Front hub <em>Nissan Murano Z51</em>: how to select and replace without errors

Front hub on Nissan Murano Z51 (2015–2022) is a critical component on which not only ride comfort, but also safety depends. Bearing wear or hub housing deformation can lead to vibrations in the steering wheel, uneven tire wear and even the risk of the wheel seizing at speed. Owners Murano third generation vehicles are often faced with the need to replace the hub after 80–100 thousand kilometers, especially when operating on Russian roads.

In this article we will look at how to correctly diagnose a front hub malfunction, which original and similar parts are suitable for Z51, and also give step-by-step instructions for replacement, taking into account typical errors. We will pay special attention to the nuances of choosing bearings (including for versions with a 4WD) and compatibility with vehicle electronic systems such as VDC (dynamics control).

Signs of front hub failure Nissan Murano Z51

The first symptoms of wheel hub problems are often confused with wheel imbalance or suspension problems. However, there are a number of specific signs that directly indicate bearing wear or housing damage:

• 🔊 Hum or howl on the wheel side, increasing when accelerating to 60–80 km/h. The sound may disappear when the steering wheel is turned to one side (this helps to localize the problem wheel).
• 🌀 Vibration on the steering wheel, which does not disappear after wheel balancing. More often occurs when braking or on rough roads.
• 🔥 Hub overheating after the trip (you can check it with your hand by comparing the temperature of the wheels). A normal hub should be warm, but not scalding.
• 🚗 Wheel play when rocking in a vertical plane (checked on a jack). Even minimal play is a reason for replacement.

On Murano Z51 with all-wheel drive (AWD) a faulty hub can activate the error C1130 (mismatch of ABS sensor signals), since a speed sensor is integrated into the hub. In this case, the indicator on the dashboard will light up VDC Off or ABS.

⚠️ Attention: If you ignore the noise of the bearing, it may collapse on the move, which will lead to the wheel jamming. On Murano Z51 this is especially dangerous due to the high center of gravity and the risk of tipping over.

Original and similar hubs: what to choose for Z51

Original front hub for Nissan Murano Z51 (2015–2022) has an article number 40520-JM00A (right) and 40521-JM00A (left). Complete with bearing and ABS sensor. The average price at official dealers is from 12,000 to 18,000 rubles per piece. However, many owners choose analogs that are cheaper but not inferior in quality.

Brand	Article	Price, rub.	Features
Nissan (original)	40520-JM00A / 40521-JM00A	12 000–18 000	12 month warranty, fully compatible with VDC
NTN-SNR	R155.50 (bearing)	4 500–6 000	Japanese made, often installed on an assembly line
SKF	VKBA 3603	5 000–7 500	Reinforced bearing for harsh conditions
Febi	22610	3 800–5 200	German brand, good price/quality ratio
Koyo	DAC40720038	4 200–6 000	Original supplier for Nissan

When choosing an analogue, pay attention to:

• 🔧 Availability of ABS sensor - on Murano Z51 it is built into the hub. Some cheap analogues are sold without a sensor!
• 📏 Seat size - must match the original (5×114.3 for Z51).
• 🔄 Installation side — the right and left hubs are not interchangeable.

Step-by-step replacement of the front hub with Nissan Murano Z51

Replacing the hub with Murano Z51 requires a minimum set of tools, but there are several nuances associated with the car’s electronic systems. It is better to do the work on a lift or inspection pit, as you will need to remove the wheel and brake caliper.

Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery (to avoid VDC errors)

Jack up the car and remove the wheel

Remove the brake caliper and disc (hang the caliper on a wire)

Disconnect the ABS sensor connector

Remove the hub retaining ring (a puller will be required)

Unscrew the hub nut (tightening torque during installation - 200–220 Nm) -->

Replacement algorithm:

1. Removing the old hub:
   • Unscrew the hub mounting nut (you will need a head on 32 and extension cord).
   • Remove the retaining ring using a puller or screwdriver.
   • Carefully knock the hub off the axle using a hammer and a wooden spacer.
2. Installing a new hub:
   • Clean the seat from dirt and rust.
   • Apply a thin layer of lubricant to the trunnion (eg Molykote).
   • Install the new hub and tighten the nut to torque 200–220 Nm.
3. Check:
   • Make sure the wheel rotates freely without play.
   • Connect the ABS sensor connector and check for errors via CONSULT-III or scanner ELM327.

⚠️ Attention: After replacing the hub with Murano Z51 with the system VDC ABS sensor adaptations may need to be reset. To do this, you need to drive 5–10 km at a speed above 40 km/h or use a diagnostic scanner.

