Removing the door trim of the <em>Nissan Murano Z51</em>: complete instructions with nuances

Introduction: Why might it be necessary to remove the door trim?

Door trim Nissan Murano Z51 (third generation, 2015–2021) is not just a decorative element, but a complex structure that hides window lift mechanisms, audio system speakers, control units and wiring. The need to dismantle it arises in a variety of situations: from the banal replacement of a faulty window regulator to the installation of additional sound insulation or electronics repair.

Many owners Murano Z51 encounter typical problems: creaking doors, failure of window control buttons, water in the cabin after rain. In 80% of cases, the cause is wear of the seals or damage to internal mechanisms - and access to them is possible only after removing the casing. However incorrect dismantling may lead to breakage of plastic clips, broken wires or damage to decorative elements. These instructions will help you avoid mistakes and complete the job carefully.

It is important to understand that the design of the doors Murano Z51 differs from previous generations: they use combination latches (plastic clips + metal pistons), and in the electric doors, connectors for heating mirrors and system sensors were added Around View Monitor. If you have never done this kind of work, don’t rush. It’s better to spend an extra 20 minutes on preparation than to then look for original clips in a catalog Nissan.

Preparation: tools and materials

Before you begin removing the trim, make sure you have everything you need. Lack of even one tool can turn a simple procedure into agony. For example, without a plastic puller, you risk breaking the clips or scratching the panels, and without a magnetic screwdriver, you risk dropping the screws into the depths of the door pocket.

Here's a complete list of what you'll need:

• 🔧 Screwdriver set: Phillips (PH2), flat (3–5 mm), Torx (T20, T25) - for screws in the handle and under decorative plugs.
• 🧲 Magnetic holder or tweezers - so as not to lose small parts inside the door.
• 🪛 Plastic pullers (or homemade ones from an old bank card) - for neatly snapping off the clips.
• 📦 Container for fasteners - screws and clips are easily lost, and original spare parts for Murano Z51 they are not cheap.
• 🔌 Tester or multimeter - useful for checking wiring after dismantling.
• 🧴 Silicone grease — for processing window lifter guides and rubber seals.

If you plan to work with electricians (for example, repairing heated mirrors), additionally prepare:

• 🔋 9 volt battery — for checking circuits without connecting a battery.
• 📝 Electrical diagram Nissan Murano Z51 (can be found in the manual or on Nissan TechInfo).

⚠️ Attention: If your Murano Z51 equipped with a system Bose or Around View Monitor, additional wires for speakers and cameras are laid in the doors. Do not pull the casing sharply upward — first disconnect all connectors!

Step-by-step instructions: remove the front door trim

The process of dismantling the trim on the front doors Murano Z51 Identical for the driver and passenger sides, but there are nuances with the location of buttons and connectors. Let's start with the driver's door - it is more complicated due to the window control unit.

Step 1: Removing decorative elements

1. Unscrew the screw in the armrest (under the plug). Use a screwdriver T20.
2. Using a puller, carefully pry up the plastic trim around the door handle. It is attached with 3 clips.
3. Disconnect the backlight connector (if equipped) and set the cover aside.

Step 2: Removing the window control unit

• 🔌 Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery (required!) to avoid short circuit.
• 🪛 Pry the glass control unit on the side (there is a groove for the puller). It is secured with 2 latches.
• 🔌 Disconnect the wiring harness connector. Don't pull the wires! — grab the plastic housing of the connector.

Step 3: Unscrewing the Trim Screws

The screws are hidden under decorative plugs. Their location:

• 1 screw in the lower corner of the casing (under the plastic cover).
• 2 screws at the end of the door (next to the hinges). Use a screwdriver PH2.
• 1 screw under the opening handle (visible after removing the cover).

Step 4: Removing the Trim

Now carefully pull the trim towards you, starting with bottom corner. The clips will resist - use a puller to pry them off. On Murano Z51 There is an additional metal piston in the upper part of the casing - it needs to be turned counterclockwise, and not pulled by force!

