My Datsun 240Z

[bartsscooterservice]

Bart,

It sounds like you and I might have the same problem. To solve my vibration problems I put on new tires. I took it around to a few tire shops and most said the same thing: Putting new tires on it should take the shaking out of it. And it did! I was amazed!

I'm only saying this after reading so many of the above posts... as I remember, your tires are older? 2002 if I remember correctly. It might be something to consider, especially if they are older and you would be replacing them at some point anyway. Hope this helps...

SoCal-280zx

the tires are new dunlop put on last year ! But it was the wheels I am sure now.

Edited April 12, 2014 by bartsscooterservice

[bartsscooterservice]

Thanks for the info/help guys. I couldn't find any 14 inch wheels for now...damn hard to find here. Today I was able to pick up 15 inch 280zx turbo wheels with the original nuts with them ( just have to put new tires on them, these have a flat spot from sitting over 10 years and are old). So this should fix my vibration problem. I will keep looking out for 14 inch wheels.

The problem with my current wheels is that 1 wheel has a different ET, the wheel is not the same as the others and it's some immitation brand, I'm not sure if it's worth fixing these, or just looking for a genuine wolfrace 14 inch set ? At least I have these 15 inch wheels for now, they don't look bad I picked them up fearly cheap, the guy was quitting his Datsun hobby. He had a solid euro 280zx turbo for sale !

[bartsscooterservice]

Bart, Take the wheels to a tyre speacialist and ask them to remove the tyre and check the wheel for run-out on a tyre dalancer. You can rotate it by and check it against a dial indicator or screwdriver. Something to give you an idea if its bent or out of shape. If he doesn't see any run-out, remove all the weights and let him check the balance. If the balancer reads perfect, and I mean perfect because the balancer not so accurate on a light wheel. He will need to set it up for a 12" wheel to compensate a little for no tyre.

I would then try a new set of tyres.

You are looking for another set of 14" rims so if this doesn't work you can use the new tyres on them. I think its worth the gamble, if you can test the rim first.

Goodluck

Chas

I'm thinking what to do, like said above it's some immitation brand, and one wheels has a different ET.. if the wheel goes on the balancer machine they use the center hole, but if the mounting is somewhere out, the rim could balance fine but it doesn't center on the axle..

[bartsscooterservice]

See if you can get a new set of American Racing Ansen Sprint wheels. They are one of the makers of the "original" dealer add on wheels (like on your car), but now they make them in 15" instead of 14". They were reasonably priced over here in the US at least.

I've had them on my Z for a number of years now and they are great.

Doug

Hi Doug, If I can't get them here, I will order them in the USA for sure..

It seems many brands make this kind of wheel, but the original ones seem to be the " wolfrace " brand ? I'm not sure. It's a pain anyhow to find classic car aluminium wheels in 14 inch here..

Gr Bart

[bartsscooterservice]

Also new replacement rear brake drums arrived from the US. My old ones where really worn out.. this is one of the parts that still was to be replaced.

[bartsscooterservice]

While waiting for the tires, started refurbing the turbo wheels today. I am sandblasting them, and giving them the silver finish ( no gloss ), motip wheelspray. I think it looks great..standard look, makes the wheel stand out more, then when it's polished, and I hate polishing by the way

[Wwildman]

you have a very clean 240Z

[bartsscooterservice]

Thanks. I finally installed the turbo wheels with michelin tires... and yes finally a smooth ride and steady steering wheel ! I will post some pics tomorrow. Doesn't look bad at all ! I'm also going to pick up 14 inch iron cross wheels saturday, so I don't have to waste my new 14 inch dunlop tires, and have 2 sets, they use the same lug nuts as the turbo wheels oem nissan.

[bartsscooterservice]

[DougN]

Hi Doug, If I can't get them here, I will order them in the USA for sure..

It seems many brands make this kind of wheel, but the original ones seem to be the " wolfrace " brand ? I'm not sure. It's a pain anyhow to find classic car aluminium wheels in 14 inch here..

Gr Bart

Bart,

There were a few different manufacturers of the "original" dealer add on 5 slot wheels - American Racing is one of those as mentioned, I think there is a thread somewhere that lists some of the others as well.

The challenge with the 14' wheels is that no one makes them anymore so you're always stuck with used wheels and as you've seen, it's hard to know you're buying a good set

Doug

[bartsscooterservice]

I managed to pick up these 4 280zx 14 inch iron cross wheels today. So I can put my 195/70/14 Dunlop tires on these and be done with it. They use the same oem nissan lug nuts as the turbo wheels. I'll think I'll leave it this way for now...

[bartsscooterservice]

I placed the new brake drums and oem nissan brake pads also. But did not yet adjust the handbrake. I took an hour this evening to adjust them according to what's said in the FSM, and now it's 3/4 clicks and the wheels are locked..so that should be fine.