Bump Steer? - Nissan Murano

hokey777 · 03-02-2012, 02:58 PM

I think what you are now experiencing is call bump steer (aka bumpsteer). I have been doing a lot research on this because I am pretty sure that is the problem I currently have too. Hopefully I can find a cheaper solution. Please let us know how it turns out when all is said and done.

Thanks,

Mod Note: This post was moved to it's own thread. -njjoe

**Eric L.** · 03-02-2012, 05:11 PM

Bumpsteer is more a phenomenon where the rear wheels are upset by changes in pavement, usually affecting vehicles with non-independent solid rear axles (beam suspension). The Murano does not have that.

Glad the OP's issue was covered under insurance.

hokey777 · 03-02-2012, 05:54 PM

So is it entirely impossible for the no to have bumpsteer? That's what it feels like I have.

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**Eric L.** · 03-02-2012, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hokey777

So is it entirely impossible for the no to have bumpsteer? That's what it des like I have.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using AutoGuide.com App

Entirely impossible no, but unlikely to happen unless you are really hitting large bumps on the road. Have you checked your wheel alignment or the condition of your rear suspension?

hokey777 · 03-02-2012, 05:59 PM

Yes, Nissan replaced the shocks and have had 2 alignments. Nothing helps

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**Eric L.** · 03-02-2012, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hokey777

Yes, Nissan replaced the shocks and have had 2 alignments. Nothing helps

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using AutoGuide.com App

What exactly do you feel?

hokey777 · 03-02-2012, 06:34 PM

When I hit a pothole or a bump in the road, the rear end kicks out all wishy washy like for a few seconds and then settles down and is fine. Mostly noticeable when the left wheel hits it, and at higher speeds. Kinda scary!

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using AutoGuide.com App

**Eric L.** · 03-02-2012, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hokey777

When I hit a pothole or a bump in the road, the rear end kicks out all wishy washy like for a few seconds and then settles down and is fine. Mostly noticeable when the left wheel hits it, and at higher speeds. Kinda scary!

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using AutoGuide.com App

Definitely not normal. Do you feel the ABS kicking in when it happens? Did you buy your MO used or new? Ever involved in a collision with it?

hokey777 · 03-02-2012, 06:56 PM

No, the ABS is not engaging. Never been in an accident. We bought it new and I started noticing it after our 3,000 mile trip to the Grand Canyon where we towed out 2,000lb tent trailer at 41k. At first I thought it was the tires, so I replaced them (no help). So then I thought maybe alignment - had that done (no help). Nissan convinced me it was the shocks, so they replace them under warranty, kinda

(no help). Had an alignment done again (no help). Nissan claims its the tires, but I don't believe them. So frustrating!

**Eric L.** · 03-02-2012, 06:58 PM

Seeing how it happened after an extended trip towing, I would suspect a bent frame from tension of the hitch. Did the trailer have brakes?

hokey777 · 03-02-2012, 07:35 PM

Bent frame? Wow! I don't think so.

Yes, the trailer has electric brakes.

**Eric L.** · 03-02-2012, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hokey777

Bent frame? Wow! I don't think so.

Yes, the trailer has electric brakes.

Well, you can rule out what is the most obvious answer, but without investigating it, it is hard to tell. You've already checked the suspension and the alignment, so what else is left? A bent frame can alter the suspension mounting points. To have the rear end shimmy like that after a bump seems obvious to me as a bent frame or suspension component.

I suppose other things you can look at are whether you have a bent rim (but that would be obvious in a vibration). It is unlikely that a 2009 would wear out the rear shocks, even with some towing.

hokey777 · 03-02-2012, 07:58 PM

Yea, tire rotations rule out the rims, and Nissan replaced the shocks because they "had a leak" (and it's a side to side motion, not up and down). I suppose it could be the frame.

I suppose if one of the suspension parts is bent or cracked, could that cause toe-in (or out) when the wheel goes up and down (bumpsteer)?

**Eric L.** · 03-02-2012, 09:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hokey777

Yea, tire rotations rule out the rims, and Nissan replaced the shocks because they "had a leak" (and it's a side to side motion, not up and down). I suppose it could be the frame.

I suppose if one of the suspension parts is bent or cracked, could that cause toe-in (or out) when the wheel goes up and down (bumpsteer)?

