Nissan 350Z Tires and Wheels

tracylee · April 2005

Has anyone had this cupping/feathering tire problem on a 2004? I just had it happen to me at just before 12,000 miles. My technician said he has seen it on 2004 models, but that there is no service bulletin for it. Right now they are trying to get in touch with the area rep to see if Nissan will warranty. I love my car, except for this problem.

qbrozen · April 2005

i was trying to carefully go over my tires just last night on my '04. I believe it may be starting (I've read that if you run your finger clockwise over the treads, it feels smooth, but run it counterclockwise, and you can feel the leading edges of tread sticking up), but its not real obvious and the tires still have a great deal of tread left on them. I'm coming up on 12K miles, myself.

I really wish I could get the service history on the car (bought used a couple of months ago), but I was told by my local dealer that I'd have to get that from the dealership where the previous owner took it for service. I have no idea where that may have been. My dealership did tell me that no warranty work has been performed, though.

graphicguy · April 2005

q....I would think that any Nissan dealer would be able to pull up any service/warranty work by your VIN #. You're knowledgeable, so I'm certain you've already asked them to do that.

I know that any car I've owned over the past 5 years or so had the service records (at least dealer service) tied into a master data base that could be accessed anywhere in the country by any dealer.

qbrozen · April 2005

that's what i would have thought.

she said she could look up warranty work, but not service work (unless it was serviced at their dealership, which it wasn't). maybe she didn't know what she was talking about or maybe its a nissan thing or maybe a dealership thing. I have no idea.

graphicguy · April 2005

....or maybe a lazy service writer?

Any way to go to Nissan's WEB site and punch in the VIN# to get info?

qbrozen · April 2005

ya know, i keep forgetting to do that. don't have the info with me today, so i'll have to try that later. i'll let you know if it actually gets me any useful info.

youngn · May 2005

I have this same problem with my 2004 Z. The local dealership replaced my front tires at 9,000 miles and now at 18,000 I'm hearing the same grinding noise with my tires as before. The dealership advised me to call Nissan's 800 number to file a complaint and see if Nissan would do anything. Nissan says that my car is beyond the 12 month/12,000 mile warranty and this problem with my tires is not covered under my extended warranty. What Nissan did with the 2003 Z owners was to extend their warranty for 2 yrs. The suspension problem which causes the tires to cup or feather has not been remedied. They claim they have not had many complaints from owners of the 2004s regarding this tire problem. So all you 2004 owners need to file complaints with Nissan. 1-800- Nissan 1

miata007 · May 2005

This really sucks! I will be looking at the new S2000 and the MX-5(Miata) now.

One more quesiton, how come the G35 sedan/couple do not have the same problem relating to this tire issue?

007

dbrasher · May 2006

the G35 coupe doesn't have the independent suspension

dbrasher · July 2006

I had the 2004 touring with the tire problem. Third set of tires at 20,000. They always replaced mine. I had a letter from Nissan that there was an extended warrenty till 36,000 for the problem. I done a lemon law and it was bought back by Nissan in April for every penny that i had in it. It had 25,ooo when i returned it.

krauss1989 · September 2006

Hello all. I got a 2006 350z in Feb 06 and I am having major problems with the rims spotting black and discoloring slightly. I've tried every chemical to try to get it off, but it almost seems as though it is coming from under the clear coat. I took it to the dealer and they said that it was environmental and that its not covered. Has anyone had this problem?

morrisrh · December 2006

I have a 2003 base model with silver alum rims on 225/50/17 front and 235/50/17 rear tires. I called the dealer to see if I could get Nissan chrome rims. They said that the chrome rims came out in 2005 and were only in 18 inch size and they did not know if they would fit. They called Nissan and got back to me and they said Nissan did not recommend putting the rims on, with no explanation as to why.

Now, I know 2003 models above base model came with 18 inch rims, although not chrome. Are there any brake or suspension mods required on the base model in order to use these rims ??? Is there any reason these rims can't be used ???? Thx for any responses. Rick

jimkjr · January 2007

How did you go about getting Nissan to buy back the car through a lemon law? I have a 2003 350Z with 28K miles on it and I'd like them to buy it back due to the ongoing tire problem. I wouldn't mind it if they were a bit more cooperative in getting the problem fixed but I can't accept a time based warranty and not a mileage based warranty for a tire wear problem. I wouldn't even mind if they extended the warranty for the alignment. I'm going to dump the car in the spring anyway but that would make it easier to sell to someone else.
Thanks in advance for any info.

rps_49 · May 2007

I have a 2004 touring model and I put the chrome 18 inch wheels from Nissan on mine and they truly look Awesome!!!!!

raidersix2002 · October 2007

In 21,000 miles I have been through 10 tires (no wheel spinning) I just drive it daily between Philadelphia & Princeton. Serious tire cupping on the right front. Called the Nissan number and had an idiot call me back who was unfit to drive a car let alone resolve a complex technical issue. She said "Nissan is not responsible for tires" This is clearly a serious design flaw that Nissan does NOT know how to fix (or they would). According to the blogs it was the WORST on the 2003 model. They say it is better on the 2004 & 2005 but it does not "feel better" as since I have the 18" wheels, the goofy sizes are hard to find and $$$$ - - UGH!