Common mistakes when replacing a hub and how to avoid them

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes that lead to premature wear of the new hub or problems with electronic systems Murano Z51. Here are the most common of them:

• 🔧 Incorrect tightening torque — if you tighten the nut, the bearing will overheat and fail within 1–2 thousand km. If you don't tighten it enough, there will be a backlash.
• 🔌 Damage to the ABS sensor connector — when disconnecting, do not pull the wires, only the connector body.
• 🧲 Ignoring the magnetic ring — on some analogues it may be installed incorrectly, which will lead to an error C1130.
• 🛠️ Using a percussion instrument - It is forbidden to hit the hub itself, only through the soft spacer.

Critical error: installing the hub without checking the axle for wear. If there is scoring or corrosion on the axle, the new hub will last no more than 10–15 thousand km. Before installation, be sure to inspect the trunnion and, if necessary, polish it with fine sandpaper.

Another common problem is the error C1130 after replacement. It occurs if:

• The ABS sensor in the new hub is not compatible with VDC.
• The wiring or sensor connector is damaged.
• The adaptations have not been reset (you need to drive 5–10 km or use a scanner).

What should I do if the ABS lights up after replacing the hub?

1. Check the connection of the ABS sensor connector.

2. Make sure the magnetic ring is not damaged.

3. Reset errors via diagnostic scanner (eg Launch X431).

4. If the error remains, check the compatibility of the sensor in the new hub with your version VDC (on some Murano Z51 after 2018 there are sensors of a different type).

Comparison of hubs for Murano Z51 with all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive

On Nissan Murano Z51 hubs for versions with 2WD (front wheel drive) and 4WD (all-wheel drive) are similar in appearance, but have key differences:

Parameter	2WD (front wheel drive)	4WD (all-wheel drive)
Original article number	40520-JM00A / 40521-JM00A	40520-JM01A / 40521-JM01A
Bearing type	Single angular contact	Reinforced, with increased resource
ABS sensor	Standard	With increased accuracy (for VDC)
Compatibility	Only for 2WD	Suitable for all versions, but more expensive

Is it possible to install a hub from 4WD on 2WD? Yes, but it is not practical due to the higher price. Reverse replacement (installation of the hub from 2WD on 4WD) unacceptable - this will lead to incorrect operation of the system VDC and mistakes C1130 or C1145.

How to extend the life of the hub by Nissan Murano Z51

Average front hub resource per Murano Z51 - 80–120 thousand km, but with proper operation this figure can be increased to 150–180 thousand km. Here are the key recommendations:

• 🚿 Avoid deep puddles — water entering the bearing accelerates corrosion. After driving through a puddle, check the temperature of the hub (if it is hot, the bearing requires replacement).
• 🛣️ Balance your wheels in a timely manner — imbalance creates additional load on the hub.
• 🔧 Check the tightening torque of the nuts after visiting a tire shop. Overtightened or loose nuts will destroy the bearing.
• 🧴 Use quality lubricant for caliper guides - this reduces the load on the hub during braking.

On Murano Z51 with the system VDC It is especially important to monitor the condition of the ABS sensor in the hub. Its contamination or damage leads to false alarms of the stabilization system. Clean the sensor from dirt every 20 thousand km using WD-40 or a special cleaner for electronics.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the front hub Nissan Murano Z51

Is it possible to drive with a humming hub?

No. The hum indicates wear on the bearing, which can fail at any moment. On Murano Z51 this is especially dangerous due to the high center of gravity - jamming a wheel at speed can lead to a rollover. The maximum permissible mileage with a humming hub is 500–1000 km (to the nearest service station).

What tool is needed for replacement?

Minimum set:

• Head on 32 for the hub nut.
• Retaining ring remover.
• Torque wrench (tightening torque - 200–220 Nm).
• Hammer and wooden spacer for removing the hub.
• Scanner for resetting errors VDC (optional).

How much does it cost to replace a hub at a service center?

Cost of working at an official dealer Nissan — from 3,500 to 5,000 rubles per side. In independent services - 2,000–3,500 rubles. Self-replacement takes 1.5–2 hours if you have a tool.

How are hubs different? Murano Z51 before and after 2018?

From 2018 to Murano Z51 hubs with a modified ABS sensor were installed (article no. 40520-JM01A instead of 40520-JM00A). They are compatible in terms of seats, but the sensor in new versions interacts with the system more accurately VDC. When replacing, it is better to use the article number corresponding to the year of manufacture.

Is it possible to restore the hub (replace only the bearing)?

Technically possible, but impractical. On Murano Z51 The hub and bearing are a non-separable unit (the bearing is pressed into the housing). Attempts to press it out and install a new one lead to a violation of the geometry, which reduces the service life by 2-3 times. It is better to buy the hub assembled.