with all the 350's.. 2003 or 2008.. so Nissan should have a TSB that indicates that -- They aren't purposely "ignoring" or denying the issue exists beyond 2003/2004 models correct?

I've been reading that Toe in/Toe out needs adjusted -- Then another poster mentioned it's not so much the Toe in/Toe out but caster/camber -- then there's talk of replacing bushings with aftermarket ones.. then there is talk of putting a hard tire on. No definite Do X, Y, and Z -- seems like an issue that is no resolvable permanently. Which is ok,.. just trying to get informed when I go to the dealership Monday to get things done.

Also -- It looks like I'm going to need new tires even those the ones on this 26k mile car have at least 12-15k left on them.. Can I get the alignment (TSB fix) done with these tires.. and get new tires put on in a week or two as they get shipped from tire-rack? Or do I need to wait to get the tires put on by pepboys or whoever.. then bring it over to Nissan?

Lastly,.. OR -- Should I just load up the new tires and bring them into Nissan and say Hey I have the feathering/growl/noise problem -- I've these new tires here with me,.. I need you guys to do a front end alignment adjusting to the spec of TSB (this is where I need your help).. and need you guys to mount and balance these tires for me. ??

Thanks,

 

It doesn’t seem like you have any problems, feathering or otherwise with your car. 26,000 miles is pretty close to the most can you can expect out of the stock tires. These types of ultra-high performance tires wear much faster than the black round donuts on your fathers Oldsmobile. Also as they wear they get nosier and nosier (less cushioning rubber between the harsh road and the super firm under-tread belts, and also the stiff sidewalls.

Sports cars typically feature a lot of negative camber in the geometry, so it’s normal to see the front tires show wear first on the inside edges. At 26k you would expect the rear tires to be almost down to the ‘wear bars’ and the fronts to be worn on the inside edge. You may be mistaking this camber wear for feathering, however the 2008s were not known for it (no TSB).

For a car like a Z with directional tires and a size difference between the front and back, you must dismount the tires from the rims to rotate. eg. Take the left front tire off its rim and remount it on the right front rim. This keeps the direction
of rotation correct, but swaps an inside edge for outside edge.

 

Calm down and buy some tires.
The tire feathering issue was with the 2003 cars and some 2004.
26k miles for Hiperf tires can be replacement time.
AS mentioned,there are camber issues on sports type cars.Improper
inflation can cause wear.THe "roaring" sound you may be hearing can come from
the inner edges of the front tires.Noise from the bac for the same reasons.
THe OEM Bridgestones IMO,are pretty bad.They wearfast ,noisy and give a crummy ride.
When I changed wheels,I went with Hankook V-12's.A world of difference.Of course.make sure your alignment is correct.
What tires did you buy?

 

The TSB was for in proper alignment from the factory , 25k on your car, I bet the alignment went out

 

Jennifer I appreciate your response.. but, there is a problem. I'm not freaking out about it, just trying to get direction.

The feathering issue most certainly did not end with 2003/2004 models.. It's a result of the double joint suspension of the entire 350Z line.. which changed with the 370.

This isn't the first sports car I've had.. nor the first Z I've had

I know normal road noise, and I know a problem.

The noise that occurs is EXACTLY the description of what the TSB for feathering issues from nissan,.. and what other experienced users here have told me to look for /listen for before I bought the car. (They knew I was buying a 2008).

Coming to slow speeds.. sub 10-15mph.. the front end makes about 10 times the normal road noise.. you can't talk to someone in the car while stopping to give an example. At 20mph + it's fine.. yes, it's a bit noisy,.. but I'm used to this.. I've had a 300ZX NA, 300ZX TT, Fox body 302 Mustang, SN95 5.0 Mustang, 240SX, BMW M3, Corvette C5, Lexus LS400 (The one non sports car and only automatic I've owned.. hated it.), Pontiac Solstice, and now this 350Z.)

I find it a little odd you seem to think this is just normal noise when it only occurs at under 10-15mph until complete stop and is VERY loud.. and from the front only?

Further the tires are Goodyear Eagle F1 - All season directional tires. The tread isn't brand new .. but it's not worn out.. I've been through tons of tires in my 16 years of driving.