As for the paint problems - the paint sucks. I had the front fascia replace ($700 - surprisingly cheap) and the shop paint is FAR BETTER than the factory paint. The dealer who sold it to me even asked me if the car was repainted as it has a lot of orange peel, I told him only the fascia to which he said "that's what looks the best" I agreed. Otherwise chip chip chip, if someone looks at it too long in a parking lot it will chip.

Other than that, when the top is down on a nice day, I can't hear the wump wump wump of the tires or see the paint chips so I calm down a lot, for a while.

Doug

pil11763 · October 2007

This is insane.

I own a 2003 Touring coupe, it now has 24,000 miles at the end of 2007. I baby the car and I don't drive it that much. I recently started to notice that the front tire rumbling is getting worse and that's when I did some research and here I am.

NissanUSA is not going to do ANYTHING about it, probably due to the fact my Z is a 2003 and my warranty period is up. There is no reasoning with NissanUSA regarding the fact this is a mileage issue and not a time lapse issue.

AND they've already adjusted the front end and put new tires on at 4000 miles, which eludes to the fact this is a recurring problem.

This is obviously an inherent defect in manufacturing/design of their so called "Company Car".

So what's a loyal Nissan customer to do? Live with the problem that gives off loud thumping noise that goes "wah wah wah wah wah wah" and makes me want to pound my own head? Is it logical to spend $500 for two new front tires at every 3rd oil change?

This is not right, there must be something that can be done. As far as I'm concerned Nissan has sold me a lemon.

jschunke · December 2007

Hi,
My 2005 continues to wear front tires. Tthe dealer they replaced the tires and within a few hundred miles the right front tire had visible "cupping" and the tires made terrible noise.

The dealer changed the tires yet again, The noise is gone, however I'm sure the tires will wear again.

Will the Stillen aftermarket A-frame fix the tire wear?

The camber on left front tire is -1.0, whereas the right is -1.3. As you know the camber is not adjustable on this vehicle.

Thanks.

garygz · January 2008

hello
I got a 2008 350Z and i was wahing it after a heavy rain and when i went to go wash the rims and they had black spots on them...i have tried many different things to try and remove it..but nothing works. I was told that it was break dust that stained the rims due to lack of clear coat!

sweetmotion · January 2008

I have a 2003 350Z, I been through a lot of tires, factory tires didn't last long at all and where nosy. Recently I started buying Firestone tires and have not any problems ( I also bought their life time alligment warranty) Last time I brought my Z in they told me that the camber is bend in some, hope that doesn't mean problems down the road. Why did they not allow adjusting the cambers?

pontiac671 · February 2008

My wife's 06 has had stains on the wheels almost since the car was purchased. I have tried various wheel cleaners and nothing seems to work either. I have not yet resorted to a more abrasive solution, but I am thinking that rubbing compound will do the trick. I don't think it is brake dust, and i believe all the factory wheels are clear coated and it appears to be stained underneath the clearcoat...feel free to argue with me

simplewon · February 2008

Thought I'd bought a problem also...04 roadsters, had the dealer try to sell me tires showing the inside tread belt coming out...had them do the alignment...print the specs...was not out....talked to the service manager...told me both the mich and high dollar ones on my car are 8 to 12,000 mile tires and most likely are the real problem...I agreed...I went home and ordered from ttp://www.discounttiredirect.com/ bought a set of falkens 40,000mile warranty...i've already put 13,000 on them...still look brand new...oh...and they are cheap

sc24 · February 2008

I just bought a used 03' touring edition, amazing machine the 350Z is. I bought it from an Acura dealership, a few days ago i was looking at the exhaust pipes and i notice the right pipe is extended a little further than the left pipe i mean at first i thought my eyes were playing tricks on me then i had my friend look and he said the same thing, is it suppose to be like that? b/c before i bought my Z i saw a Z parked and i was checking it out and i noticed it on that Z too, so can anyone tell me are the pipes suppose to be like that? i was shown the carfacts report and my Z hasnt been in any accidents or had any problems whatsoever

if anyone can let me know that would be great!

biancar · April 2008

I just had my car in yesterday for what I thought would be a routine oil change and state inspection, and I'm going to end up paying several hundred dollars for new rear tires!

