350Z Alignment

[otolith]

The Z is eating the inner edges of the front tyres. Common problem, I believe. The Nissan dealer recommended a local fast-fit emporium with a four wheel alignment machine where presumably it will be returned to factory specs - sufficient, or take it to one of the sports car specialists in the area?

[Animal]

I sppose it depends on whether or not your car is standard: do you have different wheels, spacers, suspension parts etc? Lowered ride height? If so, you'd be better off getting a bespoke geometry set-up.

A local tyre place will just fit to factory spec - provided you ask them to: the one local to me has a tendency to try to set everything to zero/neutral to save them some brain power.

[otolith]

Yes, that's one of the concerns I had - the alloys are not standard and were fitted by the previous owner; I believe everything else is standard. I'd be happiest taking it to somewhere like Abbey that knows the cars well, but I don't know anywhere local. I've a nagging feeling that I'd be better off taking it to one of the local independents with a good reputation for Lotus than letting the fast fit boys loose on it, but I might just be being silly.

Somewhere like

http://www.neilgarner.co.uk/

or

http://www.performance-cars.net

[kazman]

I would go somewhere that is known to be good.
My last 3 cars have all been messed up by alignment, requiring me to threaten legal action in the last case (finally got a refund).
A garage that does not take their time can lead to an off set steering wheel as well as wildly inaccurate readings / settings. In my cases this was all with a Hunter machine as well, proving that skilled operators are still required.

[Qube]

I just a new set of rear tyres fitted to my 'Z' earlier today.

When the rear wheels were removed from the car I noticed that the tyres were feathered from about 4mm from the outside to 1mm on the inside.

Has anyone else experienced this, or is it common characteristic ?.

Looks like I'll have to book it in to the dealer under warranty.

[Animal]

Apparently a common problem on Zeds - should be plenty of answers on the Zed forum.

[Qube]

Animal said:

Apparently a common problem on Zeds - should be plenty of answers on the Zed forum.

nope, there isn't apart from are your tyre pressures correct.

[Animal]

I found tons, mostly relating to older Zeds like mine.

Apparently the issue is largely suspension-related (also a problem with tyre design, which Bridgestone changed ages ago). Best solution is to have your suspension geometry set up correctly by a decent firm - one that has all of the correct settings for toe, camber, etc.

[teabagger]

There was a Nissan technical note issued on the z for excessive tyre wear. They advised certain settings to sort it. I'll post a link up when get a chance.

[Puddenchucker]

Animal said:

I found tons, mostly relating to older Zeds like mine.

Apparently the issue is largely suspension-related (also a problem with tyre design, which Bridgestone changed ages ago). Best solution is to have your suspension geometry set up correctly by a decent firm - one that has all of the correct settings for toe, camber, etc.

The 'tons' of information relates to the 'feathering' of the front tyres and steering alignment, (including Nissan Technical Service Bulletins and a revised tread pattern Bridgestone RE040 tyres). It is a well known & documented issue.

There is, as far as I'm aware, no general issue with the rear tyres or suspension. Any excessive or odd wear of the rear tyres will likely be down to suspension alignment or damage on the vehicle concerned or, possibly, an exuberant driving style.

[teabagger]

Some light reading:

http://www.350z-tech.com/zwiki/TSB_04-043_-_Front_...

[Qube]

Puddenchucker said:

an exuberant driving style.

That probably sounds about right. Damn those windy A and B roads on the commute to work

Edited by Qube on Saturday 30th October 18:08