Crossover owners Nissan Murano second generation (body Z51) are often faced with issues related to maintaining controllability and comfort when driving over 100 thousand kilometers. The key element that ensures trajectory stability is the front suspension, in which special attention should be paid to the levers. It is these parts that experience enormous loads from the weight of a heavy vehicle and the quality of the road surface.
Failure to diagnose wear promptly can lead to critical consequences, including loss of control at high speed. In this article we will analyze in detail the design features of levers, signs of their failure and the nuances of self-repair. You will learn why replacement often becomes inevitable and how to choose the right analogue.
Design features of the front suspension
Suspension Nissan Murano Z51 is a complex system of independent elements, where each lever performs a strictly defined function. The front axle is equipped with a double wishbone design (McPherson), where the upper and lower arms are responsible for holding the wheel in the desired position relative to the body.
The lower arm, as a rule, absorbs the main vertical and longitudinal loads, and also absorbs impacts from holes and irregularities. The upper control arm, often called the wishbone, controls the wheel's dynamic camber and toe. Particular attention should be paid to silent blocks and ball joints integrated into the design of the levers, since their wear is the main cause of problems.
- 🔧 The lower arm is made of steel alloy with reinforced ball joint mounting points.
- 🛣️ Silent blocks are made of polyurethane or rubber metal, which affects the service life.
- ⚙️ The upper arm often has adjusting eccentrics to fine-tune wheel alignment angles.
Suspension design Nissan Murano designed for comfort, so the engineers provided massive rubber inserts. However, it is these inserts that become the weak link when used in aggressive urban environments or off-road conditions.
Wear symptoms and diagnosis
A faulty lever can be determined by a number of characteristic signs that appear when the car is moving. The first and most obvious symptom is the appearance of extraneous sounds in the area of the front wheels. A knock, a dull metallic impact, or a grinding sound when driving over uneven surfaces indicates destruction of the silent blocks or play in the ball joint.
It is important to note that wear may be uneven. Sometimes the problem occurs on only one side, causing the car to pull to the side when braking or turning. A visual inspection of the suspension on the lift can reveal cracks in the rubber elements or deformation of the metal part of the lever.
- 🔊 Strong knocking sound when passing speed bumps or potholes.
- 📉 The car pulls to the side when driving in a straight line without rotating the steering wheel.
- ⚠️ Uneven tire tread wear, especially the “sawtooth” pattern.
If you feel vibration in your steering wheel at certain speeds, this could also indicate a problem with your suspension. Do not ignore these signals as they have a direct impact on safety.
⚠️ Attention: Operating a car with a completely destroyed silent block of the lever can lead to the wheel being torn off from the car during a sharp maneuver or braking!
Selection of spare parts: original or analogue?
If there is a need to replace the levers, the owner Nissan Murano Z51 The choice arises between original parts and high-quality analogues. Original levers from Nissan guarantee perfect compliance with the geometry and resource declared by the manufacturer. However, their cost is often too high, especially if the entire set needs to be replaced.
Analogs from well-known global manufacturers can offer the best price-quality ratio. Many brands use harder materials for silent blocks, which extends the service life in our road conditions. However, it is important to choose trusted suppliers to avoid counterfeits.
- 🇯🇵 Original spare parts: Nissan (high price, ideal geometry).
- 🇩🇪 European brands: Lemförder, TRW, Sach (excellent quality, average price).
- 🇹🇭 Asian analogues: 555, Meyle (affordable price, variable quality).
Particular attention should be paid to silent blocks. Sometimes it is cheaper and more correct to replace only the rubber inserts if the metal part of the lever does not show signs of corrosion or deformation. But for Nissan Murano It is often more profitable to change the lever assembly, since the work of pressing the silent blocks can be expensive.
- Original quality
- Price
- Availability
- Manufacturer brand
Tools and preparation for replacement
Before starting work, it is necessary to prepare specialized tools, since the suspension Nissan Murano Z51 has high fastening rigidity. You will need heavy-duty jacks, car stands, and a set of socket wrenches with extensions. Pay special attention to the wrench for unscrewing the ball joint bolts, as they often stick.
For safe operation, the vehicle must be securely supported on a lift or jacks. The wheels must be removed after first loosening the bolts while the car is on the ground. This will avoid injury and damage to parts if the wheel falls.
