Shot peening (SP) is an effective surface reinforced treatment, which can improve the surface properties of materials. Because of the poor wear resistance of aluminum alloys, the improvement of wear resistance has received more attention. In this research, Al7075-T6511 alloy was treated by the SP with different shot peening intensities to achieve the surface self-nanocrystallization and improve the dry friction and wear property. The surface microstructure of specimen before and after the SP was observed by using the optical microscope (OM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and x-ray diffraction (XRD). The surface roughness was examined by using laser confocal scanning microscope (CLSM). It has been found that the surface microhardness of the specimen was improved greatly after the SP. A nanocrystalline surface was generated, and the thickness of the severe plastic deformation layer increased with increase of the SP intensity. The results also show that the friction and wear mechanism of the SP-free specimen was severe adhesive wear and oxidation wear. While, the friction and wear mechanism of the SP-treated specimen was adhesive wear, accompanied with abrasive wear and oxidation wear.