2018 Nissan Rogue Jack Points

The 2018 Nissan Rogue, a popular compact SUV, offers a blend of practicality and comfort, making it a common sight on roads everywhere. While routine maintenance tasks like oil changes and tire rotations are best left to professionals, understanding the proper jacking points on your Rogue is crucial for emergencies like flat tires or if you plan to perform basic maintenance yourself. This guide delves into the specific locations of these points and explains the underlying engineering considerations that dictate their placement.

Understanding Vehicle Jacking and Load Distribution

Before pinpointing the exact locations, it’s essential to grasp the principles behind vehicle jacking. A car’s chassis isn't a uniformly strong structure. It's designed with specific areas engineered to withstand concentrated loads, like those imposed by a jack. Improper jacking can lead to significant damage, including bending the frame, crushing fuel lines, or even compromising the vehicle's structural integrity. Modern vehicles like the Rogue typically utilize a unibody construction, meaning the frame and body are integrated. This construction method is lighter and more fuel-efficient, but it also makes it more susceptible to damage if lifted incorrectly.

The jacking points are strategically located to distribute the lifting force evenly across reinforced sections of the vehicle's chassis. These points are usually reinforced with additional metal or strategically designed structural elements to prevent deformation. The placement is carefully considered to minimize stress on other components and ensure the vehicle remains stable during lifting.

Identifying the 2018 Nissan Rogue's Jacking Points

The 2018 Nissan Rogue has four primary jacking points, two on each side of the vehicle. These points are designed to be used with the scissor jack that comes standard with the vehicle, or with a floor jack and appropriate adapters.

Front Jacking Points

The front jacking points are situated behind the front wheels, along the reinforced pinch welds. Pinch welds are where the floor pan and rocker panel of the car are joined together. They’re easy to identify as they have a small indentation or notched area designed to cradle the jack's lifting pad. Look for a small arrow or triangle molded into the plastic trim pointing towards this area, indicating the designated jacking location. These arrows are often subtle, so a flashlight might be helpful, especially in low-light conditions.

Important Considerations: Before placing the jack, carefully inspect the pinch weld area. Ensure it's free from rust, debris, or damage. Rust can weaken the metal and make it prone to bending or collapsing under the jack's pressure. If rust is present, consult a professional before attempting to lift the vehicle. Also, ensure the jack is positioned perpendicularly to the pinch weld to distribute the load evenly.

Rear Jacking Points

The rear jacking points are located in front of the rear wheels, also along the pinch welds. Similar to the front, look for the small arrow or triangle molded into the plastic trim. The same precautions apply here: inspect the pinch weld for rust and damage, and ensure the jack is positioned correctly.

Beyond the Pinch Welds: While the pinch welds are the standard jacking points for changing a tire or performing minor repairs, another central jacking point exists for lifting the entire front or rear of the vehicle. This point, however, is generally recommended for professional use with a floor jack due to its location and the potential for instability if not performed correctly.

Central Jacking Points (For Advanced Users - Use with Caution)

For lifting the entire front of the 2018 Rogue, the central jacking point is typically located on the front subframe, near the center of the vehicle. It's usually a reinforced metal plate or a protruding bracket designed to distribute the load across the subframe. The exact location can vary slightly depending on the specific Rogue configuration, so consulting the owner's manual is highly recommended.

For lifting the entire rear of the 2018 Rogue, the central jacking point is usually located on the rear differential carrier (for all-wheel drive models) or on a reinforced point on the rear suspension crossmember (for front-wheel drive models). Never jack directly on the differential cover, as it is not designed to bear the weight of the vehicle and can be easily damaged.

Warning: Using the central jacking points requires a high level of skill and the proper equipment. It's crucial to use a floor jack with a wide base for stability, and to use jack stands as secondary supports before working under the vehicle. Incorrectly placed jacks can cause the vehicle to slip or fall, resulting in serious injury or death. If you're not comfortable with this procedure, seek professional assistance.

Safe Jacking Procedures: A Step-by-Step Guide

Even if you know the jacking point locations, following a safe procedure is paramount.

Preparation: Park the vehicle on a level surface, engage the parking brake firmly, and place wheel chocks behind the wheels opposite the ones you're lifting.
Locate the Jacking Point: Identify the correct jacking point as described above.
Position the Jack: Place the jack under the jacking point, ensuring it's properly aligned and stable. For pinch welds, use a slotted jack pad to prevent damage to the weld.
Lift the Vehicle: Slowly and steadily raise the vehicle until the tire is off the ground. Avoid jerky movements.
Secure with Jack Stands: Crucially, place jack stands under a secure part of the vehicle's frame, near the jacking point. Never rely solely on the jack to support the vehicle.
Lower the Vehicle onto the Jack Stands: Carefully lower the vehicle until it rests securely on the jack stands.
Perform Your Work: Once the vehicle is safely supported, you can proceed with your maintenance task.
Reversing the Procedure: To lower the vehicle, raise it slightly with the jack, remove the jack stands, and then slowly lower the vehicle to the ground.

Essential Tools and Safety Equipment

Besides the jack and jack stands, consider these essential tools and safety equipment:

Wheel Chocks: Prevent the vehicle from rolling.
Gloves: Protect your hands.
Eye Protection: Prevent debris from entering your eyes.
Torque Wrench: For properly tightening lug nuts.
Work Light: For better visibility, especially in low-light conditions.
Owner's Manual: Refer to your owner's manual for specific instructions and diagrams related to your 2018 Nissan Rogue model.

Troubleshooting Common Jacking Issues

Sometimes, things don't go as planned. Here are some common problems and how to address them:

Jack Slipping: Ensure the jack is placed on a level surface and properly aligned with the jacking point. Clean any grease or debris from the jack and jacking point.
Rust Damage: If you notice significant rust on the jacking points, consult a professional for repairs. Do not attempt to jack the vehicle in a rusted area.
Difficulty Lifting: If the jack is difficult to pump, check the hydraulic fluid level. If the vehicle is too heavy for the jack, use a jack with a higher weight capacity.

Conclusion

Understanding the proper jacking points on your 2018 Nissan Rogue is essential for safe and effective maintenance. By following the guidelines outlined in this article and using the correct tools and safety equipment, you can confidently perform basic tasks like changing a tire or inspecting the undercarriage. However, remember that safety is paramount. If you are ever unsure about any aspect of the jacking process, it's always best to seek professional assistance.

Working on a vehicle can be dangerous if not done properly, and it's always better to err on the side of caution.