Crossover owners Nissan Murano second generation, known in the Z51 body, are often faced with the issue of replacing suspension components. The wheel bearing is one of those elements that operates under enormous loads, especially considering the massiveness and weight of the vehicle. If you hear a hum that changes with speed, this is where the problem lies.
Ignoring signs of wear can result in a wheel seizing while driving, which can lead to a serious accident. Unlike simpler models, Murano Z51 Replacing a bearing requires removing the entire assembly and using special tools, since the suspension design has its own characteristics.
Design features and role of the bearing in the Murano Z51 suspension
On Nissan Murano Z51 uses hub units that are integrated into the ABS system. This means that inside the bearing there is a magnetic encoder that reads the rotation speed of the wheel to operate the anti-lock braking system. Any misalignment or play disrupts the accuracy of the signals, which can cause false operation of the brake system.
The front suspension of this model is made according to the MacPherson system, and the rear is multi-link. This creates specific load vectors. In the rear part, the bearing is often a non-separable unit, which is replaced entirely along with the hub if it is not possible to press it out the old way. Front wheel bearing is subjected to large radial loads due to the weight of the engine and transmission.
You must understand that the resource of this element directly depends on the quality of the roads and driving style. Absolute tightness bearing housing is critical to its longevity. The entry of even a microscopic particle of abrasive into the lubricant accelerates wear significantly.
Accurate diagnostics: how to understand that a bearing requires replacement
Symptoms of a malfunction can be very subtle at the initial stage. Most often, the driver notices a low-frequency hum, which intensifies when accelerating. It is important to note that the sound changes when you turn the steering wheel: if the hum increases when you turn to the right, it means the left bearing is faulty, and vice versa.
To check, you can use the following method: lift the car on a lift or jack so that the wheel rotates freely. Try rocking the wheel in the vertical plane (top-bottom) and horizontal (left-right). Any play in the hub is a sign that wheel bearing no longer holds the load.
It is also worth paying attention to the operation of the ABS system. If the ABS or ESP error light comes on on the instrument panel, and the diagnostics show an error in the speed sensor of a particular wheel, the problem may not be in the sensor itself, but in the magnetic ring inside the bearing.
⚠️ Attention: Do not confuse the hum of a wheel bearing with the sound of worn tires. Often, incorrect tread geometry (the sawtooth wear effect) creates a similar hum that disappears when the axle load changes.
- Uniform hum
- Clicking noise when turning
- Grinding noise when braking
- The hum changes when accelerating
Review of manufacturers and selection of high-quality analogues
The spare parts market offers many options, but for a heavy crossover like Murano Z51 savings are unacceptable here. Original bearing from Nissan (catalogues 40202-CA00A and analogues) is a standard, but is expensive. Proven Japanese and European brands are a good alternative.
Among the reliable manufacturers we can highlight Koyo, Timken and SKF. These companies supply components to the assembly lines of many automakers. Products FAG also shows excellent results in terms of durability when used in Russian conditions.
Avoid purchasing bearings from little-known Chinese brands, which often do not have quality certificates. Their resource can be only 10-15 thousand kilometers. Steel quality and precision of grinding of raceways are the main criteria for selection.
- ✅ Koyo - excellent balance of price and quality, often goes like the original.
- ✅ SKF - a reliable European brand with a long service life.
- ✅ NSK - Japanese standard, ideal for front-wheel drive systems.
Bearing part number and compatibility table
To make it easier to select spare parts, below is a table with the main articles for the front and rear axles. Please note that the front and rear bearings have different mounting designs and sizes.
| Position | Original Nissan part number | Analog (Koyo) | Analogue (Timken) | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Front left/right | 40202-CA00A | 40202-CA00A | HM89410 | With ABS sensor |
| Rear left | 42402-CA00A | 42402-CA00A | LM501349 | Complete with hub |
| Rear right | 42401-CA00A | 42401-CA00A | LM501349 | Complete with hub |
| Sensor ring | 42411-1AA0A | - | - | If damaged |
What to do if the bearing is assembled with the hub?
In some cases, especially on the rear axle, the bearing is not pressed out separately. Manufacturers suggest replacing the entire assembly. This is more expensive, but guarantees the absence of installation problems and the safety of the seat in the steering knuckle.
