Mud flaps for Nissan Murano: protecting the body from dirt and corrosion

Mud flaps on Nissan Murano is not just an accessory, but an important element of protecting the body from the aggressive effects of road dirt, sand and chemicals. Their installation is especially relevant for owners of crossovers operating in Russian winters and off-road conditions. Without high-quality mudguards, the paintwork on the sills, arches and the bottom of the doors quickly loses its presentable appearance, and the metal begins to rust due to constant micro-scratches and chips.

In this article we will look at which mudguards are suitable for Murano different generations (Z50, Z51, Z52), what materials they are made from, how to install them correctly and what nuances to consider when choosing. You will also find a comparison table of popular models, care tips and answers to frequently asked questions. If you are planning to buy mud flaps or have already encountered problems during their operation, this guide will help you avoid mistakes and save time.

Why are mud flaps needed on Nissan Murano: real benefit or marketing?

Many car owners doubt whether it is worth spending money on mud flaps, considering them a purely decorative element. However, their main function is protection of paintwork and metal from:

• 💨 abrasive wear — sand and small stones flying out from under the wheels scratch the paint, exposing the metal.
• 🧪 Chemical reagents — salt and deicing mixtures corrode the protection, accelerating corrosion.
• 🌧️ Moisture and dirt — constant wetting of the thresholds leads to rust, especially in places where they are chipped.
• 🚗 Mechanical damage — when parking near curbs or driving off-road, the mudguards take the blow.

On Nissan Murano vulnerable areas are:

• 🔹 Front and rear wheel arches (especially when driving on gravel).
• 🔹 The bottom of the doors - dirt accumulates here and is difficult to wash off.
• 🔹 Thresholds - often suffer from corrosion due to insufficient ventilation.

Without splash guards, these areas require regular polishing and anti-corrosion treatment, which is more expensive than installing protection. For example, restoring paintwork on an arch will cost 15–30 thousand rubles, while a set of mudguards costs from 3 to 10 thousand rubles.

⚠️ Attention: On Murano Z51 (2015-2021) Factory mud flaps are often clip-on, which break over time. When purchasing spare parts, check that the fasteners are complete - sometimes you have to purchase them separately.

Types of mud flaps for Nissan Murano: comparison of materials and designs

Mudguards vary in material, shape and method of attachment. For Murano Several types are suitable:

1. According to the material of manufacture

Material	Benefits	Disadvantages	Service life
Plastic (ABS, polypropylene)	Lightweight, cheap, UV resistant	Brittle in the cold, cracks when hit	2–4 years
Rubber (EPDM)	Flexible, does not break, dampens vibrations	Fades in the sun, may peel off	3–5 years
Composite (plastic + rubber)	Combines strength and elasticity	More expensive than analogues	4–6 years
Aluminum/steel	Maximum protection, durability	Heavy, may rust, difficult to install	7+ years

For most owners Murano optimal choice - composite or rubber mud flaps. They reliably protect the body, do not weigh down the car and do not require complex maintenance. Metal options are only suitable for extreme off-road conditions (for example, for Murano with lift kit).

2. By design

• 🔧 Factory (OEM) - fit perfectly in shape, but are often short and do not completely cover the arches.
• 🔧 Universal - cheaper, but require adjustment (may look unaesthetic).
• 🔧 Tuning — with additional stiffening ribs or LED lighting (for example, from WeatherTech or Husky Liners).

On Nissan Murano Z52 (2022–present) factory mudguards are attached with self-tapping screws rather than clips - this simplifies installation, but complicates dismantling when replacing.

How to choose mud flaps for Nissan Murano: step-by-step guide

When purchasing mud flaps for Murano consider:

1. Generation and year of manufacture of the car

• 📅 Z50 (2003–2007) - mudguards with 4-clip fastening are suitable.
• 📅 Z51 (2008–2014) - the shape of the arches has changed, models with an extended front edge are needed.
• 📅 Z51 facelift (2015–2021) - fastenings are shifted upward by 10 mm.
• 📅 Z52 (2022–present) — mudguards with metal inserts for rigidity.