Disconnected battery terminal|Removed all decorative trims|Unscrewed all screws (including hidden ones)|Prepared a container for fasteners|Checked connectors for latches-->

Once the trim is removed, you will be able to see the inside of the door. What's important here is:

• 🔌 Do not touch speaker wires Bose - they are fragile.
• 💧 Check the condition of the drainage holes (at the bottom of the door) - if they are clogged, water will accumulate inside.
• 🔧 Inspect the window lift mechanism for corrosion or cable wear.

⚠️ Attention: If, after removing the trim, you find rust on the window lift mechanism, do not lubricate it with WD-40! This composition temporarily dissolves rust, but does not protect against further corrosion. Use lithium grease or special anti-corrosion compounds for cars.

Features of the rear doors Murano Z51

Rear doors Nissan Murano Z51 Structurally simpler than the front ones, but they have their own nuances. The main difference is the absence of a window control unit (the buttons are located on the center console), but there are additional mounts for child locks and rear sound system speakers.

Key points:

• 🔧 The screws are hidden under the plugs at the end of the door and under the armrest.
• 🔊 The rear door speaker is secured with 3 screws PH2 — they need to be unscrewed to completely remove the casing.
• 👶 If your Murano is equipped with child locks; before removing the trim, move them to the “open” position - otherwise the mechanism will be blocked.

Dismantling process:

1. Remove the plastic trim around the opening handle (same as the front door).
2. Unscrew the screw in the lower trim pocket (under the plug).
3. Gently pull the trim towards you, starting from the top corner. There are fewer clips here, but they are more fragile.
4. Disconnect the rear window heating wiring connector (if equipped).

On rear doors, dirt often accumulates in the drainage holes. After removing the casing, it is recommended:

• 🧹 Clean the holes with wire or compressed air.
• 💦 Wash the inside of the door with water and soapy water (but do not flood the electronics!).
• 🔧 Check the condition of the seal between the door and the body - if it is cracked, replace it.

What to do if the clip breaks?

If the plastic trim clip breaks, do not try to attach the trim to the remaining piece - it will rattle. Buy an original clip (item number for Murano Z51 — 80310-3M000) or a universal alternative from 3M or HEXSOK. A temporary solution is to use double-sided tape, but it won't last long.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners sometimes make mistakes when removing door trim. Here are the most common problems and how to prevent them:

Error	Consequences	How to avoid
Sharp twitching of the casing	Broken clips, cracks in plastic	Use pullers, snap off the clips one at a time
Ignoring connectors	Broken wires, short circuit	Disconnect the battery, check all connectors before removing
Lost screws/clips	Uneven fixation of the casing, rattling	Use a container for fasteners, a magnetic screwdriver
Moisture on electrical parts	Corrosion of contacts, failure of the window regulator	Do not pressure wash the door, dry it after cleaning

Another common mistake is incorrect assembly. For example, if you forget to connect the heated mirror connector, the system Around View Monitor will give an error, and if you do not fix the window lift cable, the glass will begin to “walk” when moving.

Assembly Tip: Before reinstalling the casing, check:

• 🔌 All connectors are connected (especially speakers and power windows).
• 🔧 All screws are tightened, but not overtightened (the threads can be broken).
• 🎵 Performance of acoustics and electric windows.

Cleaning and maintenance after removing the casing

Once the trim is removed, you have a great opportunity to perform preventative maintenance on the door. This will extend the life of the mechanisms and improve comfort in the cabin.

1. Cleaning the drainage holes

Clogged drain holes are the main cause of water pooling in doors. B Murano Z51 they are located at the bottom of the door (under the rubber seal). For cleaning:

• 🧹 Use wire or a special brush.
• 💨 Blow out the holes with compressed air.
• 💦 Rinse with water to ensure there are no blockages.

2. Lubrication of mechanisms

Window lifters and door locks require periodic lubrication. Recommendations:

• 🔧 For cable power windows use silicone grease (For example, CRC 2-26).
• 🔑 For castles will do graphite grease or WD-40 Specialist.
• ⚙️ For glass guides — lithium grease.

3. Checking the seals

Rubber door seals lose elasticity over time. Inspect them for:

• 🔍 Cracks or breaks.
• 💧 Traces of moisture (indicates a violation of tightness).
• 🧲 Peels from the body (glue back using 3M Super Weatherstrip Adhesive).

