Classification:

Reference:

WT11-001b

Date:

NTB11-027b

June 9, 2016

NEW VEHICLE TIRE FLAT SPOTTING
This bulletin has been amended. The latest models and model years have been applied.
Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.

APPLIED VEHICLES: New unsold Nissan in-stock units
SERVICE INFORMATION
Temporary tire Flat Spotting is common on New Dealer In-Stock vehicles that have not
been occasionally moved.
Flat Spotting can occur after the vehicle has been parked (not moved) for a few days, or
longer. In most cases it is temporary. In extreme cases it can be permanent.
Vehicles should be moved every 30 days, in one direction only, enough to rotate the tires
90° (see Figure 1). Moving vehicles as shown will prevent tire Flat Spotting.
90 days

60 days

30 days

0 day

Figure 1
For vehicles with more than 90 days of storage, confirm tire pressure is adjusted to placard
+ 5psi, as tires have a normal pressure loss over time and may need air added to prevent
low pressure Flat Spotting.
New vehicle inventory vibration incidents related to storage Flat Spotting are not
considered warrantable repairs.
Nissan Bulletins are intended for use by qualified technicians, not 'do-it-yourselfers'. Qualified technicians are
properly trained individuals who have the equipment, tools, safety instruction, and know-how to do a job
properly and safely. NOTE: If you believe that a described condition may apply to a particular vehicle, DO
NOT assume that it does. See your Nissan dealer to determine if this applies to your vehicle.
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If tire Flat Spotting has occurred, it can cause a vibration or shimmy condition that may be
noticeable for the first several miles of driving.
Factors that can influence Flat Spotting:


Long storage time without moving the vehicle may result in permanent flat spots.



High performance and high speed rated tires are more prone to Flat Spotting due to
the internal construction and nylon use in these tires.



Shorter sidewall tires do not absorb irregularities (flat spots) as well as taller sidewall
tires.



In colder temperature tires are stiffer which increases the tendency to have flat spots
and increases the drive time needed to remove them.

Refer to the Service Procedure below if you have tires with Flat Spotting.

SERVICE PROCEDURE


It is important to remove any temporary Flat Spotting prior to performing tire balance,
tire run-out, and/or tire road force checks.



If the Flat Spotting is not removed it can result in incorrect measurements.



Temporary flat spots will return to original (near uniform) condition after driving for
approximately 15 miles at highway speeds.

1. Drive the vehicle at highway speeds until the vibration (Flat Spotting) is eliminated.
NOTE:


In most cases, flat spot vibrations will be eliminated within 15 minutes (about 15
miles) of driving.



If the vehicle has been stored without moving for an extended time, it may be
necessary to drive the vehicle up to 30 minutes (about 30 miles) at highway speeds.

If the vibration goes away during the test drive, no further action is required.
If the vibration is not completely eliminated during the test drive, go to step 2.
2. Within 10 minutes after driving the vehicle, lift the vehicle so there is no load on the
tries.
3. Check the tire/wheel assemblies for balance, run-out, and road force variation. Correct
as necessary.

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NTB11-027b