Thoughts on Z1 Motorsports
 

Just wondering everyones thoughts on purchasing parts from Z1. I am currently going through a bad experience with them and they dont seem to want to help. I ordered the akebono brake upgrade kit from them for my base 370, and have had nothing but problems. The first time i tried to install the brakes, i did it with 2 professional auto mechanics (and I am not new to doing brakes myself. I installed all parts smoothly untill i noticeds one of the banjo bolts did not catch the threads in one of the front calipers. We tryed multiple different things and could not get it to bolt up. At this point we thought maybe we stripped it by accident, even though it shouldnt be easy to do that. We took it to a machine shop and I had it rethreaded, as soon as I went to install it again the bolt would not get tight enough to secure the brake line, and we took it back. We had it rethreaded again, $200 later. We installed the brake with the other banjo bolt and it went smoothly, finally the brake was on. We went to go install the other front caliper and we had the same problem. The bolt would not tighten and the threads eventually stripped. We were more than careful about stripping it again after the first time. I have been trying to get Z1 to help out and they are no help. They will not give a refund, they will not do anything to help out, even though their bolt is responsible for over $400 worth of damage on my brand new brakes. This should not be the case when you spend almost $2000 on a brake kit. They keep telling me they will call me back and have yet to do so. I am not happy at all with my experience with them. I am out $2000 and still do not have my brakes on my car. Also, the rotors they gave me rust INSTANTLY and squeak louder than any other brakes Ive ever heard.

Has anyone else had a bad experience with z1 or installing akebono brakes?

Oh boy, Ive heard nothing but good things about them, I hope everything gets resolved fast as you said if (its not a user error) its unacceptable. They should back their product and or have you drive the car to them so they can install it for Free or Swap them. GoodlUck

EDIT:

I've re-read this a few times now

1. Paragraphs people.

2. 2 professional auto mechanics didn't check the fit of all the lines before trying to bolt it on your car?

3. If you checked before hand and it didn't fit up snug, THAT'S when you should've sent it back. Not gone out to a shop to modify them.

4. Your auto mechanic friends don't have a tap and die set? Harbor Freight sells them for $50.

5. Sorry, welcome to modifying your car. Now that you modified them, I don't expect Z1 to help. Also, how was your attitude when you called? Most people call enraged... There isn't $400 of profit in the brakes, I wouldn't expect $400 back from them

6. Discs are cast iron, they rust. Apply some high temp black paint

Ive been trying, i know they are in a tough spot as well because it seems like it was a user error but at this point im ready to give up on these brakes, ive spent way too much for just sport brakes now and theyre still not on!

Which banjo bolt? Pic?

Im not 100% sure what the problem is, it really seems to me that one of the banjo bolts they sold me is either too short or the threads are bad because this bolt has stripped both calipers its been in. It wont catch correctly, it doesnt fully tighten and will just keep turning. Im sure installing calipers shouldnt be this much of a pain, but im not happy at all. After spending $1900 on a brake kit id expect it to be backed up by the company i bought it from.

Just looking at it, it looks fine. Just seems to tear up the threads in the caliper.

I have seen that happen with other calipers (I rebuild and refinish them for a living). Its not an uncommon problem for aluminum threads to strip. Happens a lot on front right C5 corvette calipers and on Camaro brembo bleed screws. Could be machining from the factory or getting the bleed screw just a little cockeyed. However, once you had them rethreaded, that probably ruined the caliper for good. You could have the hole drilled out and a helicoil or time-sert installed though.

Get an M10x1.0 nut from Home Depot or Lowes and see if the banjo bolt smoothly screws into it. If it does, that is not your problem. If it doesn't, you'll have something more to present to them.

i don't like the tone of this post or title. Just to cut to the chase good luck trying to paint Z1 as the bad guys here. Z1 is probably the most beloved company on these forums along with Fast intentions. I've been around here since 2008.

I don't see any issue since you didn't return them and modified them. If it didn't fit I would have called. Not gotten so frustrated to pay extra. Maybe you got a dud product it's possible. Tell them your sending them back or demand refund before you try and modify them.

Agree. Only positive feedbacks even from my side

Never had anything but good experiences with Z1; and their customer service if very responsive.

