That is a weird one. Sounds like alternating torque steer, which is not "a thing."

Any chance the brakes are dragging or doing something odd?

 

Hi,


I have a 2009 Murano SL, AWD


a couple of months ago, strange behavior started - when I accelerate, the car nudges to the left, when I take my foot off the gas, after a quick second it jerks to the right. Last week, I purchased 4 new tires and had a 4 wheel alignment done thinking it was the worn tires. Nothing changed, if anything it seems even more noticeable.


Also, when I enter a curve at highway speeds, part way into the curve the car will suddenly pull in the direction I am turning.


The repair shop that installed the tires checked everything under the front end and said everything was tight and could not find anything that would cause this. The service manager took it for a test drive and confirmed the behavior but was at a loss as to what was causing it.


thanks in advance for any ideas.
Bill

I would suspect something in the power steering rack. It will not show up as a worn/loose part during normal front end check. You have to have someone in a pit, or the car up on a drive on rack, looking up at the steering rack while someone is turning the steering wheel.


To me it sounds like a weak seal in the steering rack, giving way under pressure. When accelerating, power steering pump is supplying more pressure. When rounding a corner, counter-pressure is exerting force on the steering rack. Both conditions exert press on the hydraulic system, which could cause a seal to leak, changing the steering angle.


Hope this points you in the right direction.


Have a good day.

 

don't this its the brakes, as the symptom is 100% predictable and exactly the same every time.


thanks

 

I'm really impressed by Paul Day's answer...either the hydraulic issue he explains or a mechanical problem that allows the rack to shift the position of the steering. For that matter, make sure the rack is bolted firmly in place.

This is a really a weird problem, but it seems most likely to be something in the front end. The brake idea seems worse the longer I think about it.

 

I'm really impressed by Paul Day's answer...either the hydraulic issue he explains or a mechanical problem that allows the rack to shift the position of the steering. For that matter, make sure the rack is bolted firmly in place.

This is a really a weird problem, but it seems most likely to be something in the front end. The brake idea seems worse the longer I think about it.

After the transfer case and CVT were replaced on my 2003 Murano I would turn the wheel on rough pavement and there would be a solid clunk in the front end and the steering angle would change.


Went to the dealer and the tech couldn't get it to do it in the lot. As I was leaving, it happened at the end of the dealer's driveway as I turned to leave. Put the car in reverse, got the tech and had him drive it again. Wouldn't happen for him at that same spot so I insisted that he try a few other locations and try again. Well, it finally clunked and boy was he surprised at how loud it was and that you could feel it in the steering wheel.


Long story short, steering rack main bolt (Location of notch to locate the rack on the frame.) was loose and the indent and notch was sliding in and out, causing the clunk. They just loosened the bolt and aligned the notch and retightened that bolt and checked the remaining bolts. Problem solved.


Have a good day.

 

It could be something confined to one side of the car.

A totally blown shock will cause the car to want to lean towards and away as you speed up and down.

A-arm bushing or ball joints.

You could have the alignment dialed in but drag on an axle could cause the back and forth.

Does it stay perfectly centered when coasting?

 

It could be something confined to one side of the car.

A totally blown shock will cause the car to want to lean towards and away as you speed up and down.

A-arm bushing or ball joints.

You could have the alignment dialed in but drag on an axle could cause the back and forth.

Does it stay perfectly centered when coasting?

I thought of these things, but as the OP stated parts were checked during the alignment, which on a Murano should be a 4 wheel alignment, meaning the tech should have been looking for worn parts in the rear also. It might be advantageous to have a good look at the rear just in case the tech checked the front end only. Eliminate all possibilities.


Have a good day.

 

Thanks for all the suggestions...


took it to a second mechanic which I have dealt with before with good success. He and his son both looked over everything they could think of - front end and back end -took it for test drives and confirmed the behavior but couldn't come up with an explanation.



They re-confirmed everything is tight and in good working order...not unsafe to drive, but baffled by the behavior.



Puzzled in Puxico

 

OK, on to the third mechanic, recommended by the second. This guy had a lift that could raise the car by the tires, not the frame so he could check and see if there was any play in the steering rack since the tires were held stationary by the lift.



His diagnosis: the lower control arm bushings are shot. Replace the lower control arms.


Any thoughts on this?

 

So the diagnosis was right, the rubber bushings were worn to the point of being too soft and flexible, but not evident to a casual inspection. Replaced the control arms and it took care of the issue.

 

I am so glad I saw this thread.... my 2009 Murano had been doing this exact same thing and nobody could tell me why. I replaced several parts but the issue continued. Now, the rear-end is out so it has been parked for a while. However, at least now I know how to fix this issue once I replace the rear-end.

 

I am so glad I saw this thread.... my 2009 Murano had been doing this exact same thing and nobody could tell me why. I replaced several parts but the issue continued. Now, the rear-end is out so it has been parked for auto clicker a while. However, at least now I know how to fix this issue once I replace the rear-end.

The repair shop that installed the tires checked everything under the front end and said everything was tight and could not find anything that would cause this.

