A&Q about 350Z
Q:
With all the talk about feathering of the 350Z's tires, I've been looking at other new vehicles' tires in my shop and that my friends and family own. Here's what I've discovered:
1. My parents own a 2003 Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer 4x4. Original Continentals (I think) feathered and roared. Dealer replaced them with Michelins. Michelins are now feathering, but much slower than Continentals did.
2. My wife owns a 2003 Toyota Matrix XR with optional 17" factory alloys. Original Continentals are feathered horribly and roar like a 350Z when slowing down. Replaced one axle with Dunlop SP Sport A02's and they are so far not feathering after 6000 miles. Alignment has been checked and found to be in specs, no adjustments needed.
3. Am currently renting a 2004 Hyundai Elantra sedan while my 350Z's instrument cluster is replaced under warranty. Factory Michelin's are feathered ON ALL FOUR WHEELS, but don't make noise (yet)... car has almost 10k miles on it.
What does this mean? Are newer cars suspensions being designed differently and causing this tire wear issue? Are factory OEM tires just being made crappier (most wear out in 15k miles or so, after all!)?... It's apparently not just a 350Z thing. Food for thought, folks.
A:
Good observation!
2003 350Z LeMans Sunset
JWT Pop Charger
Rallitec Q-Shifter
Zainoed (Z1, Z2, Z6, Z18)
A:
Gives you a perspective on things....good one.
A:
you mean other cars exist besides the 350z which exhibited signs of feathering? what the... !?