Step-by-step instructions for replacing the front bearing
Replacing the wheel bearing with Nissan Murano Z51 is a labor-intensive process. You will need to remove the wheel, unscrew the caliper, stabilizer link, steering linkage and possibly the steering knuckle. Do not try to drive the bearing through the hub as you will damage the cage.
The procedure is as follows: loosen the hub nut, lift the car, remove the wheel. Unscrew the caliper mounting bolts and hang it on a wire. Disconnect the ABS sensor. Remove the hub nut, unscrew the bolts securing the steering knuckle to the strut and steering tip. Pull the drive out of the hub.
The steering knuckle can now be removed. To press out the bearing, use a special puller or hydraulic press. Install the new bearing using a mandrel, resting on the outer race. Installation in place requires care not to damage the separator.
☑️ Preparation for replacement
⚠️ Attention: When reassembling, be sure to replace the hub nut with a new one. The old nut has a plastic insert, which, after tightening, becomes deformed and loses its locking properties, which can lead to the wheel unwinding!
Before removing the steering knuckle, mark the position of the adjusting washers (if any) with a marker so that during assembly you can maintain the correct wheel alignment geometry and not damage the drive seal.
Difficulties in replacing the rear bearing and nuances of operation
Rear suspension Murano The Z51 is structurally more complex than the front one. This uses a multi-link design, where the wheel bearing is often integrated into the steering knuckle of the rear axle. To access it, you need to remove the brake disc and caliper, and also unscrew many suspension bolts.
The main difficulty is dismantling the bearing itself. Often it sticks to the hub or steering knuckle. Using a hammer may cause cracks in the aluminum housing. It is recommended to use a hydraulic puller. If the bearing fails, sometimes it is easier to replace the entire assembly.
After installing the new unit, you need to check the operation of the ABS sensor. Clean the contact groups and make sure that the wire does not rub against the rotating parts. Rear bearing experiences less radial loads, but is more susceptible to lateral forces when cornering.
- ✅ Be sure to use a torque wrench to tighten the bolts.
- ✅ Check the condition of the ball joint boots during dismantling.
- ✅ After replacement, do a wheel alignment.
Replacing a rear bearing on a Murano Z51 often requires removing the entire control arm for easy access and using a press, making the process more time-consuming than replacing the front pair.
Cost of work and advice on extending service life
Price for original bearing for Murano Z51 may vary depending on region and exchange rate. Analogues are much cheaper, but the choice of brand should be deliberate. Service work to replace one hub unit usually takes 1.5–2.5 hours.
To extend the life of new bearings, monitor the condition of the CV joint boots. When they rupture, the lubricant leaks out and dirt gets into the bearing. Regularly washing the underbody and checking the suspension for play will help avoid sudden breakdowns.
If you are planning a long-distance trip, it is better to replace both bearings on one axle, even if one of them has not yet worn out. This will save time on repeated repairs and guarantee safety. Replacing the bearing should be accompanied by checking the suspension geometry, since distortions can kill the new unit within a couple of thousand kilometers.
⚠️ Attention: Do not delay with replacement! Bearing failure can lead to wheel seizure at high speed, which is the case with a heavy crossover Nissan Murano often ends in loss of control and a serious accident.
Frequently asked questions from Nissan Murano Z51 owners
Is it possible to drive if the bearing is noisy, but there is no play?
No. The noise indicates the destruction of the raceways or drying out of the lubricant. Ignoring the noise can lead to instant destruction of the unit and jamming of the wheel.
Is it necessary to do a wheel alignment after replacing a bearing?
Yes, when replacing the front bearing, especially if the steering knuckle was removed, the wheel alignment angles may be disrupted. For the rear wheels on the Murano Z51, the angles may also change.
Is it possible to replace just the bearing and not the entire assembly?
Technically it is possible, but it is labor-intensive and requires special equipment. It is often easier and more reliable to replace the assembly, especially on the rear axle, where the design is more complex.
How often do you need to change bearings on a Murano Z51?
The average resource is 100-150 thousand kilometers, but on bad roads this period can be halved. Regular suspension diagnostics are mandatory.