New owner of hard to drive Nismo

johnnyf

I have a 2012 Nismo Coupe, Automatic, that is no fun to drive. I have had it over 12 months and have put about 2,900 miles on it. Yes, 2900 miles, because it doesn't want o run in a straight line. I end up with hand and arm cramps when I try to go anywhere. I took it to the dealer but he says it is OK. Are the alignment specs the same for a regular 370 and a Nismo? I posted this question yesterday but can't find it today.
I FOUND THE FIST POST AND SEVERAL REPLYS, THANKS. New and just learning to navigate the site.

Cyber370

Two things: 1 - It needs a proper alignment, especially if theres been suspension work or it’s been modified in any way. Dealers don’t know sh*t about alignments. 2 - If the tires are worn, they need to be replaced. Wide tires will start to pull in different directions when worn especially over road imperfections.

Hope this helps. Good luck.

PS: I am assuming that your car is not an accidented/ salvage car. If it is, all bets are off. It could be a multitude of things causing your issues and it may never drive straight.

__________________
"That’s when you know you’ve found somebody special. When you can just shut the f*ck up for a minute and comfortably enjoy the silence.”-Mia (Pulp Fiction)

Buzzkill247

Cyber is likely on the right track here (pun intended) - I'm willing to bet it got dropped and camber and toe are wonkey. People like to drop but then not check 4-wheel align after.

Check your tire wear - big clue will be there especially if pulling as hard as you suggest. Check air pressure. Maybe previous owner smacked a curb at some point and linkage is bent a bit. Do you get a wobble or pulse in the wheel when it is pulling hard?

johnnyf

It was sold by a Nissan dealer as a new car, no wrecks or salvage. Tire pressures are good. Not enough mileage to have tire ware patterns, checked that. thanks. Will check for spacers in front springs, will get suspension specs and find a good alignment shop.

SouthArk370Z

Never believe anything a dealership (of any flavor) says. In my experience, they deserve the bad reputation they have.

They aren't always complete but it may still be worthwhile to get a CarFax report. Or get a body shop to do an inspection.

__________________
Steering Lock Links - Search The370Z Bookmarklet - FSM @ NICOclub
Mankind has progressed past the need for war but we haven't evolved that far. - NachoMahma

Buzzkill247

2012 sold as a new car, and you have it over over 12 months... it's 2018.
so either
you bought it new and were original owner and have owned it for 5-6years (so yes over 12months lol)
They had this thing parked out back for 5 years and forgot about it
Someone, somewhere is lying
Someone, somewhere is reall REALLY confused

I for one, am very confused right now....

EDIT: Found the other thread, and posted there as a 2016... makes a bit more sense now
Help

cigarclifford

Welcome to the 370Z forum

__________________
-Clifford

TZMN DVL

Want to chime in here, as I've had a similar experience. Picked up a '13 Touring 6MT about a year ago. Came with Yokohama Advan Sports all around, but the rears were new Advan Sport *All Season* (UHP A/S) put on by the dealer, while the fronts were half-worn Advan Sport *Summer* tires. Was aware of this when I bought it, but it took me a few months to get around to replacing the front tires. During the mismatch, the car was generally unpleasant to drive. Would constantly pull me around in the lane. Not fun, and sometimes, pretty unnerving. Once I replaced the fronts with matching Yoko Advan Sport All Seasons (UHP A/S), it was like night and day difference.

I've read that summer tires are more prone to tramlining (following generally invisible grooves in the road) than all seasons, and I think I've heard that shorter wheelbase cars may be more prone to this. I've never had summer tires before so I can't speak to that. I'm not sure if the mismatch between half-worn summers up front and new all seasons in the rear was my issue, or if it was just how summer tires are, but replacing the fronts made all the difference for me. Car now tracks straight and handles predictably.

Are you sure you're on matching tires? My car had Yoko Advan Sports all around, so, based on a casual inspection, you might think they're a matching set, but in my case, they were not. Just want to throw this out there, as it had a significant impact on how my car tracks and handles.

SG4247

My 2010 had 18k miles in 2017 and had original RE05 tires when I bought it.

Same deal, hand cramps, hard to drive, rode rough.. etc.

Installed new tires and had a pro do four wheel alignment and OMG!

90 mph with two fingers! (Thumb and index)

johnnyf

Going to check for spring spacers and get a good alignment. Thanks to all who responded. I am very happy with this forum, glad I joined.

Spoiler

Welcome

axmea?

Johnny -- is this what you are experiencing?

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiret....jsp?techid=47

__________________

Quicksilvers

Welcome to the 370Z forums. Definitely look for a good shop to get your alignment at.

johnnyf

All aligned, spacers out, found tow hook location hidden by grill bar, all thanks to this forum!!!!! Much better drive all around, thanks to all who offered advice.

Array

Might want to let the dealer know how stupid they should feel.

__________________
2012 370z 7AT- ES2 with PSS, K&N Drop-ins, LED's all around, Berk HFC, FI CBE non-res, KW V1's
2003 A4 5MT- The Beater