Anyhow,.. The 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008's all have the same feathering issue (some may not experience it of course).. because the suspension is essentially the same.. and it is a result of front independent double ball joint suspension on the Z33's. What makes a 2008 different from a 2003 in the Front suspension ?

If this comes across rude, I'm not trying to be.. just a little shocked to read that it's probably just normal wear and tear of the tires, .. and they are supposed to sound so loud you can't hear your passenger talking to you just from the front at 15mph till stop and not sound loud at 20mph+.

I wish it were just "old" worn tires.. I really do. I'm buying a new set this week.. have another thread on that as I've thrown out some particular brands and prices for members to comment on.

Lastly,.. the tires are Goodyear EAGLE F1 All Season 225/45 R18 Directional FRONT, and 245/45 R18 on the rear. These tires are meant to last 45,000 miles and have a warranty as such. They have 26k miles on them -- I can't imagine these not coming from the factory, but if Nissan never used Goodyears, then they were replaced at some point.

 

I'm fine.. I love the car even with the insane roar at low speed.. I'm calm -- Just picking brains on the issue.

I'm already researching tires and prices.. and have a thread about the few I've picked from tirerack and to get users opinions on the best tire for the buck essentially.

Hrmm.. Now here's where I get major conflicting issues -- I have very knowledgeable people telling me it's a feathering issue causing this noise most certainly.. and grabbing new tires at least on the front with Nissan doing the TSB alignment spec will fix it up.

Also .. we have a 200+ page thread about the feathering issue that includes many people with 2005,2006,2007, and 2008 cars with this issue?

https://my350z.com/forum/maintenance...g-fyi-206.html

So you can see how I'm a little dubious about it not being a feathering issue.

But, to give you the benefit of the doubt. What did Nissan do to change the 2005's and newer double ball joint suspension up front to stop the feathering issue from cropping up? Also, why are people with 05's and newer having the issue?

Really, not being a smartass here.. just getting essentially.. The sky is blue from 10 people, and no the sky is Red from 2 people here.

I agree. These tires are Goodyear Eagle F1's -- With a warranty of 45,000 mile treadlife. If they are "worn out" at 26k miles something is amiss. This car was never on the track, and judging by tire wear on the rear and wheel wells, etc.. It wasn't even ragged for it's 26k put on it. Point being, the tires should have about 35-40% life on them. Judging by tread diameter measurements they have at least this much left on them. They aren't even close to being where you would consider needing to replace them tread wise.

That said, do to the noise issues - I will be replacing them.

Inflation is spot on -- Previous owner said he checked tire pressure regularly.. and judging by his records of maintenance I am inclined to believe him.

There is I'd say probably a 75-80 decibel noise that comes from JUST the front of the car (Brakes applied or NOT applied) at speeds under 15mph coming to a stop, or just rolling out from a stop. Back has no noise (well, it's 100% normal judging from the past half dozen sports cars and two Z's I've had in the past.)

These tires , again, are Goodyear Eagle F1 - All Season - Directional.

Front: 225/45/18 back 245/45/18. They aren't bridgestones.. Now are these the OEM tires,.. logic indicates they should be with 26k miles on an 08.. but, if the 350Z never came with Goodyear tires.. then they were replaced -- and if they were replaced it was done VERY early on due to them having less than 50 percent tread left. (Yet still 35%+ tread left on them)
The Hankook V-12's are actually one of the sets in the Tire thread I posted that at least two people have given the thumbs up to,.. they will probably be the tires I go with. I'll be buying them from Tirerack.. having them shipped to a Tirerack local approved installer.

Then,.. Bringing the car to Nissan to have the front end properly aligned to kill the feathering issue.. unless by some miracle the installation shop can align the front of a 2008 350Z's suspension to the TSB specs. (Which is part of the whole reason for this particular thread.. to find out What the TSB number actually is... to get the proper specifications so I can have Nissan (or maybe.. a properly equipped shop align it to such Toe in/out, Caster/Camber specifications.)

