15 Rogue SV Steering problem

[Chowcman]

15 Rogue SV AWD Steering got stiffer than normal in city driving. It has 28500km now or 18000 mi.

Went to dealer yesterday and they said its normal. I bought the car new.

When new, I love the super light steering feel like in Prius.

Anyone have this problem?

[phjake]

I have a 2015 Rogue and do not have this problem. The Rogue has electric power steering, rather than the older hydraulic system with a power steering pump. You could try taking it back to the dealer and have a tech or service adviser go for a test drive with you so you could show them what you mean. One other suggestion. Although this is a long shot, check the tire pressure. If the tires were over inflated when the vehicle was new and over time you've lost pressure, this could make the steering feel stiffer. As long as the pressure stayed above a certain psi, you would not get any warning from the TPMS. I have a FWD Rogue and the recommended pressure is 33 psi. Not sure what it would be for a AWD model.

[Chowcman]

Dealer flash the ecu yesterday and tire pressure set 36psi. Problem still persist. At stop light, Steering feel normal and very light.

Perhaps the strut bearing worn. My rogue has no recall for that.

I will change the transfer and rear diff oil. as well CVT soon.

Other mention that AWD LOCK could kick in prematurely. Who knows. I know electronic AWD engage during braking below certain speed as in Volvo. Not sure in Nissan

[phjake]

Dealer flash the ecu yesterday and tire pressure set 36psi. Problem still persist. At stop light, Steering feel normal and very light.

Perhaps the strut bearing worn. My rogue has no recall for that.

I will change the transfer and rear diff oil. as well CVT soon.

Other mention that AWD LOCK could kick in prematurely. Who knows. I know electronic AWD engage during braking below certain speed as in Volvo. Not sure in Nissan

Did the dealer tell you what the ECU flash was for? With electric power steering software controls the "steering resistance" and normally at higher speeds the resistance is increased to prevent the driver from over compensating, and possibly losing control, at the higher speed. I've never owned an AWD drive, so I can't comment on how it might affect this.

[Maximus099]

As opposed to the 2014 does the AWD lock automatically engage? I have to activate mine with the small button bottom left of the steering wheel column.

[Chowcman]

If you watch the 4x4 percentage gauge, AWD engage everytime you pull from stop. about 10% power to rear wheel. That's why our rear diff have so much metal flakes between oil change.