Mike thank you i was actually thinking of getting a rethread kit with a helicoil. Only thing is im afraid that wont stay esp with the pressure of brake fluid going through the line. I appreciate the advice i will let you know how it goes if i go that route

Im sorry you dont like the tone of this thread, but you are not the one with the bad experience. I am not trying to paint z1 as bad guys, just asking for feedback as i am not happy with the end result of the products they have sold me. Idk if you have ever spend a couple thousand dollars on parts only for them not to work, but it is very frustrating. Z1 hasnt been able to do anything for me at all, not even a slight discount for new calipers (which i shouldnt need but will.) I even said I know they are in a tough spot but they have not been good at all with calling me back when they say they will or even slightly making me feel better about this situation. I guess i should just keep it to myself if i have a bad experience just because everyone else had a good one.

Thanks for the feedback. The bolts fit fine without the calipers being on the car. And z1 told me on the phone before i ordered that all i would need was these banjo bolts to install.

I did call z1 and explain the situation before modifying, and they told me they cannot help me with the threads not being good. Also, my stock brakes were beyond anything useable, so i told them i didnt have time and I had to get this fixed asap. Bottom line who likes spending a couple thousand on brand new parts to have them be no good. My question was what was everyones experience like with z1 and akebono brakes? Not oh z1 is terrible. I agree they are in a tough spot but im not happy either way. I hope thats understandable

I have dealt with Z1 many times and and every time went smoothly.

I wonder if you're partial with a username like that? Lol

So you called them and told them about the threads before you modified them and there response was
" we can't help you with that" ??? You should've boxed them up at that point and sent them back, but like others have commented, I live minutes away from Z1 and Jon and those guys up there have been nothing less than super professional to me and not to negate your issue, it just seems a little odd that they would ruin a seemingly flawless reputation on this site over $1900. Good luck man and I hope you get it resolved.

PS: I hope Z1 chimes in on this and put this to rest accordingly.

Couldn't he have easily did a dispute? Easily done with PayPal. I've spent over $3000 at Z1 in the last 2 months probably $5000 total since last year. No issues and customer service is always good. I usually ask for Joel or talk to Jon or Rod if Joel doesn't answer. No issues at all.

This just sounds like impatience to me. Why mess with the product and attempt to make it work if it didn't work as you intended. I bought a brand new exhaust from Ark. I took it to 4 places they all said the left tail pipe was wrong. My choices were to send it back or take it and get it re-welded to fit. I chose to re-weld it but I knew at that point it was out of my own pocket and if something happened it was on me. I wouldn't be able to warranty any issues for that section because I chose to modify it. I did that after multiple conversations with Ark. I have been impatient and just want it to "work" spent my own money but I knew what went along with it.

If this was any other product and not automotive related the same would apply to just about any company.

Maybe Z1 will help out since you brought it up on the forums. I don't feel they should be obligated to just because you couldn't wait and exercise patience. I do hope you get to some resolution.

lol. I had the screen name (on an altima forum) over a decade ago....before I even knew there was a shop named "Z1".

I agree with you i really do. I knew what i was getting into, like i said at first i thought it was my fault it was stripped. So i spent the money on the repair. The second time it was no good i blamed the machine shop. But now that the other caliper has been stripped i just cant believe it, its gotta be the bolt. There is no way it should be this complicated to install calipers, especially brand new ones.
It sucks because now the fix is to buy new calipers with new banjo bolts, so on top of the $1900 i spent plus repairs $200, i will need to buy 2 new calipers for $700. $2800 for sport brakes? Come on I could have bought cheap stoptechs for a little more. Not to mention the low quality rotors that came with it, im sorry but my stock base breaks have never mad a noise in 43000 miles, these new upgrades rotors squeak obnoxiously loud almost every time i stop when first driving the car for the day.

In the ideal situation, id like to see something done about this, as i am not happy at all with what i have received. Although z1 may be a good reputable store they have failed to make the customer happy on his purchase. I am far from happy, as would be anyone who spends a lot and doesnt get what they wanted. Maybe something like a discount on the new calipers i have to buy or something anything.

OP broke stuff he bought and wants a refund hahah

Yes thank you for your contribution

well i'm just saying if you had two expert mechanics and you and couldn't install brakes i'm not sure you'd be qualified to fade the brakes on a base

Modded
 

Once you have someone try and retap it it's over. I have spent well over 3k with these guys and did have an issue with one part being a bit late, but other than that the guys have been great.

In the future, if you get a part which would require machining or tapping to work, call the shop beforehand. I find it real hard to believe they would not do something if you had called them right away. The Z community is small and we all talk to one another. If a shop treats us badly they will not be in business long... Well there is one notable exception. :P (Not Z1)

If fact their follow-up and service has been great erg...