I'm starting to think I am just going to have to wing this giving the conflicting opinions here and go with the tires,.. dig up the specs somehow from the 2003 TSB,.. have my 2008 aligned to the '03 front end alignment specs and problem solved.

If you go read that 200+ page thread you will see people with all year 350Z's are having the issue.. and even with proper alignment it's not a permanent fix.. Some are getting by with tires + Nissan Spec alignement on front every 12 months or so to keep from prematurely ruining their front tires.. some are buying a harder rated tire, getting the alignment.. and the harder tire is allowing it to stick. Others are having a tougher time and have replaced factory bushings, control arms.. et al.

Bottom line -- The 350Z's front suspension is susceptible to movement/slack -- which causes the caster/camber .. toe, etc to get out of whack.. when it happens it isn't noticed because the tires are even.. as X miles go by.. the front tires inner edges get feathered and the noise starts.. which can take a tire meant to last say 30-40k miles and kill it at 8-10k miles.

 

Go have a store check your alignment for free

 

To my knowledge, no Z came from the factory with Goodyear all season tires. They all came with Bridgestone High Performance summer tires.

 

Polyurethane control arm bushings + proper alignment!

I did that last summer, but my new tires had already began feathering so they were just getting worse even after that. I'll likely mount them on the rear and spin them until they're round again.

But yeah, if you have the noise, inspect your tires. If your tires have flat spots / uneven wear (camber wear is normal though), then it is sign some suspension components are out of shape and have too much play in them, especially bushings.

 

If it's cost effective, I'll go this route.

This is from a random search -- and seems to have a full set of bushings for the 350Z. Check it out to see what you think.. is price decent?

http://www.andysautosport.com/nissan...ings/prothane/

And.. parts are one thing, installation is another. What kind of shop can install these properly.. and around what type of installation fee am I looking at to install what I linked?

I've already decided that I'll be getting the "Hankook Ventus V12 evo K110 Blackwall for 2008 Nissan 350Z Base" set of 4 tires.. Shipped will be $700. Installation I am guessing will run (mount + balance + valve stems + disposal fee + shop fee) about $100.. Sound right? So $800 for tires, mounted and balanced.

Which still leaves me with Alignment to spec,.. and possible control arm bushings as you mentioned -- The ones I linked were $110.. again, what would the cost range be to have them installed?

Would Firestone (the tire shop I'm gonna have the tires shipped to) be able to install these aftermarket bushings properly? Or should I bring them to Nissan?

And, regardless,.. how much am I looking to pay to have them (the bushing set) installed?

After 4 brand new tires.. balance... new aftermarket bushings, and Nissan alignment of front end to proper spec.. This car should be solid on the "Tire/Feathering" issue. I'll probably go have the alignment checked out once a year anyway so I won't get a surprise and kill my tires early. I put 6-7k a year on my car.

 

Sorry Chromatic, your first post stated the car had 26,000 miles and had the OEM tires. I assumed (my bad) that to mean the original set of tires. Again I assumed that if they lasted that many miles there wasn’t much wrong with the car, it was just the usual end of life tire sounds.

The original tires would have been Bridgestone Potenza RE050, so if the normally softer riding, quieter, Goodyear all seasons are acting up, something’s wrong with your car. It takes close examination by a expert to tell if a tire tread is feathered, cupped, scalloped, heeled, pinched, scrubbed etc etc. So you can understand how hard it is for us here on the other side of the Internet to give you a definitive answer. I know of one HR like yours that got a wheel caught in a pothole knocking the toe alignment in to a splayed position. It made the tires howl such as you are explaining (toe out on this type of car can cause tire feathering and noise). Having the wheel alignment reset to the proper (slight toe-in) position returned the car to bliss again.


Checking for wheel misalignment might be the first bit of troubleshooting you should do.

 

Thanks for being nice..

Sort of boggles me that the car has non OEM tires on it that aren't like 80-90% treadlife.. but as I said, they do have plenty of tread on them.. not even close to balding. Which makes it doubly sad that I'm going to have to fork out money on a new set of tires.

