It does nothing to correct the underlying problem, the suspension is defective. The new tires have a stiffened sidewall to put off premature wear caused by the suspension until you are out of warranty. They are only pushing the problem back to the consumer at the end, again. Read the posts here that document the different part numbers now on the suspension between the 06 and 04 models. You'll note they don't all match. You don't fix something that ain't broke.
I'm sticking with my Lemon Law complaint until the bitter end. Miranda Carter from NNA pushed me to it with her FU attitude. NNA has done nothing to fix the problem, only band-aids.

 

I have had the pulling to the right issue since I drove it off the lot as well ( brand new ) I called the servic emanager at Boardwalk Nissan ( Redwood City, CA ) and he said that he hadn't heard of the '05s having the issue, but it sounds like it still exists. i will find out more and post here after my appointment to fix in about 1 week.

 

There were suspension changes on the 05. I spent an hour with my friendly parts manager on the 2003-2004 vs 2005 suspension. The upper arm is a "direct exchange" with the 03-04. The lower arm (54501AM602) and the spindle (40014AL55J)are different and have different parts number. Note there is a left and a right number for each. Also different is the shock. Sorry I forgot to look at the springs.

Anybody else see this?

 

But that doesn’t cover the 05 with this extended coverage? Even though the 05's have the same problems?! -Might take Nissan another 2-3 years of complaints from 05 owners to "fix" the 05, lol

 

Didn't realize 05's had the same issues ... ?

 

I have the same concern......that is, that the so called "redesigned" 040 tires and an alignment will correct the problem. To boot there does not appear to be any way that I confirm that the "redesigned" tires where actually installed. I asked the dealer how to tell the difference and they did not have a clue. The said they installed whatever Nissan sent them. So now i have to be concerned that they might have actually insatlled the older verion of the tires? Gimme a break! I will now have to call NNA to see if they can provide any info. On the plus side, the new tires got rid of the noise all together. I forgot how quite the car was when I first got it, 13, 000 miles, one alignment and new tires and it seems to be ok for the moment. BTW, this was done under the revised 36Mo aligment letter that Nissan sent me. Question now, is will this happen again? At the low pace of miles that put on, I guess by the time I found out it will be my nickel next time.

Chuck

 

On the redesigned tires, the outside tread does not go all the way into the first tread that wraps around the tire.

 

Please elaborate.

the outside tread? assuming the row in the tread pattern that is nearest the outside sidewall of the rubber when installed on the car

doesn't go all the way to the first tread? Assuming the first tread being the inner most row of tread pattern?

That wraps around the tire? Well since all tread partterns wrap around the tire and non of them go comepletely down teh side wall I assume you mean the row of tread pattern that wraps over the crown of the tire and part way down the sidewall.

now are you saying that the tread row that is on the outer most of the tire face (the area that touches the road surface) doesn't connect to the first (inner most) row of the tread pattern? Or maybe that it doesn't connect to the row of tread pattern that goes over the drown and down teh side wall partially?

Well the outer most row would be the row that goes over the crown and down the side wall.

If something doesn't connect any more that should mean there is one more or less row of tread pattern. Just count the number of rows of tread pattern on the new ones and the old ones and tell us what the corresponding numbers are.

 

I seem to be getting increased tire "noise" when coming to a stop. Tire "roar/noise" seems to depend on the condition of the particular road service im driving on at the time. My Z is low milage since i dont put alot of long distance miles on it so maybe its time to take it to a independent alignment/tire shop. The thought of taking it to the dealership service dept makes me shudder.

 

Hope this is a little clearer. If not there are some photos on this site of the new design. You would have to do a search.

The first tread on the outside of the tire consists of individual horizontal groves about and inch and a half long and spaced about the same distance from each other. The second tread is vertical and narrow (about a 1/4 of an inch wide) and continues around the entire tire. (this is looking straight on at the surface of the tire). On the redisign, the horizontal groves do not meet the vertical grove.

 

Has it been determined that the 2005 model does not have the feathering issue? Have any owners put 6000 or 10000 miles on a 2005 and had no issues?

I have an opportunity to loose my 2003 Z and pick up a 2005 Z at a fairley good deal. I don not want to reaquire the old issue with the new vehicle, any information regarding the feathering issue would be appreciated.

 

I have an '05 with 9k on it now. Tires & alignment are fine so far. Tires wearing evenly with no feathering. Still have lots of tread left. Stones still suck though, noisy, rough, roar, lousy handling, bouncy, etc. Knock on wood so far so good. I bought mine in 12/04.

 

Thanks for the reply.
Is there a unique issue with your car that causes the 'lousy handling' ??
The 03 I have handles very well......

 

I'm referring to the lousy handling traits of the tires, not the car. Stones=Bridgestones. All the common complaints you have read about the Stones are true.

 

I drove a 2005 this weekend. I believe the tires on the 2005 do not grip as well as the Bridgestones I purchased to replace the worn rear tires on my 2003,last summer. I purchased the same tire as original as NNA was giving me free replacements for the fronts and I did not want to mix tires.

Has the composition of the rubber changed since last year?

 

So your saying a different brand of tire will wear better with less noise and vibration?
good stuff to know.

I just got back from the dealer and hear the same story again:
Nissan released the car with impropper alignment, they also sent all the specs to the shop techs, that just "re-aligned" your car impropper again.

Last month they sent all 03/04 Z owners a letter saying the new specs are now avail at all the dealerships but the tires are pro rated now, or reimburstment depends on wear and tire condition.

They also told to call 1-800-Nis-san1 for further infor mation on the Z.
Such as the Z will lose 1/2 - 1 qt of oil with 1000miles of new oil chang, and that is acceptable, I looked at the tech and said " that is Fking crazy!" he said Nissans rules and spec guide not mine, sorry Mr.Cleaner

I just turned 30K miles and my oil is below the L on the dipstick and they are trying to tell me nothing is wrong. Next I brought that same car in 2 other times for oil light and engine knocking, but yet I must be draining the oil.. anyway.

 

I'm looking forward to putting on some new rubber. EVERYONE who has replaced their Stones has seen an improvement. I'm probably going to go with the Avon's. Best rating and input from others. Read ALL the posts......On the oil issue, yikes!!! My oil consumption is negligible. We're talking 2 or 3 oz. between changes.

 

Wow, so there is way to much to read here.... I recently bought a 03' Z and I have the feathering issue... front, and rear.. front worse.... Where do I begin to fix the problem(just call nissan and set up a date then get a free alignment and have them re-mount my tires on the oppoiste side rim)? It only has 17k miles on it.... Thanks in advance, - mitch.

 

I suggest you take it in and have them do the new alignment spec, it should be free and under warranty, If they are cool, they may replace your tires free.. but only if they have not done it already, and if it has a loud vibration... sounds like yours has not had that done. good luck, but seriously take it in and request an alignment with the new specs.

 

FRONT SUSPENSION UPDATE...

Same part number for the upper control arms / spindle etc... but the front upper control arms look different on the 06... I am going to try to take one off and compare...

NEW TOE ANGLE ALIGNMENT SPECS....

All alignment spec's are the same except tow in is now 1mm (0.04") normal, and adjustable to 0mm (0.00") minimal and 2mm (0.08") Maximum...

compared to before where normal was 2mm (0.08")...

There are also new Inner and Outer tie rods that are on the 2006 and up models... THey look like they can be fitted on the 2003-2005... I am going to try to get some in stock and test fit...