I think it is definitely worth checking out.

hokey777 · 03-02-2012, 09:47 PM

Thanks, will do.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using AutoGuide.com App

03-02-2012, 02:58 PM	#1 (permalink)
hokey777 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Seattle area Posts: 816	Bump Steer? I think what you are now experiencing is call bump steer (aka bumpsteer). I have been doing a lot research on this because I am pretty sure that is the problem I currently have too. Hopefully I can find a cheaper solution. Please let us know how it turns out when all is said and done. Thanks, Mod Note: This post was moved to it's own thread. -njjoe __________________ 2009 LE AWD Merlot Loaded w/ NAV 20" rims

03-02-2012, 05:11 PM	#2 (permalink)
Eric L. Super Moderator Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Champaign, IL Posts: 8,370	Bumpsteer is more a phenomenon where the rear wheels are upset by changes in pavement, usually affecting vehicles with non-independent solid rear axles (beam suspension). The Murano does not have that. Glad the OP's issue was covered under insurance. __________________ 2003 Midnight Blue SE AWD w/VDC Colgan Bra, Mobil One, JWT POP charger PAC aux input adapter, hardwired Escort Passport x50, KUDA mount for MP3 player, Porterfield R4S brake pads (now Akebono ProACT), ATE Superblue Yokohama Envigor (much improved over stock Goodyears) Lots of squeaks and rattles.

03-02-2012, 05:54 PM	#3 (permalink)
hokey777 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Seattle area Posts: 816	So is it entirely impossible for the no to have bumpsteer? That's what it feels like I have. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using AutoGuide.com App __________________ 2009 LE AWD Merlot Loaded w/ NAV 20" rims

03-02-2012, 05:59 PM	#5 (permalink)
hokey777 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Seattle area Posts: 816	Yes, Nissan replaced the shocks and have had 2 alignments. Nothing helps Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using AutoGuide.com App __________________ 2009 LE AWD Merlot Loaded w/ NAV 20" rims

03-02-2012, 06:34 PM	#7 (permalink)
hokey777 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Seattle area Posts: 816	When I hit a pothole or a bump in the road, the rear end kicks out all wishy washy like for a few seconds and then settles down and is fine. Mostly noticeable when the left wheel hits it, and at higher speeds. Kinda scary! Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using AutoGuide.com App __________________ 2009 LE AWD Merlot Loaded w/ NAV 20" rims

03-02-2012, 06:56 PM	#9 (permalink)
hokey777 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Seattle area Posts: 816	No, the ABS is not engaging. Never been in an accident. We bought it new and I started noticing it after our 3,000 mile trip to the Grand Canyon where we towed out 2,000lb tent trailer at 41k. At first I thought it was the tires, so I replaced them (no help). So then I thought maybe alignment - had that done (no help). Nissan convinced me it was the shocks, so they replace them under warranty, kinda (no help). Had an alignment done again (no help). Nissan claims its the tires, but I don't believe them. So frustrating! __________________ 2009 LE AWD Merlot Loaded w/ NAV 20" rims

03-02-2012, 06:58 PM	#10 (permalink)
Eric L. Super Moderator Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Champaign, IL Posts: 8,370	Seeing how it happened after an extended trip towing, I would suspect a bent frame from tension of the hitch. Did the trailer have brakes? __________________ 2003 Midnight Blue SE AWD w/VDC Colgan Bra, Mobil One, JWT POP charger PAC aux input adapter, hardwired Escort Passport x50, KUDA mount for MP3 player, Porterfield R4S brake pads (now Akebono ProACT), ATE Superblue Yokohama Envigor (much improved over stock Goodyears) Lots of squeaks and rattles.

03-02-2012, 07:35 PM	#11 (permalink)
hokey777 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Seattle area Posts: 816	Bent frame? Wow! I don't think so. Yes, the trailer has electric brakes. __________________ 2009 LE AWD Merlot Loaded w/ NAV 20" rims

03-02-2012, 07:58 PM	#13 (permalink)
hokey777 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Seattle area Posts: 816	Yea, tire rotations rule out the rims, and Nissan replaced the shocks because they "had a leak" (and it's a side to side motion, not up and down). I suppose it could be the frame. I suppose if one of the suspension parts is bent or cracked, could that cause toe-in (or out) when the wheel goes up and down (bumpsteer)? __________________ 2009 LE AWD Merlot Loaded w/ NAV 20" rims

03-02-2012, 09:47 PM	#15 (permalink)
hokey777 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Seattle area Posts: 816	Thanks, will do. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using AutoGuide.com App __________________ 2009 LE AWD Merlot Loaded w/ NAV 20" rims

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