Indeed it does.. I know without a doubt the front tires have some issues, as the noise is from the front at low speeds.. and the back are absolute silent. From the issues these cars tend to have,.. I am going to assume it's a feathering type of issue.. regardless of cause,.. it's a misalignment that given the guy I bought it from saying "These cars are just loud.. that's how it was when I bought it".. these tires have had this issue going on for over 10,000 miles as he bought it with 10 or 16k.. can't remember. Which means those front tires aren't something I can just realign and it will be smooth.. as the noise is occurring because at slow speeds the weight shifts on the car,.. the front wheels angle themselves (where the inner edge gets more traction and weight).. and if the inner edges are uneven well.. you get massive road noise.

I could buy two tires.. and have a back set with oh.. 35% tread life.. and front set with 100%.. I may have to with the money situation I don't know.

It's been mentioned many times in the feathering thread that is 200+ pages.. that putting in aftermarket bushings in the front + new tires + alignment by nissan to proper TSB bulletin Spec gives you a corrected problem, and better likelihood of preventing the issue from occurring again in the future.

The bushings I found run $110 for a set.. but I have zero idea what installation would cost.

I didn't want to put any big money into this car with 26k miles after I paid 17.5k Friday,.. but if I do.. I really, really want to limit it to $1000 including installation of everything.

Wonder if it's possible to get 4 tires, mounted, balanced, front end aligned by nissan and $100 bushing set installed for a clean $1000.

The tires everyone says go with are the Hankook Ventus V12 evo K110 Blackwall for 2008 Nissan 350Z Base.

Which from Tirerack.com -- are $682 SHIPPED to a local Firestone about 8 miles down the road. I figure Firestone will charge about $25 a tire to mount, balance, valve stems, and the $1-2 disposal fee + tax.

So we can put the tires at 682 + 110 (for tax) = $792. If I go with bushing set of $110. $792 + $110 = $902 -- That leaves about $100 for a front alignment from Nissan and Bushing Installation. Alignment is about what,.. $80 or so? Leaving $20 for Bushing installation.. hah!

Any idea of what a shop would charge to put a bushing set in the front suspension? Is it something like $100.. less.. more? The bushings don't seem very difficult.. just push the old ones out, put new ones in.. though I'm sure they are in with force. I'd do it myself if were something that didn't require any spec. equip.

Otherwise,.. I may just go without aftermarket urethane bushings.. and get the 682 tires + 110 install + nissan Alignment (I'll say 100 to be safe) = $892. I can live with $892 bucks on my budget.

What do you ladies and guys think about it? Skip the whole urethane bushings.. and just get rather 'cheap' but well rated tires at $682 shipped,.. installed,.. then drive the Car to Nissan -- give them a printout of the '03 TSB (and man I wish I had someone who could give me the actual specs from that TSB to hand over..) -- and let Nissan Align the front, and hope for the best?

I believe the Specs are essentially -0.1 left, and +0.1 on right.. essentially a 0.0 setting.

I could go bring in the car as is with the front tires jacked up.. and have it aligned,.. but alignments are so sensitive I think it'd be wiser to do it after I put a new set of tires on and immediately drove it to Nissan (20miles away) and had the alignment done.

Thoughts?

P.S. -- I'm not freaking out,.. I LOVE this car, even with this crazy loud noise. It's more than I ever imagined,.. it's even better than my 91 300ZX. Let's put it this way,.. if this noise was some problem that just couldn't be fixed.. I'd live with it and still be extremely happy with the car. But I treat my cars like my pride and joy -- combined with my perfectionist personality it will just bug me not to have it fixed. Maybe you can understand?

 

All Z33s have the same suspension design, and they all suffer from the same feathering problem. I drove several used '07 and '08 350Zs in 2009 before I bought mine, which was a leftover new '08. All of them that still had the original tires had the problem, and the owner of the one with replacement tires told me he had had the problem, too.

The alignment specs from the TSB were incorporated into the service manuals for the later models. That's why the TSB only applies to the earlier ones. They don't need a TSB if the service manual has the correct info.

The Nissan warranty gives you a free alignment during the first year of ownership. Since my car had such low mileage and I was a regular customer at the dealership, they did the alignment free during the early part of the third year. They found it did, in fact, have a slight bit of toe-out, and they set it correctly. They wouldn't do anything about the tires, though. Since they still had a good amount of tread, I fixed them myself. They're still on the car, and there's no noise.

