Nissan Murano Z51 is a crossover that combines comfort and cross-country ability, but even such a reliable car requires attention to the chassis. The rear suspension plays a key role here: handling, road stability and the service life of other components depend on its condition. In this article we will analyze rear suspension diagram, its weak points, signs of wear and nuances of repair - from replacing struts to adjusting camber.

Feature Murano Z51 (2015-2021) - Independent multi-link rear suspension, which provides a smooth ride but makes it difficult to diagnose. Owners often experience knocking noises, uneven tire wear, or the car pulling to the side. We have collected current data from manuals, the experience of service technicians and reviews from car owners to help you understand the device and avoid common mistakes during repairs.

Rear suspension design Nissan Murano Z51: circuit and components

Rear suspension Murano Z51 built according to the classic scheme for crossovers: independent multi-link with springs and shock absorbers separate from the springs (unlike the front MacPherson strut). Main elements:

  • 🔧 Subframe - a supporting base to which the levers and racks are attached. On Z51 it is made of high-strength steel and often suffers from corrosion in Russian winter conditions.
  • 🔄 Four levers per side: upper and lower longitudinal, transverse and toe adjustment rod. The levers are connected to the subframe through silent blocks, and to the hub through ball joints.
  • 🌀 Shock absorbers and springs — separate, which simplifies replacement. Springs on Murano Z51 have progressive characteristics for better comfort.
  • ⚙️ Hub unit with bearing and brake disc. The bearing here is non-separable; when worn, it requires replacement as an assembly.
  • 📏 Anti-roll bar with posts and bushings. On Z51 The stabilizer has a complex shape for optimal load distribution.

Design feature - use of aluminum levers in the upper positions (unlike steel lower ones). This reduces unsprung weight, but requires care during repairs: aluminum is sensitive to shock loads and corrosion from reagents.

📊 How often do you check the condition of your rear suspension?
  • Once every 10,000 km
  • Only when knocking occurs
  • Before the seasonal tire change
  • Never checked

Weaknesses and typical malfunctions

Despite the reliability, the rear suspension Murano Z51 has “diseases” that appear after 80–100 thousand kilometers. Here are the most common problems:

Component Symptoms of a problem Average resource (thousand km) Repair cost (RUB)
Silent blocks of levers Knock when driving over bumps, vibrations on the body 80–120 4,000–8,000 (replacement of all)
Stabilizer links A dull knock on small bumps, rolls in corners 60–90 2,500–4,000 (pair)
Shock absorbers Body rocking, rear “sagging” when loading 100–150 12,000–20,000 (pair)
Ball joints Clicks when turning the steering wheel, wheel play 120–150 6,000–10,000 (replacement)
Stabilizer bushings Creaks when moving, rear “bouncing” 50–70 1 500–3 000

Deserves special attention rear control arm silent blocks. On Murano Z51 they are often “squeezed out” of their seats due to high loads, especially when driving off-road. Owners also note premature wear stabilizer bushings — it is recommended to change them every 50–60 thousand km, even if there are no obvious signs of wear.

⚠️ Attention: When replacing silent blocks with Murano Z51 You cannot use universal polyurethane inserts - they are not compatible with the geometry of the levers and will lead to camber problems. Only original or certified analogues from Nissan (see articles below).

Rear suspension diagnostics: step-by-step instructions

Checking the rear suspension Murano Z51 It is better to carry out it on a lift or inspection pit, but some of the work can be done independently. Here is the diagnostic algorithm:

  1. Visual inspection:
    • 🔍 Check it out boots of ball joints and silent blocks on the cracks. Damaged anthers are a direct route to dirt and rapid wear.
    • 💧 Look for traces shock absorber leaks (oil stains on the body). Even a small leak means the rack has lost its effectiveness.
    • 🔧 Take a look subframe mounting - rust or cracks on bolts require immediate attention.
  2. Checking the backlash:
    • 🛠️Grip the wheel at the 3 and 9 o'clock positions and rock it. Play of more than 1–2 mm indicates wear wheel bearing or ball joint.
    • 🔄 Check it out lever silent blocks, prying them up with a tire iron. If there is a gap or the rubber part has peeled off, replacement is required.
  3. Test on the go:
    • 🚗 Accelerate to 60 km/h and brake sharply. If the rear end “squats” or wobbles, the shock absorbers are faulty.
    • 🔄 At a speed of 40–50 km/h, make a sharp turn. A strong roll or creaking indicates problems with stabilizer struts or bushings.