Please check with VIN code or check with the seller for compatibility with your modification (for example, Murano Hybrid may have other fastenings).

2. Manufacturer and brand

The best brands for Murano:

• 🏆 WeatherTech — premium mud flaps made of thermoplastic, 3-year warranty.
• 🏆 Husky Liners - reinforced models for off-road use.
• 🏆 EGR - a budget option with good protection against dirt.
• 🏆 Nissan Original - factory spare parts, but often more expensive than analogues.

Beware of fakes! There are many counterfeit branded mudguards on the market WeatherTech or Nissanthat crack within a month. Check for holograms and certificates.

3. Equipment

The standard kit should include:

4 mudguards (front + rear)|

Set of fastening clips/screws|

Instructions with installation diagram|

Warranty card (for official brands) -->

If clips are missing, they can be purchased separately (item number for Murano Z51 — 90510-4M000).

⚠️ Attention: On Murano with air suspension (Air Suspension) Mudguards can interfere with the operation of the height sensors. Please check with your dealer for compatibility before purchasing.

Installing mud flaps on a Nissan Murano: step-by-step instructions

You can install the mudguards yourself in 1–2 hours. You will need:

• 🔧 Phillips screwdriver or screwdriver.
• 🔧 Plastic clips (if not included).
• 🔧 Alcohol or degreaser to clean the surface.
• 🔧 Hairdryer (to soften rubber mudguards in the cold).

Step 1: Preparing the car

Before installation:

1. Wash and dry the wheel arches.
2. Remove the old mudguards (if any) by carefully prying them off with a flathead screwdriver.
3. Clean the fastenings from dirt and rust.

Step 2: Installing Front Mud Flaps

Algorithm for Murano Z51:

1. Attach the mudguard to the arch and line up the holes.
2. Secure the upper part with self-tapping screws (if provided for by the design).
3. Secure the lower part with clips, pressing until it clicks.
4. Check that the mudguard does not touch the tire when turning the steering wheel.

Important: On Murano with tires more 235/65 R18 Extended mudguards may be required (for example, from Husky Liners).

Step 3: Installing Rear Mudguards

The rear mudguards are attached in a similar way, but:

• On Murano Z50 the back clip often breaks - use metal fasteners.
• On Z52 The rear mudguard may interfere with the parking sensor - check the gap (should be ≥10mm).

After installation, check the reliability of the fastenings by pulling the mudguard towards you. If it moves, add additional clips.

Tuning and modification of mudguards on Nissan Murano

Standard mud flaps can be upgraded for better protection or aesthetics:

1. Installing arch extensions

If on your Murano there are wide tires (for example, 255/55 R20), standard mud flaps will not completely cover the wheels. Solution - arch extensions from Bushwacker or Rough Country. They are:

• 🔹 Increases the width of protection by 20–40 mm.
• 🔹 Prevents dirt from getting on the doors.
• 🔹 Gives the car an aggressive look.

2. LED backlight

LED strips can be built into mudguards (for example, Philips LEDstrip), which:

• 💡 The thresholds are illuminated when the doors are opened.
• 💡 They work as additional dimensions.
• 💡 Controlled from a key fob or via an application (if connected to the CAN bus).

To connect you will need:

1. Route the wires from the mudguards to the control unit (usually behind the glove compartment).
2. Connect to 12V through a fuse (rated 5–10 A).
3. Program switching on when the doors are opened (need OBD-II adapter).

⚠️ Attention: On Murano Hybrid Incorrect LED connection may cause an error B2555 (light circuit malfunction). Use a voltage stabilizer.