Noise from feathered tires on 350Zs is COMMON, but that doesn't mean it's normal. I've had several other sports cars, including a 280ZX and two 300ZXs. All of them wore the inside edges of the tires because of the camber, but none had feathering.

Obviously, the previous owner of your car had the OEM tires replaced with the Eagle F1s. They've probably got around 8K-10K miles on them, since most of the OEMs are done by 16K.

If the tires are otherwise in good shape, I'd have them remounted so the worn edges are on the outside on the other side of the car. Then get the alignment checked/set correctly. That should get you at least another 8K-10K out of the F1s, depending on their present condition and your driving style. That shouldn't cost more than $125.

You shouldn't need to change the suspension bushings on a car with only 26K miles. If the feathering issue bothered me enough to do that, I'd just sell the car.

The suspension components of the 350Z are made of aluminum, and you need special equipment to do the job correctly. Aluminum is great stuff, but it's less forgiving than steel when it's not treated properly, so you really need to find someone who knows what they're doing for a job like that. That's probably why most manufacturers only sell replacement parts with the bushings already installed, not the bushings themselves.

Oh, the full TSB is here: http://www.nissantireproblems.com/046TSBNTB04-043.pdf

 

Winchman,.. you are a wealth of knowledge my man. This is precisely what I thought.. but am getting conflicting anecdotal reports from other owners.

Thanks for your input here!

Finally an answer to the TSB and why 05-08 models don't have a TSB - it's in the manual! Man, such an easy answer but no one knew it that responded.

Apparently. He didn't mention changing tires -- Perhaps the first owner sold it at 16k and had just put on new tires before selling. I'll send the previous owner an email asking about tires.

The Goodyear F1's I have are rated for 45,000 miles.. There is plenty of tread left on them.

Hrmm. You can give me the final answer on this. The Goodyear F1's I have on this are *Directional* -- In my mind if I have them essentially "flipped" the direction won't be right? Though as I'm thinking of this.. maybe the left tire flipped will be in proper direction on the right side and vice versa.

Thus, will these directional tires work properly if flipped inside out? And would it be flipped the left to right, and right to left?

Also, is it going to look odd with the inside not having the labeling/name and so on on the tires if they are flipped?

I'm not about to sell this car.. I love it! -- The bushings are like $110.. it's not a huge expense. But, I'm likely not going to bother with it.

I've found some good Bridgestone Potenza S04's for $600 for rears and fronts.. I *may* just go with these tires as they have superb ratings.. then have Nissan do the front Alignment based on the TSB (Manual). I'll bring them that PDF you linked just to make it easy on them.

That would cost me about $650 + $100 for tire mounting/balance/tax + whatever Nissan charges for alignment.

If the tires can be flipped on the front,.. and not look funny .. then I'll definitely go with a flip and alignment from Nissan for $120 -- Just need the Directional tires being able to do this question answered.

So.. alignment should 100% be done at Nissan. I'm not having a problem finding aftermarket Poly-Urethane bushings for the 350Z though. IE:

http://www.andysautosport.com/nissan...ings/prothane/

Thank you man! So appreciated.. (now I'll also go take a look at my manual for this Info.. )

Let me know what you think on my questions mingled in the post.

Thanks a million,

 

Chromatic, I had no feathering problems with my early model 04 Z Roadster. I had the alignment checked/done every few years and got 20.000 miles out of the original tires before they were completely worn out and getting noisy an all hell. With winter coming on I chose a set of high performance all seasons (Bridgestone RE 960). Having a slightly lower speed and performance rating (enough for me) than the Uber-performance tires meant a longer life, and much quieter ride. I drove the car daily for ten years without any tire trouble, or any kind of trouble at all. The only repair (other than simple maintenance) was one burned out light bulb.

RE: dismounting and moving right tire to left side wheel. Think of it this way, you’re not flipping it as you have stated, you are just moving it straight across. Meaning that the outside sidewall will now become the inside sidewall when remounted, but it will still rotate in the same (correct) manner. In most cases unless you can get this done very cheaply, it doesn’t extend the tire life enough to make it worthwhile on the less expensive tires.