He said they couldn't pass inspection because there is 3/32" left of tread - I looked up the state site and it calls for replacement when there is 2/32" left.

I only have 11,000 miles on the car (got in in April of '06, don't drive it in winter, use it for pleasure trips only, no commuting. So it doesn't get heavy wear.

To add insult to injury, when I bought the car, the dealer threw in, "to make the deal," a policy that guaranteed free tires at 25,000 miles if I did all my service at the dealership.

Which I have done, but now the dealer is claiming these tires need to be replaced already. And of course he's not going to give me new tires, but he finally agreed to give me 10% off.

Tires were Michelin Sport Pilots.

Does this sound reasonable? Is it time to change dealers? Up until now we've been satisfied with their service but I'm really annoyed right now.

pkaine · April 2008

My rear tires need to be replaced and I am considering putting on Goodyear F1 All Season Tires. The front tires are Potenza 040's. Will the F1's work okay with the Potenza's?

servet · April 2008

i have a 03 350z with 6cd bose system.have a clear sound treble problem.dealer told me that i have to replace the amplifier with an updated one whic is $500 has anybody have any idea how to fix this problem.does any body have a bose amp #28060-ce400 used with a reasonable price thanks.

zekeman1 · April 2008

Why not pose your question on the 350Z Audio System Questions forum instead of the one which addresses tire and wheels. Might get better feedback there.
Z

Claires · April 2008

Hi, servet,

Buying and selling aren't allowed here, but as zekeman1 suggested, you might want to post your question in the 350Z Audio Questions topic. For a quick answer to a quick question, you can also use the "Ask the Community" box on the right side of this page.

smokey70 · May 2008

Talk about shock. Took my trusty 2005 Z roadster for my first ride of the 2008 Spring (stored over winters). Drove about 700 miles to Martinsville, Va. NASCAR race and back, then put it away. Yesterday a friend was visiting and wanted to see the car. He squatted down to look under the rear and asked me if I had racing slicks. I laughed, thinking he was talking about how wide the tires are (Bridgestone Potenza 225/45R18 96W). He said there's no tread! When I looked I couldn't believe it... absolutely no tread on the right rear and virtually none on the left. The fronts look perfect. I only have 11,000 miles on the car. I'm contacting my dealer in Columbus Ohio tomorrow. I'll post the results of our conversation.

leek4747 · June 2008

I just replaced one of my rear tires last week.
$225 including install at Sam's Club.
I only had one because of a tear.
Friend owns a '05 Infinity 35 coupe.
He recommends Toyo.
Sticks to the road and lasts long.
Everything else only lasts about 12000 according to him.

ike
'05 touring :surprise: roadster

takeshi · June 2008

So yea i have a 07 350z and thinkin about buyin some rims for the car but don't know the lug size pattern yea but size help email me at us-sagi@hotmail.com to explain not a car expert right now though.

kaya16 · February 2009

I need 4 tires b/c tire wear is so bad 2003 350z so i found almost new 245/45/18 potenza's for back for $50 each. Well can't find replacements for 225/45/18 anywhere. Guy got in almost new perrelli's no wear on them and give them to me for $70 piece but they are a size smaller. He says won't make a much of a difference but I am not to sure b/c I don't know much about cars. I am all about saving $$$ b/c lost job. These tires are all in great mint shape and retail for big$$$. I need to know asap b/c i have a leak in front tire now. Please help!!! Or should I just get the backs and go online and order 2 new tires for front. If so can you reccomend a solid but cheap pair I should look for. I really think I will be buying the used potenza's for the back for $50 need help for front

rdt1 · March 2009

There are 2 issues at work here. An initial design flaw and poor quality tires. From my understanding, Nissan initially set up the front wheels with an agressive camber (wheels slope out at the bottom) to provide extra-tight cornering. Unless you race your car, this is overkill. If you look up the Bridgestone Potenzia tires that are shipped with the car (look at tirerack.com) you will find that these tires have just about the lowest wear rating possible. These tires re extremely expensive and have a low wet traction rating as well. Nissan had their dealers reduced the camber specifications and also provided free replacement front 'Potenza' tires that had a bit harder, longer lasting tire compound. These improved the situation a lot. However, I plan on replacing my free tires with an even better quality and less expensive Z rated tire that offers better wet traction when they wear out.

rdt1 · March 2009

Look up your car in www.tirerack.com.