4. Electronics diagnostics

If the door has electrical components (speakers, motors, sensors), check:

• 🔌 Integrity of wiring (especially in places of inflection).
• 🎵 Speaker performance Bose (call the tester).
• 🔋 Voltage at the connectors (should be 12V when the ignition is on).

⚠️ Attention: If you find corrosion on the connectors (green coating), don't clean it with sandpaper! This will damage the contacts. Use a special contact cleaner (for example, Contact 60) and a brush.

When to contact the service?

Although removing the door trim Nissan Murano Z51 - a task that is feasible for most car owners; there are situations when it is better to trust the professionals. Here are signs that DIY repairs could lead to even bigger problems:

• 🔧 Electrical problems: If, after removing the trim, the power windows, heated mirrors or audio system stop working, and you cannot find the reason, do not risk it. Incorrect connection may damage the door control unit (Door Control Module).
• 💻 Errors in the on-board computer: if after repair the dashboard lights up Check Door or AVM Error, diagnostics with a scanner will be required (for example, Nissan Consult).
• 🔨 Complex mechanical repairs: Replacing a window lift cable or adjusting the glass requires experience. An error in setting can lead to jamming of the mechanism.
• 💦 Consequences of flooding: If water got into the door and the electronics “died”, not only will the components need to be replaced, but also the circuits will need to be checked for short circuits.

Average cost of removing/installing door trim in service for Murano Z51:

Type of work	Cost (RUB)
Removing/installing trim (1 door)	1 500 – 2 500
Replacing a window regulator	3 000 – 5 000
Diagnostics of door electronics	1 000 – 2 000
Troubleshooting Around View Monitor	2 500 – 4 000

If you still decide to contact the service, choose specialized centers according to Nissan. They have:

• 🔧 Original spare parts and clips.
• 💻 Diagnostic equipment (Consult III Plus).
• 📋 Access to technical documentation Nissan (for example, wiring diagrams for Murano Z51).

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to remove the door trim? Murano Z51 without pullers?

Technically yes, but the risk of damaging the clips or plastic is very high. If there are no pullers, use plastic card (bank or discount), having previously wrapped it in soft cloth. The main thing is not to use metal tools (screwdrivers, knives) so as not to scratch the panels.

How many fastening clips are there on the front door? Murano Z51?

On the front door Nissan Murano Z51 used:

• 8 plastic clips (along the perimeter of the casing).
• 2 metal pistons (at the top).
• 5 screws (in the handle, armrest and door end).

When buying new clips, take a set with a spare - they often break during dismantling.

How to remove the trim if the window regulator is broken and the glass is jammed at the top?

If the window does not go down, proceed as follows:

1. Remove the door trim (as described above), but be careful - the glass may fall when the mechanism is disconnected.
2. Unscrew the 3 window lifter mounting bolts (use a 10 mm socket).
3. Carefully lower the glass by hand, holding it on both sides.
4. Secure the glass with tape in the lower position so that it does not fall during further disassembly.

If the window lift cable breaks, do not try to “fix” it - replace the mechanism completely. Cost of a new window lifter for Murano Z51 - about 4,000–6,000 rubles (original 80850-4M000).

What should I do if the door slams or rattles after assembly?

Causes and solutions:

• Screws not tightened enough → Check all fastenings, especially at the end of the door.
• Broken or lost clip → Replace it (see article number above).
• The casing is deformed → Try heating it with a hairdryer (temperature 50–60°C) and straighten the shape.
• Problems with the seal → Apply silicone grease or replace rubber.

If the rattling remains, check whether the casing is touching the internal mechanisms (for example, the speaker). Sometimes it helps to glue problem areas anti-vibration tape.

Can the door trim be washed after removal?

Yes, but with caution:

• Use warm water with mild detergent (For example, Autoglym Interior Shampoo).
• Do not use aggressive solvents (such as White spirit) - they destroy plastic.
• To clean textured surfaces, use soft brush.
• After washing, dry the upholstery without hair dryer (hot air can deform the plastic).

If there are greasy stains on the upholstery (for example, from hand cream), treat them isopropyl alcohol (70% concentration).