3. Anti-gravel treatment

Even with mudguards the body Murano needs additional protection. Apply to arches and sills:

• 🛡️ Liquid rubber (For example, Rust-Oleum) - forms an elastic layer.
• 🛡️ Anti-gravel film (3M Scotchgard) - transparent, does not spoil the appearance.
• 🛡️ Movil or wax - for processing internal cavities.

How to apply liquid rubber?

1. Clean the surface from dirt and degrease.

2. Apply 2-3 coats at 15 minute intervals.

3. Dry for 24 hours (do not wash the car during this time).

4. For better adhesion, use a primer Rust-Oleum 7577838.

Caring for mudguards: how to extend their service life?

Mud flaps require regular maintenance, especially in winter. Basic rules:

1. Cleaning

• 🧽 Wash the mudguards every 2 weeks (especially after traveling on salt).
• 🧽 Use car shampoo without abrasives (eg Karcher RM 539).
• 🧽 For rubber mudguards, use silicone grease (prevents cracking).

2. UV protection

Plastic and rubber fade in the sun. To avoid this:

• ☀️ Apply UV protection spray (For example, 303 Aerospace Protectant).
• ☀️ Park in the shade or use wheel covers.

3. Checking the fasteners

Every 5–6 months, inspect:

• 🔩 Clips - if they are cracked, replace them with metal ones.
• 🔩 Self-tapping screws - treat in case of corrosion WD-40 and replace.
• 🔩 Gaps — if the mudguard comes off, tighten the fastenings.

On Murano Z50 Front mudguard clips often break during high pressure washing. Use a nozzle with a wide spray pattern (angle ≥40°).

Common problems with mud flaps on Nissan Murano and their solutions

Even high-quality mudguards can cause difficulties. Let's consider typical cases:

1. Mud flaps crack or fall off

Causes and solutions:

Problem	Reason	Solution
Cracks in plastic	Frost or shock	Replace with rubber or composite
Clips fall off	Worn or improperly installed	Install metal rivets
The mudguard clings to the tire	Wrong size	Cut or buy a model with a cutout

2. Creaking or vibration

If the mudguards squeak when driving:

• 🔊 Check the tightness of the fit - you may need to add foam rubber.
• 🔊 Lubricate the contact points silicone grease.
• 🔊 Tighten the fasteners (especially on Murano Z52, where the mudguards are attached with self-tapping screws).

3. Corrosion under mudguards

If rust appears under the mudguard:

1. Remove the mudguard and clean the metal rust converter (For example, Hi-Gear HG5718).
2. Apply primer And anti-gravel.
3. Reinstall the mudguard using sealant for fastenings.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions about mud flaps for Nissan Murano

Can Nissan X-Trail mud flaps be installed on a Murano?

No, the arch shapes of these models are different. Mud flaps from X-Trail T32 shorter and narrower, they will not cover the wheels Murano completely. The exception is universal models, but they will have to be trimmed.

How often should mudguards be replaced?

Service life depends on the material:

• Plastic - every 2-3 years.
• Rubber/composite - every 4-5 years.
• Metal - once every 7–10 years (subject to anti-corrosion treatment).

Signs for replacement: cracks, peeling, loss of elasticity.

Is it possible to drive without mudguards?

Technically yes, but this will lead to:

• Rapid wear of paintwork on sills and arches.
• Metal corrosion (especially in places of chips).
• Dirt entering the interior through door seals.

If you have temporarily removed the mudguards (for example, for painting), treat the body wax or ceramics for protection.

Which mudguards are better - factory or universal?

Factory (OEM) fit perfectly, but are often short. Universal ones are cheaper, but require modification. The best option is branded analogues (For example, WeatherTech), which repeat the shape Murano and offer better protection.

Can mudguards be painted to match the body color?

Yes, but:

• Plastic must be pre-treated primer for plastic (For example, APP Plastik Primer).
• It is not recommended to paint rubber - the paint will peel off quickly. Better to use vinyl stickers.
• After painting, apply matte or glossy varnish for protection.