They also sell rims for nearly every vehicle made and provide all of the detailed specifications if you want to shop elsewhere. I ordered a set of winter aluminum rms for my wifes VW Eos when no-one else could even find a match.

You will need the rim diameter, bolt pattern/size and the rim offset when you go shopping.

simplyignorant · July 2009

I am looking very closely at 370z Touring w/o sport package.

My only concern (beside money I have to pay) is that it snows A LOT in Iowa.
I heard 370z's summer tires don't have traction on the snow.

But I'm not sure about having dedicated snow tires for winter and constantly changing those.

Can anyone tell me all season tires would be viable to 370z?
I'm not crazy about driving cars (I sure don't know how to drift at cetra).

In sum, is it crazy to have all season tires on 370z?

rltports · September 2009

Living in Iowa, your problem will not be just traction but also the clearance space of the car in the winter. I also live in Iowa and would never attempt to drive mine in the winter unless I wanted to assist the snow plows.

shomsky · February 2010

I bought a new 2005 350z that has required me to purchase new tires (and alignment) every year, due to the Feathering. My tires become bald, I lose tire pressure constantly. . .in other words it's been a pain in the butt car. The dealership won't do anything, Nissan refused to admit there was any engineering issues with 2005, said that the 2003-2004 years had the TSB fix, and the 2005 had no issues. I hate this car, and it is extremely unsafe. I will not drive it anymore. I called Nissan after the replacement of tires 3 times (required by Lemmon Law) to give them one more chance to do the right thing, I will post after I speak with the Consumer Affairs Specialist tomorrow. If they still refuse, I will be getting a Lawyer. I'll let you all know.

I would talk anyone out of purchasing a Z, or a Nissan in general. Bad Car, bad customer service

shomsky · February 2010

Well, I got a call from the Nissan Consumer Affairs Specialist, and she claims the paperwork required us to take the Z into a body shop to fix the camber?? There was no discussion of that. And another question would be WHY would I have to take the car to a body shop? I understand (correct me if I'm wrong) that the camber cannot be adjusted on the 2005 350Z. Smells like an engineering defect to me?? Anyone else?
So I will be calling a lawyer under the Lemmon Law. Anyone out there with a 2005 having Tire wearing issues?

biancar · February 2010

Yes. I have a 2005 Touring Roadster. I love it, but have very low miles (this is basically a summer-only car), and had to replace the front tires at around 15,000 miles or a bit less. Very disappointed in that.

Other than the tires wearing out too quickly though, I love it.

shomsky · February 2010

I used to love mine, but it is a lemon that I hate. I think since your roadster is a "summer car" it might take a little longer time wise (but not miles wise) to see if you will have the same problems. Good Luck

dilbert24 · December 2010

I have 2006 conv. 350 Z., and promise you that they still have not fixed the problem. Nissan also will not admit that they have a problem with the Z. They also have problems with maxima transmission 2006. I just paid 3000 $ to replace it and Nissan would not help at all. I DICOURAGE EVERYONE FROM EVER BUYING A NISSAN. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHERONE. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

dilbert24 · December 2010

Actually there is a CLASS ACTION SUIT against Nissan for 350Z tire feathering, tire roar, suspension and alignment defects for 2003, 2004, and 2005. They say that they fixed it in 2006, but i am here to tell diff!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

cap10b · February 2012

I own a 2003 350Z. SB was issued for tire and alignment issue. It were (all 350s were) shipped from the factory with wheels out of alignment. Waranty re-aligned all 4 wheels. Had to throw the tires away and start over. I ONLY run Michelin pilot sports on factory 18" rims with no problems since. OEM tires (Potenza) were terrible. Wore (cupped) horribally, noisy, etc. Never buy Potenzas again.

yomi · September 2012

Did you follow up on this? I am having same problem. Tires and Clutch and I am so pissed off. I have a 27k miles from brand new. 2005 350z Conv Roadster. No more Nissan EVER!!

rd350z · August 2013

Can I put 205/45/18 on my 350Z 2005

Claires · August 2013

rd350z, you might also want to ask about this in the Tires, tires, tires discussion.

ClaireS, Host
Automotive News & Views | Coupes & Convertibles

capriracer · August 2013

No, a 205/45R18 is too small by 2 or 4 sizes. That means it has less load carrying capacity and that increases the risk of a tire failure - and those sometimes have tragic results.

rd350z · August 2013

I need to find some AXIS rims or similar that are deep dish. I like this type of profile. I don't won't to compromise the suspension. Anyone ?

Nissan 350Z Tires and Wheels

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