Resistance felt in front wheels?

2016 NISSAN ALTIMA
178,000 MILES • 2.5L • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
HSMITH190
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
I was driving down the road and came to a stop sign. After taking a left turn and trying to accelerate, I felt some resistance in the front wheels, almost like something was holding the car back. I pulled over, tried moving again, and it still felt the same. I figured it might be a bad wheel bearing, so I replaced the rear driver-side hub assembly since that one was already bad. But even after replacing it, I’m still feeling resistance up front.

I took it to AutoZone, it showed a code for the CVT. It’s been throwing that same code for a while, though, and it doesn’t feel like a transmission issue. It feels more like the brakes are dragging — almost like I’m pressing the brake and gas at the same time at low speeds. Once I get up to around 40 or 45, it smooths out completely and doesn't feel like it’s dragging until I have to stop and go again.
There's no noise, just feels like resistance.
Oct 15, 2025 at 8:41 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
CANNON1349
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 861 POSTS
Hello, what is the code for the CVT? Any transmission issues that are internal can certainly put a strain causing a feeling like you are describing. Even if the torque converter is failing it can finally engage properly at the right speed. If you suspect that the brakes are the issue, you can remove the caliper and spin the hub by hand and compare before/after.

Let us know
William
Oct 15, 2025 at 3:25 PM
Avatar
HSMITH190
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
I changed my transmission fluid and there were big metal shavings stuck to the magnets on the pan. It also didn't solve the problem. I'm stuck
Oct 15, 2025 at 8:26 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
CANNON1349
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 861 POSTS
If there are literal shavings (big pieces you can feel) then there is definitely a transmission problem and is time for a rebuild or replacement.

William
Oct 16, 2025 at 5:09 AM
Avatar
STRAILER
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 53,872 POSTS
I agree with CANNON1349, Can I ask if the wheel spin freely when they are off of the ground? Also, what is the code they told you so we can confirm?
Oct 17, 2025 at 5:44 PM
Avatar
HSMITH190
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Sort of. I did find another problem today. The cv boot on the passenger side is busted and looks like it's been busted for some time now.
Oct 18, 2025 at 12:03 AM
Avatar
CANNON1349
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 861 POSTS
That would be grounds for replacing the axle however not something to create drag at the wheels. If you can remove the brake caliper and then the hub spins easier then there could be an issue with the brakes hanging up. Otherwise we got ourselves a transmission issue.

William
Oct 18, 2025 at 4:09 AM
Avatar
HSMITH190
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
I'm Going to try that in just a few minutes. Thanks for y'all's help
Oct 18, 2025 at 9:25 AM
Avatar
STRAILER
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 53,872 POSTS
No worries, we are here to help you. Let us know what you find :)
Oct 18, 2025 at 12:28 PM