Hello,
This is Shanna from Z1 Motorsports contacting you to verify that you received your order # 385320 placed on Monday 19 May, 2014 and that it was correct. Your business is very important to us and we thank you for your order. We aim for complete customer satisfaction and strive for exceptional service. Please let me know if you have any problems with your order, your overall experience with Z1, or any constructive criticism to offer.If your order has been checked as drop shipped status, You should have received a prior email detailing estimated time of arrival. This time will vary from product to product. Please contact us if you have any further questions. Once again we appreciate your business and hope we can help you with all of your future Z and G parts needs.

Order Summary

1 x Z1 Motorsports 370Z/G37 Oil Cooler Kit = $613.00
Select Cooler Size 34 Row
Oil Sandwich Plate Adapter Thermostatic
Protective Hose Wrapping Yes
Core Setrab
___________________________


Thanks
Shanna Floyd
Z1Motorsports.com - Nissan 300zx, 350Z, 370Z, Infiniti G35, GTR, and G37 Parts and Performance Experts.

770.838.7777 x 307

I'm a little confused here. How are you driving on the new rotors if the calipers are ruined? The old stock calipers won't fit on the larger rotors, so did you get the new calipers to work?

I have the rear brakes on as these werent a problem. So akebono on the rear, stock on the front

I know this probably doesn't help you now, but every conversation with Z1 I've ever had regarding the banjo bolts ended with them saying they are a pain in the a$$ and just another potential leak point. They even recommended I buy the less expensive, non-premium SS brakes lines for my Akebonos because the banjo bolts are removed entirely.

Yea i wish i would have known about this before hand i would have definitely spent the extra money. I think after i save up to buy new calipers I will get the ss brake lines as well. I understand z1 has been good to a lot of people but ive spoken to them many many times about this and they make it seem like this is unheard of to have problems with these bolts. They have not advised me to get the brake lines at all.

Sorry to hear about your problem buddy, at times even the best fall short of the mark. I think it might warrant a caution note in the package. I did SS lines on mine too.

JT

Thanks for your support. Yes i agree, i would most definitely urge others to get the lines as well. I dont want anyone going through what im going through with these brakes. I just want them on my car already! They are painted pearl white too they look beautiful on the carAttachment 103354

Nice :tup:

And I assume you mean the discs rust? If so, don't worry about it. At all. Once you bed your pads in they won't rust as quick

The slots will show rust pretty quick if they are exposed to rain or when the car is washed. The only thing I might suggest is painting the slots in the surface of the rotor with hi-temp black paint before installation.

This statement puts a whole different light on Z1 IMO. Sounds like a sales meeting is in order to insure that all sales associates are aware of this issue and can recommend accordingly. I'm not bashing Z1, but if it's a known issue and they failed to alert the customer to the situation it falls on them to do a better job communicating. Does this mean that their responsible, absolutely NOT. The second you had an issue you should have packed them up and sent them back.
That all being said, I think Z1 could step up and give him a little sugar to sweeten a deal on a new set. Again this is all just my opinion, I've had nothing but good dealings with Z1.

I've never had any member of Z1 tell me the premium lines are better. They always have said they're prone to leaks if not installed correctly.

The thing is. I can't blame Z1 for making them. The customer is always right, right? Lol
So customers want OEM looking lines. And in the OEM place. They get what they want.

This is the key.




lol it's not their fault some people are stupid :ugh:

I pretty much agree here.

Not much I can do to help here, But I've Pm'd Z1/John to see "IF" there's anything they can do to help!

I personally wouldn't hold my breath under these circumstances. imo :ugh2:

:iagree:

+1

I've got the premium lines. Installed them myself. They were "finicky" I was nervous to over-tighten them. They just didn't feel safe to crank down on. I basically had to tighten them slowly till they quit leaking.

I've also had a customer service problem with Z1. They sent me the wrong oil cooler lines. I sent them numerous pics for proof and to this day they never sent me new ones. They assured me it would be fine being the one was too long. So now I have a looped oil cooler line because of the extra slack. They are right it isn't crucial, but still isn't right. However, in this case, I couldn't blame them for not helping with the brake lines after you modified them.

I've just chalked up my one bad experience to being a fluke. I've got other products of theirs on my car and they are just fine. Most people don't have any problems with them, but I'll still have my case in the back of my mind when I think about purchases.

I completely agree with you. Im concerned because a few people on here have been advised by z1 to upgrade the lines. Ive spoken to them many times about this and no one has ever mentioned to me that people have problems with the bolts. They make it seem like they never heard of this issue before. If they would have just said the first time i called "yea, a lot of people have this problem, if you get the ss brake lines this will help" I would have saved a lot of time money and effort.