Check the availability of special tools (silent block pullers, torque wrench)

Purchase original spare parts (see article numbers in the section below)

Prepare new lever mounting bolts (single use!)

Clean threaded connections from rust (WD-40 or analogues) -->

For accurate diagnosis wheel alignment After repairs, be sure to use the stand. On Murano Z51 Wheel alignment angles are sensitive to the slightest changes - even replacing one silent block may require adjustments.

Part numbers and analogues of spare parts: what to choose for replacement

When purchasing spare parts for the rear suspension Nissan Murano Z51 it is important to take into account the year of manufacture and equipment (for example, machines with a system 4WD have reinforced levers). Below is a table of original articles and proven analogues:

Detail Original article High-quality analogues Notes
Upper arm (left/right) 54501-JK00A / 54500-JK00A Moog RK-621230, Febi 38945 Aluminum, sold only assembled with silent blocks
Lower arm (left/right) 54501-JK01A / 54500-JK01A Meyle 316 050 0016, TRW JTC1442 Steel, silent blocks are replaceable
Stabilizer link 54520-JK00A SASIC 2005001, Febi 28226 Change in pairs, even if one is fine
Rear shock absorber 56210-JK00A Kayaba 339302, Monroe G55014 For severe operating conditions, choose gas-oil
Lower arm silent block 54528-JK00A Corteco 2005001, Sidem 5001438 Replacement press required

When choosing analogues, pay attention to certification - cheap Chinese spare parts (for example, brands ABS or Fenox) often have inappropriate rubber hardness, which leads to rapid wear. For Murano Z51 optimal brands Moog, Meyle or TRW — they supply parts to conveyors Nissan.

⚠️ Attention: When purchasing shock absorbers, check the suitability VIN-your car code. On Murano Z51 for the US and European markets, racks with different rigidity are used (articles differ in suffixes -E0 And -J0).

Replacing rear arm silent blocks: step-by-step instructions

Replacing silent blocks with Murano Z51 - one of the most labor-intensive operations due to the need to dismantle the levers. You will need:

  • 🔧 Silent block remover (for example, LISLE 16800).
  • 🔨 Torque wrench (tightening torque is critical!).
  • 🔥 Gas burner (for heating the seats during pressing).
  • 🧲 Magnet for bolts (so as not to lose them in the subframe).

Work order:

  1. Preparation:
    • 🚗 Raise the car on a lift and remove the rear wheels.
    • 🔧 Unscrew the nuts securing the arm to the subframe and hub (use WD-40 1-2 hours before the start of work!).
    • ⚠️ Do not remove the stabilizer link bolts - this will disrupt the suspension geometry.
  2. Removing the lever:
    • 🔄 Carefully press the ball joint out of the hub (use a puller, do not hit with a hammer!).
    • 🔧 Remove the lever and clamp it in a vice. Remove old silent blocks with a puller or burn them with a torch (only in a well-ventilated area!).
  3. Installation of new silent blocks:
    • 🔥 Heat the lever seat with a burner to 100–150°C (this will make pressing easier).
    • 🛠️ Use a puller for uniform pressing. The silent block must fit in without distortion!
    • ⚠️ Do not lubricate the rubber of the silent block with oil or grease. - this will lead to its destruction.
  4. Assembly:
    • 🔧 Place the lever in place using new bolts (they are disposable!).
    • 📏 Tighten the fasteners with a torque wrench:
      • Bolt securing the arm to the subframe: 100–120 Nm.
      • Ball joint nut: 80–100 Nm.
💡

After replacing the silent blocks, be sure to check the wheel alignment angles. On Murano Z51 even a minimal deviation (±0.3°) leads to uneven tire wear over 5–10 thousand km.

