Tread splice info and the Nitto issue

[CSBM5]

Originally Posted by bigjae1976

I would like to hear what tracks this is happening at. I think the track surface and its condition plays a role in the splicing.

Mine happened at the BMW Performance Center after a total of about 15 minutes of all-out autocross usage (10 runs). I've used all the prior sets of NT-01s I bought on this track (bought them specifically to go the CCA autox events there), and none of them ever had a problem. Of course this was between 2007 and 2009, and this latest set was made in Aug 2012 and bought in Nov 2012. All the other NT-01 sets I've had I've used them down to almost nothing (cords in once case) without ever seeing the slightest hint of the tread splice opening up.

I have no clue what is going on with these latest sets, but I'm guessing something changed in either their manufacturing process or compounding process. I'm not even sure Nitto knows what is going on. Since the tire has been around for a long time, and this issue was non-existent for years, one would think "something" changed.

If the tread splice only slightly showed its location, it would probably be ok to swap sides of the car with the tires and continue to run them, but after only 15 total minutes of use, the splice opened up enough on two of mine to start tearing away at the tread compound in the large tread block. Those two tires were toast. Nitto refunded me for all four via Discount Tire.

[bigjae1976]

Here is what mine looked like...it was the 2 rear tires oddly enough. But they spent time on the front axle as well.

[1MOREMOD]

winner. thats the worst ive seen.

[ortho281]

Originally Posted by bigjae1976

Here is what mine looked like...it was the 2 rear tires oddly enough. But they spent time on the front axle as well.

Yeh, that's pretty bad! Mine did not open up or separate after rotating and swapping sides. I notice you are also wearing more in inside of tire. I decreases camber to -2.4f/-1.8r. I'm hoping new set will wear more evenly and not splice.

[paradocs98]

Originally Posted by bigjae1976

Here is what mine looked like...it was the 2 rear tires oddly enough. But they spent time on the front axle as well.

That's terrible! Did you feel that as a vibration when on the car?

[bigjae1976]

No but they were rears and the felt greasy. I also ripped off a PR lap time with them. But I was pretty sideways. I'm in the front...many of you may have already seen this but I'm sure the tires were close to the condition in the picture.

What's awesome about the E9X M3 is if throw it around like a bitch...it will go fast.

What sucks about the E9X M3 is if you throw it around like a bitch...it will eat tires.

[dnvrdrvr]

I have three sets of these sitting in my (heated) garage for the upcoming season on my E36 racecar (255x17). For those of you who've encountered issues, do you have the date code? I wonder if we can narrow this down to a batch or range...

[1MOREMOD]

mine were week 35 of 2012.

[arter]

I have 2 pairs week 30 & 35 of 2011 that are fine ( before the problem).

[warp10]

have two track days on Nittos coming up will document the wear for the days and post.

[ortho281]

Mine were week 32 of 2012, 3 out of 4 tires were spliced.

[1MOREMOD]

so mid year 2012 and on possibly.

[RickyBobby]

I'm still having a hell of a time getting a warranty replacement. Local tire shop is telling me that nitto is not returning their calls for an authorization number.
Is anyone else struggling with this too? I get the feeling that they try to make the process difficult so no one bothers.

[Sleeper519]

I just checked mine. Week 32 of 2012, 3 out of 4 of mine spliced too.

[bigjae1976]

I bought mine in Nov. I've since tossed them.

One other guy had the same splice...he bought them back on Oct.

[OC3]

Originally Posted by RickyBobby

I'm still having a hell of a time getting a warranty replacement. Local tire shop is telling me that nitto is not returning their calls for an authorization number.
Is anyone else struggling with this too? I get the feeling that they try to make the process difficult so no one bothers.

With this recent wave of spliced tires, I imagine they're pretty swamped handling claims. I made many calls and it seems to be only 2 guys, Steve and Roger (?), handling US customer/consumer relations.

[CSL_E36]

I have set waiting to go my E36, date code 4611

This is great information, thanks everyone for sharing.

[warp10]

for those who have had it replaced...did you go directly through nitto or through a warrenty from where you bought (ie. discount tire direct) I still have the option to buy the replacement certificate and just wanted to know if it was needed or if people where going staight to nitto. thanks


on side note people experienceing the splice are you running normal traction, mdm, or no traction?

[1MOREMOD]

Originally Posted by warp10

for those who have had it replaced...did you go directly through nitto or through a warrenty from where you bought (ie. discount tire direct) I still have the option to buy the replacement certificate and just wanted to know if it was needed or if people where going staight to nitto. thanks


on side note people experienceing the splice are you running normal traction, mdm, or no traction?

i ran mine thru performance tread and they handle the exchange for me. i run a mix of mdm or no traction.

[dnvrdrvr]

Originally Posted by 96LTWM3

I have set waiting to go my E36, date code 4611

This is great information, thanks everyone for sharing.

Lucky!! Mine are week 43/12. I'll follow their directions on installation and rotation. And I'll keep my fingers crossed.

[CanAutM3]

My last set is a 5211 purchased in August 2012 through 1010tires. No splicing so far after 5 track days .

As I mentioned previously, this is my sixth set and I have never encountered the splicing issue. Hopefully Nitto will have resolved this before I buy my next set , I really like this tire .

[OC3]

Mine are 3212 also.

.