2014 sloppy steering

[Hogy]

First off, brand new here and a brand new xterra owner. Thanks for having me!

I guess steering problems are old news, but I didn't expect to have them right off the dealers lot. About 4" of loose play, then about another 2" of mush that feels like it's not even under power. Makes it hard to keep in a traffic lane, and my hands go numb after 20-30 min of driving.

Had the dealer check it out, he said everything is fine. Since wear isn't an issue, can anyone point me to a part or parts that I could replace to at get rid of the slop?

 

[Pro-2X]

Yours has the rack and pinion steering and should not have that much play. You need to bring it somewhere else and have them look at it. Sounds like something is loose.
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[J Everett]

I've had two 2nd gens. The rack and pinion steering never has the slop that comes with a worn steering box like the first gens. However, the speed sensitive steering is a little dead near the center, so while it is turning the wheels, there is no feedback in the wheel to tell you so. You most definitely should not be able to move the wheel 4 inches without changing direction, and you should have ZERO issues maintaining your lane at highway speeds. A 2014 should still be under warranty. I suggest taking it to a different Nissan dealer. Also, see if you can drive another Xterra or Frontier on the lot and see if it feels the same.

 

[metzican]

This does not sound right at all. I would drive another frontier or Xterra like Everett said and compare. I have not hear of this issue. Honestly I can't think what it could be either.

 

[TJTJ]

Also see if its something like an alignment or tire issue, etc.