Re: where to get alignment done. Some of the larger Nissan dealers have good equipment and dedicated alignment techs, but lots/most dealers are sh!tty on both counts. I use a independent shop who only do alignment, they have great equipment that is kept in proper calibration. They know what they’re doing and are a lot easier to deal with than the dealer. With all the motorsports tracks in Birmingham there must be lots of great, knowledgeable alignment specialists in town. Stay away from chain stores (Firestone etc) and only deal with a place that has genuine Hunter equipment. The Dealers treat me like a clueless woman (I guess that part is true) and try to snow me with a lot of BS. The Independent guys treat me as that awesome girl with a cool sports car.

 

You are correct,those Goodyears are not OEM supplied tires.Its odd why the
OEM tire were replaced by the Goodyears unless,there was an alignment problem.Alignments do go out.From my experience with a Z,even Nissan
dealers are inept in doing proper alignments.Having a 2003,I went through hell
getting my car right when I bought it new.3 sets of tires(dealer supplied at no cost),alignments...Finally,found a Nissan dealer that knew how to fix
the alignment.Switched wheels and tires,went to Hankooks on 19's.
No wear whatsoever except some usual inner wear due to the the camber.

Its obvious that you are ticked off mostly because---you bought the newer
/low miles car/blew your budget/thought it should be perfect.
We all have done this.Did you not drive the car,check out the tires?
I may have a few more years&cars experience than you.Many times,
a car I was buying had "poor"-mismatched tires.I waited until the sales person
had his time invested in the deal.Then,I would mention the deal for me to sign was pending on new tires.EVERY time I got the tires.Most times,the tire
of my choice.If its a larger dealership,tires are not a problem.They have plenty.
So think about it.I know,its a little late now...If you bought a older model with
adequate miles.You'd have paid less.Have more$ to blow of getting the right tires(and maybe wheels as you'll soon tire of those "everybody has" OEM
wheels).Now,you are forced to go cheap or worry about how are you gonna pay for this stuff...
The American way of life,right?

 

Now that we've got that squared away, let's see some pics of the car.

 

Wow, I feel like I know this car even though we've yet to see pictures.

 

Thanks for all your replies. Sasniss -- Hah, yeah I've been pretty active this week .. but that's how I am, I don't mess around.

Jen,.. sounds like you got a little lucky, combined with being smart and getting regular alignments kept you from having feathering issues.

This car is in great shape.. as it should be for the miles. But,.. first thing I noticed before I got in the car to test it out was when I was feeling the seems for any sign of out of line body panels,.. and the paint had SO much grit/dirt in it. It looked good 1 foot away,.. but it was quite evident the most this car saw in the last few years was a regular wash and zero wax. Paint was in good shape.. knew I had my work cut out for me to get it to my standards, but no deal breaker.

Second thing I noticed was when I took it out for the test drive.. guy let me go alone.. score number 1 for the prev. owner. Immediately backing out and rolling out of the parking lot I heard the low 5mph'ish front tire noise. That was disconcerting.. but I kept going.. got it up past 15-20mph and it made no noise. Ran great on the highway.. as funny as it is that this is an alignment issue/suspension issue.. the car drives straight as an arrow. Clutch didn't feel spongy.. Drove it up next to a brick wall against the driver side, rolled down the window in neutral, put parking break on and pushed clutch in.. let clutch out.. listened,.. did this 4 or 5 times. Yup, there's a little noise from the throw-out bearing .. but clutch is sound.

My prev. two Z's always had a little throw-out bearing noise that you could only hear if you had something next to you (like a wall) to echo it back into the window with utter silence. I still wanted to gauge it though.

Interior flawless.. Exterior -- Some rock spots on the lower front bumper.. but that's life.. this isn't a 2014 car that's never been driven. No funky color smoke coming from exhaust.. little white smoke due to temp outside.. but normal. No odd deposits in the exhaust tips. Popped the hood,.. not exactly "clean" -- but clean. Let me explain.