 

Wow I am glad I did a search on google and came up with this thread. My Nissan 2009 MO SL AWD is doing the exact same thing, and think if I was to take it into a dealership they might give me the same run around not knowing what the issue was. I was told a few months ago I by ARG (active green and ross) that my lower control arms need to be replaced, showed me the main bushing was ripped but not completely gone, I suspect now it is but they want $717 parts and labor to fix it..

So I am thinking now of ordering the parts and seeing if my brother who's a mechanic wants to tackle the job or will see what ARG will charge me to do it if I provide them with the parts.

I appreciate you posting this!!

Thanks,

 

My 2009 Murano is doing the same thing. did you find out what the problem is?

 

Yes, he did. Please read the entire thread...control arms.

 

Glad I found this post. My granddaughters 2010 rogue pulls to the right during acceleration and back to the left when you decelerate.

 

I have 2010 with 120k on it. Is doing the exact same thing and seems like it could be dangerous. Driving wifes car. No mechanics have been able to figure it out or fix it. Any Answers? Luv my Murano but may have to get rid of it. Help out there?
New Bridgestone tires all around.

Also have engine lite coming on. Code says Camshaft Sensor $250 or Timing chain replace $1200. Ideas on this too. Is this inherent in these Muranos?

 

Please read post #16.

You should start a separate thread on your MIL issue as that is unrelated to this thread.

 

Dang, my '09 Murano is doing the same thing, I jacked it up by the frame and took the tire off and tried to find the problem by firmly grabbing brake disk and trying to move in all different directions and found play in lower control arm bushing... so I just bought a new one and am about to install it, will let everyone know if it works... Nissan may need to issue a recall or something because when it was jerking me around on the highway i almost slammed into more than a few cars...
Also here is a link on how to do it..

 

It’s your lower control arms. Just fixed mine yesterday. $130 on amazon Front Control Arm Tie Rod Sway... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09HWRMFWK?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

 

Hi, I have a 2009 Murano SL, AWD a couple of months ago, strange behavior started - when I accelerate, the car nudges to the left, when I take my foot off the gas, after a quick second it jerks to the right. Last week, I purchased 4 new tires and had a 4 wheel alignment done thinking it was the worn tires. Nothing changed, if anything it seems even more noticeable. Also, when I enter a curve at highway speeds, part way into the curve the car will suddenly pull in the direction I am turning. The repair shop that installed the tires checked everything under the front end and said everything was tight and could not find anything that would cause this. The service manager took it for a test drive and confirmed the behavior but was at a loss as to what was causing it. thanks in advance for any ideas. Bill

This is an easy fix. Your issue is 100% the lower control arm bushings. I had this exact issue. I’d step on gas it would pull right and I let off gas it goes left. I replace lower control arms, tie rod ends and another pieces that came in the kit. It’s perfect now.

 

This is 100% lower control arm bushings. Buy the whole control arm kit on Amazon for $130 and your problem will be solved. I just did it yesterday and it’s perfect now

 

EXACT SAME ISSUE: 2010 Murano SL (126K miles): Pulled right on acceleration especially around corners and left when decelerating. Worried with this for about a year before final solution below.
Causation: Power steering hose leaked fluid down on Right CV Axel Boot and also on Lower Control Arm Bushings. This caused disintegration of Lower Control Arm Bushing allowed CV Axel to start moving (eventually 2-3 inches laterally) and tearing gash in the boot causing CV Axel to pull left and right Under acceleration and deceleration.
Solution: Replaced both right and left CV Axels and also both Front Lower Control Arms. Solved the problem completely. Bought All parts from Rock Auto at cost of $280.00. My mechanic installed for $120.00. Total $400.
Consider myself lucky at that. Love my Murano!!

 

Hi, I have a 2009 Murano SL, AWD a couple of months ago, strange behavior started - when I accelerate, the car nudges to the left, when I take my foot off the gas, after a quick second it jerks to the right. Last week, I purchased 4 new tires and had a 4 wheel alignment done thinking it was the worn tires. Nothing changed, if anything it seems even more noticeable. Also, when I enter a curve at highway speeds, part way into the curve the car will suddenly pull in the direction I am turning. The repair shop that installed the tires checked everything under the front end and said everything was tight and could not find anything that would cause this. The service manager took it for a test drive and confirmed the behavior but was at a loss as to what was causing it. thanks in advance for any ideas. Bill

Check and see if it is equipped with electronic power steer assist especially if it does that at any speed.

 

I’ve been dealing with the same thing I drive a 2009 nissan Murano i spent alot of money replacing rack and pinion control arms motor mount new tires new alignment nothing changed I am now selling it

 

My 2011 murano LE is doing the same thing, replaced the control arms, motor mounts, brake. Did alignment and still have the problem

 

Has anyone had the rear end alignment checked? It can also affect tracking.

 

I had the alignment done a few months ago. Our neighborhood has terrible streets though.

 

I’m having same issue, I’m being told it’s the power steering pump either bad or going bad, haven’t changed it yet to find out, but if you do let me know… thanks