Shimmy & shake on slow turns

[88GrapIridium]

Since new our 2008 Rogue 2wd would shimmy a little in the front upon low speed turning--for example turning right at a stop sign. I thought it was just normal for this car? It didn't always do it but now it seems to be getting more noticeable. Is this normal for the Rogue or any ideas other than take it to the dealer and hope it acts up for them?

[AZhitman]

Depending on mileage, I'd say it sounds like a bad CV joint in the front.

The good news is, a replacement CV axle is inexpensive... Let's see: $81 shipped.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/CV-Axle-Shaft-O ... 2d&vxp=mtr

We can walk you through the replacement if it turns out that's what it is.

[88GrapIridium]

Thanks for the suggestion. Have you experienced such a behavior and had it fixed with new CV axles? Is there any reason to replace both or just the bad one? How does one tell which axle is bad? Could it be bad shock tower bearings?

The current mileage is 90,000 miles. My wife says it hasn't been doing it since new but she doesn't remember when it started; I feel it has been going on as long as I remember. She (the driver--it's her car) says she doesn't notice it as much as I do sitting in the passenger seat. To me it feels like the front end is really loose in some way when turning at slow speed but then seems fine at speed or straight travel.

[AZhitman]

Yes. Although I've steered clear of FWD vehicles for most of my life, I've replaced quite a few CV axles.

Shock bearings can also cause the issue you speak of, and will be accompanied by a thump (rather than a clicking / shimmy). Replacing shock bearings means also replacing shocks, but you're due for those anyway (actually, well past-due).

I'd say take it in to a shop you trust (possibly even the dealer). Let them know you can't fix it right now, but you'll at least get a good diagnosis.

You may even find that their price to fix it is decent, in which case you're good to go.

[ImStricken06]

A failing CV-joint would normally "click" while making turns.

This is the rogues wonderful CVT. It's that "rubber-band" feeling many people describe. It's partly the transmission going from a gear ratio that is the equivalent to 1st gear, all the way up to 5th gear too quickly. But what ends up happening is the driver depresses the throttle a little further, and the transmission downshifts in the middle of going from 1st to 5th, and the steel belt buckles under the pressure (it's normal) and you get the jerking feeling of forward & backward rocking motion.

Go around the same corner, and hit the throttle hard, and you will see that feeling go away.

[88GrapIridium]

Thanks. I wondered if it was the CVT since I thought it has been doing it since new. My wife doesn't notice it so much or it doesn't bother her, but it feels disconcerting to me. Maybe it is more noticeable in the passenger seat where I ride. There is no clicking or clunking like I am used to with a bad CV joint and since it has been going on so long I suspect the axles are Okay and it is the "rubber-band" feeling you are talking about. Soooo, nothing needs to be done except to ignore it. I can do that.

Thanks all. I had suspected CV joints too but was looking for confirmation before throwing parts ($$$) at it.

[ImStricken06]

your year rogue has the 10yr/120k warranty. take it in for a check up. you might end up with a free, new, transmission.