☑️ Preparing to replace the lever
Step-by-step replacement instructions
The replacement process begins with dismantling the wheel and disconnecting elements that interfere with access to the lever. First, the bolts securing the anti-roll bar and brake caliper are unscrewed. It is better to hang the caliper on a wire so as not to damage the brake hose.
Then you need to unscrew the bolt securing the ball joint to the steering knuckle. This often requires the use of a special puller or a powerful impact tool. After this, the bolts securing the lever itself to the subframe are unscrewed. It is important here to remember or photograph the position of the eccentric washers, if any.
Difficulty unscrewing bolts
If the ball joint bolts are stuck, use a penetrating lubricant and heat the joint with a hair dryer. Do not try to yank them out of place, so as not to break the threads in the steering knuckle.
Installing the new lever is done in the reverse order. It is important to tighten the bolts to the recommended torque using a torque wrench. The final tightening of the bolts securing the lever to the subframe is carried out only after the car is lowered onto the wheels so that the rubber silent blocks do not twist.
⚠️ Attention: Incorrect tightening of the lever mounting bolts can lead to their rapid separation and destruction of the suspension while driving!
Wheel alignment adjustment
After replacing the levers, a mandatory procedure is to adjust the wheel alignment angles (wheel alignment). Any interference with the suspension geometry violates the factory settings, which leads to vehicle drift and rapid tire wear. Without proper adjustment, even a new lever will not provide proper controllability.
The procedure is carried out on a specialized stand using 3D technologies. The wizard adjusts the angles in accordance with the parameters specified in the technical documentation for Nissan Murano Z51. Particular attention is paid to wheel toe-in, as it affects straight-line stability.
- 📐 The camber must be within the acceptable range to ensure traction.
- 🔄 Toe-in is adjusted to prevent the car from pulling to the side.
- 📏 The longitudinal tilt of the steering axis affects the return of the steering wheel to the central position.
If, after replacing the levers, the car continues to pull to the side, it is necessary to check that the eccentrics are installed correctly and that there is no deformation of the suspension parts.
| Parameter | Value (camber) | Value (toe) | Tolerance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Front axle | -0°45' ± 30' | 0°10' ± 10' | ± 0°10' |
| Right wheel | -0°45' | 0°05' | ± 0°05' |
| Left wheel | -0°45' | 0°05' | ± 0°05' |
Write down the obtained wheel alignment values in the vehicle’s service book. This will help future technicians quickly identify abnormalities during the next diagnosis.
Typical repair mistakes
One of the most common mistakes is replacing only one lever when the other is clearly worn. The suspension works as a system and the load is distributed between both sides. If one lever is worn out, the second one is most likely also in poor condition and will soon require replacement.
Failure to check other suspension components may also result in repeated repairs. Often, along with the levers, stabilizer struts, shock absorbers or springs wear out. It is necessary to carry out a comprehensive diagnosis of all components of the front axle.
Replacing suspension arms is not just replacing a part, it is restoring the geometry of the car, requiring a professional approach and precision.
Incorrect tightening of mounting bolts is another common problem. Tightening too loose will result in backlash, while tightening too tightly can strip threads or deform metal elements. Use a torque wrench and follow the tightening torque specified in the repair manual.
⚠️ Attention: The use of gloves and safety glasses is mandatory when working with the suspension, as dirt and rust may get into the eyes or cause skin irritation.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
How long does the front suspension arm last on a Nissan Murano Z51?
The service life depends on operating conditions, but on average, original levers last from 100 to 150 thousand kilometers. Analogues may require replacement earlier, especially if cheap rubber silent blocks are used.
Is it possible to replace only the silent blocks of the lever?
Technically this is possible, but it is often economically unprofitable due to the complexity of the pressing work. Additionally, if the lever shows signs of corrosion or deformation, replacing the inserts alone will not solve the problem.
Is it necessary to do a wheel alignment after replacing the levers?
Yes, this is a mandatory procedure. Any change in suspension geometry disrupts wheel alignment, which leads to improper tire wear and poor handling.
Which levers are better to install: original or analogue?
The original guarantees perfect geometry, but is expensive. High-quality analogues from Lemförder or TRW often exceed the original in terms of silent block life in our conditions. Avoid cheap unknown brands.
How often should you check your suspension?
It is recommended to carry out a visual inspection of the suspension every 15-20 thousand kilometers or when extraneous sounds appear. Comprehensive diagnostics on the lift should be performed at least once a year.