I've made several posts under the STEERING SUX thread, since that's where my problem began. After ruling out alignment and tire pressure, I came to the conclusion that the RSAs were to fault, not only from this thread but other Infiniti threads with endless complaints, often about the straight-line tracking. I learned that this, my main problem, is often referred to as "tramlining." This can either be a tendency for the car to follow grooves in the road or imperfections in the road, or simply that car requires constant small inputs to keep it going straight (latter definition is paraphrased from Encarta, online). To anybody watching me holding the steering wheel, or even test driving the car for a short time, you'd think I was insane. But after putting 1400 miles on the car, it was incredibly annoying. I couldn't drive anywhere without continuous "leaning" on the wheel, very, very slight, one way and then the other. Drove me nuts. Today I got four new tires -- Bridgestone Potenza RE760s. I just did a 30 mile loop out to the country -- curvy roads out, 65 mph highway back. I think there's a very notable improvement in the tracking, thank goodness! Additionally, the turn performance is clearly better -- even average speed turns are more crisp. I know it seems nuts to replace nearly new tires. But drive 10K or less per year -- I wasn't going to spend the next two years trying to "get used" to these tires -- not to mention that every time I drive my 2003 G35 (with Bridgestone Turanzas) it just underscored how squirrely the Maxima was with the RSAs.

 

I have the 2010 SV Sport with RS-A's. No vibration problem, but noticeably drifty. (Tires also squeal when I take a right-angle turn at 40mph! Don't know why that is : )

Scared to death with these tires on wet roads. And in Indy, we have plenty of rain & snow - with a hot summer mixed in the middle. I'm leasing, but am seriously considering replacing the tires for safety's sake. I wonder if my dealership will still kick in with the "tire protection" I bought from them, if I do get replacements..

My 2008 Max Sport Pkg didn't slip like this vehicle. Not sure what tires came on that car. Although I did spin out in the rain and totaled it in a ditch, which is why I am driving the 2010 now.

I think if I can stay alive the next 3 years, I will have to seriously consider my choice of car brands before the next purchase. I love driving this car - when the weather is dry - and the price for performance and a quiet, smooth ride was unbeatable; but I've only had it 2 months and there have been way too many side issues to ignore - like this major tire problem - primarily with the things Nissan chose to accompany the otherwise solid base vehicle, interior & engine.

 

GS-A's or RS-A's?? Goodyear makes both.

 

Thanks for the update! Do the tires seem quiet as compared to the RSA's? It would be good for you to post an update in a few weeks to see how you feel then...

 

due to your driving style, I would be cautious of the rear end trying to come around on ya. I have not had my Max in the snow, so I can't say. (had a little subaru for crappy days this past winter)

 

A delivery van driving in front of me on the highway had a blow out and I had the same a$$ puckering experience as the OP when I was avoiding the flying chunks of tires. I'm not overly inpressed with the OEM tires on the non-sport maximas, and I only have 2K miles on them. I will probably replace these tires before the end of their life span, especially after reading some of the posts about winter driving...

 

I agree - I hate the RS-As - however, I can add an interesting tidbit to this discussion. My SV Sport came with the summer tires (unbeknownst to me at the time), and after having a terrible time driving in the rain, I looked at the tires only to realize that they were the Summer ones. I took my car back to the dealer and demanded that they swap them out for the RS-As, and the wet performance is much better. In terms of griping the road in dry conditions, the summer tires are superior

 

Oops! My bad. I have fixed this typo in my original post. Sry for the confusion..

 

My 2010 sport also came with the terrible RS-S tires. I told the dealership that i wanted the Bridgestone Potenzas but they said whatever tires are on the car when they get it is what I get. I used them for 2 and half months and could not stand the vibration and noise.

I got fed up and replaced them with Hankook Ventus V12 summer tires which are getting great reviews everywhere for the performace they deliver for the price ($680 for 4 tires for the 19in sport rims). After puttin them on i can say its night and day. The car is quieter, ride is a bit softer (thank god), grip is noticably better, and braking is MUCH better. Well worth the investment. AND they have a better tread rating than the RS-A tires.

 

I will have to consider these for a replacement when it comes time because I wasn't looking forward to replacing with the OEM summer tires again for a whoping total price of $1200.

 

Just signed a deal to get Continental DWS 245/40R19 replacements for my Goodyear RSA's. Talking with other performance car owners, I am confident I will like these new tires much better. Driving in the rain last Wednesday, I felt like I needed to drive like I was on ice - it was terrible! Can't wait to get decent tires..

 

Continental DWS are great tires. You would definitely love them.

Do you mind sharing how much you paid for them? I plan on replacing my Goodyears with 255/40/19! Yep, on stock 2010 19' sports wheels. Yes, 255, instead of the stock 245 size.

 

Goodyear RSAs on a 2009 Maxima with 5000 km. Just came back from 8 hours (first long trip) on the 416-401 between Ottawa and London and am just about deaf. No point in having a radio in the car because you can't hear it over the tire noise and even the Navi system asked me to speak louder. Awful "tramlining" on the 407 North of Toronto. Time to dump these things because I'm not going to suffer with them until they wear out (don't drive the car in winter). Thinking of Michelins. They were always good on my Saabs. Maybe see if Nokian makes a tire in the right size. Friend in London has Dunlops on his G35. Drove our 2008 Pathfinder tonight (Michelins) and the Pathy is quieter.

 

I was able to get 25k out of the RSA's. Good riddance! Now on Yokohama AVID ENVigor
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....&autoModClar=S

Not sure if I like them yet, but the shop I got them from has a 30 day return policy

 

The pirelli p-zero nero all seasons look real nice. They're like 680-700 a set, maybe a little more, but they get great reviews.

 

My '09 with sport and RS-A's (<2000mi) stepped out the rear on a traffic circle 50 foot radius on damp road. They continually howl in corners, terrible tires... can't wait till their burned off.

 

We put Studded Nokian Hakka 5's on the Maxima in the winter, best winter tire out there IMO winter driving is no problem.

 

I used Potenza RE040s on my 350z and RE050s on my previous Maxima. While i loved the handling in both dry and wet conditions they wear EXTREMELY quickly. As much as i like them i will be switching to something else when i replace my OEM wheels on the new Maxima next week. I tire of sitting around waiting for tires to be put on my car.....no pun intended heh.