The hood had some leaves and such in the creases.. but the engine itself is flawless on inspection. Fluids all good levels, oil not burnt.. pulled oil cap off engine, no burned oil on the inside of cap..

Oil pressure is fantastic according to the internal gauge, battery voltage great (alternator working like a champ)..

Then, the guy had met me.. so I had to give him a ride home, to work actually about 1hour and 30 mins away in Atlanta. So he had nothing to hide,.. I was driving the car he was selling me to get him back to work. It drove perfect,.. took me a minute to get used to the 6th down shift and not hit 4th .. but good vehicle. Idle is rock solid, etc etc.

I talked to the owner about the tires. The Goodyear Eagle F1's were ON the car when he purchased it with 14k miles about 3 years ago. So the original owner either wore the OEM tires out at 10-13k miles, or had the feathering issue and put on a new set of tires and never had the real issue that caused it fixed. We will never know.

Winchman:

Pics pics.. Yes, they are coming. I spent the last two days busting my back getting the paint of the car back to better than factory condition. Hand wash.. Dry.. Clay bar (This one took me 4 hours.. a record .. and I wasn't even trying to go slow with it.. more car area than it seems with the Coupe.). Then I got out the Rotary,.. popped a new pad on it, and used XMT #3 to polish... for a couple of hours.. Then a finishing polish XMT #1.. for an hour. Wiped that down. Then the final touch,.. a hand wax of NXT 2.0 Synthetic -- that took about an hour,.. and the car Externally is as good as she gets.

Such a satisfying feeling when you get done with 8+ hours of work and you rub the back of your hand against the paint and it feels like polished glass.. When you drop a cloth on the top of the hood and it slides off on it's own, and that mirror finish where you can see yourself in the shine/paint.

I'll take some shots tomorrow when the sun is out.. was overcast today,.. and I wasn't finished with the cleanup.

 

I'm still not set on how I'm going to proceed with the noise issue.

Now, as I sort of expected,.. it's reported some Nissan dealerships have good equipment and can do the alignment properly.. and others, can't. That firestone, and all the other normal chain shops can't do the alignment.

So where do get the alignment done? A performance shop that works on high end cars is going to charge me a fortune.. not to mention all I know around here are Chain shops be it Firestone, Goodyear, every dealership known to man,.. some independent local shops, etc. There is ONE Nissan dealership here.. been here all my life.. 30+ years. Do they have the proper equipment, no idea.

So I call my Nissan Dealership and say.. Hey do you use Hunter Equipment for Alignment? If no.. wondering where to go. You are right I live in B'ham, AL.. big city.. there's a good shop around here I know.. but which one, I don't know. Any help on that front would be very appreciated.

I was going to order the tires tonight actually.. and have them shipped to Firestone locally just to get firestone to mount and balance the new tires (they can do that.. doesn't take any genius to do this..).

But, then there's the whole option of turning the tires around. Main problem I have with this is they are going to look odd with no lettering on the outside, being flipped.

If an alignment + new tires will do the job. That's what I'm gonna do. Tires being mounted/balanced can be done by Walmart I'm not worried about a shop doing that right. It's the Alignment on this car being done to spec: TSB/Manual specs with good equipment that it the most important part of the process here.

Any tips,.. any recommendations on spots to go for this?

This is the Nissan dealership that's about 20 mins away from me I was going to use:

http://www.shopcrown.com/

Crown Nissan
1640 Montgomery Highway
Birmingham, Alabama 35216

Service Department
Monday - Friday: 7:00 am - 6:00 pm
Saturday: 8:00 am - 3:00 pm
205.979.5420

Parts Department
Monday - Friday: 7:30 am - 5:30 pm
205.979.5420

Anyone know about those guys? Any techs in the "business" want to give them a call?

This *can* wait obviously.. nothing is going to get more damaged than it already is if I have to get this done next week.. but with the holidays coming fast.. tires I order from Tirerack.com are going to take minimum 3 days to arrive.. so it's crunch time .. after this week it's going to be into 2014 before this will happen.

I do appreciate all your advice, help,.. thoughts.. Seems, essentially I need to find a place that can do the alignment *properly* and I'm fairly gtg with this issue.