If you are not confident in your abilities, entrust the work to professionals - errors when pressing silent blocks can lead to destruction of the lever or loss of control at speed.

Wheel alignment adjustment after repair

On Nissan Murano Z51 the rear suspension has adjustable camber (via eccentric bolts on the upper arm) and fixed toe. After replacing levers, silent blocks or shock absorbers, adjustment is required!

Standard angle values for Z51:

  • 📐 Camber: -1.5° ± 0.3° (negative angle improves stability at high speeds).
  • 🔄 Toe-in: 0° ± 0.1° (adjustable by the length of the transverse rod).
  • 🌀 Custer: 3.5° ± 0.5° (not adjustable, depends on the condition of the silent blocks).

To adjust camber:

  1. Loosen the eccentric bolt on the upper arm (after marking its position with a marker).
  2. Turn the bolt clockwise to increase negative camber (or counterclockwise to decrease it).
  3. Tighten the bolt to torque 80–100 Nm and check the angle on the stand.
⚠️ Attention: If, after adjustment, the camber “goes back”, this is a sign of wear on the silent blocks of the upper arm. They need to be replaced, even if they look normal on the outside.
What happens if you don’t adjust the camber after repair?

On Murano Z51 improper camber leads to:

- Uneven wear of the inner or outer edge of the tire (the rubber is “eaten up” within 5–10 thousand km).

- The car pulls to the side (especially noticeable at speeds above 80 km/h).

- Increased fuel consumption (up to +1 l/100 km due to increased rolling resistance).

- Loss of directional stability when braking (the car “yaws”).

Common repair mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced craftsmen make mistakes when working with the rear suspension Murano Z51. Here are the most critical of them:

  • 🔧 Reusing old bolts:

    Bolts securing arms and shock absorbers to Z51 — disposable (stretch when tightened). Repeated use leads to loosening and knocking.

  • 🔄 Incorrect pressing of silent blocks:

    If the silent block is installed skewed, it will collapse after 5–10 thousand km. Always use a puller and check alignment.

  • 🌀 Ignoring subframe check:

    On cars with mileage >150 thousand km, the subframe may have cracks at the points of attachment to the body. This is dangerous due to the suspension breaking off!

  • 🚗 Lack of inspection after repair:

    After replacing parts, be sure to test the car on the move: accelerate to 100 km/h and brake sharply. The appearance of vibrations or slippage is a sign of an error.

💡

On Murano Z51 After any intervention in the rear suspension, a check of the wheel alignment angles is required. Even replacing stabilizer links can affect the camber!

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to drive with knocking stabilizer bars?

Short-term (up to 1-2 weeks) - yes, but it is dangerous:

  • Controllability in corners deteriorates (risk of skidding).
  • The wear of the silent blocks of the levers accelerates.
  • The stabilizer mounts to the subframe may burst.

It is optimal to replace the struts in pairs within a week after the knocking appears.

What is the service life of the rear shock absorbers? Murano Z51?

Depends on operating conditions:

  • City/highway: 120–150 thousand km.
  • Off-road/bad roads: 80–100 thousand km.
  • Signs of wear: body rocking, rear “sagging” when loading, oil streaks on the body.

When replacing, we recommend installing gas-oil shock absorbers (for example, Kayaba Excel-G) - they hold characteristics longer.

What should I do if, after replacing the silent blocks, the car pulls to the side?

Causes and solutions:

  • Incorrect camber — adjust on the stand.
  • Different rigidity of silent blocks — use kits from one manufacturer.
  • Deformed lever — check the geometry (the lever may be bent during pressing).
  • Uneven tire pressure - check with a pressure gauge.

If the deviation remains, diagnose braking system (the rear calipers may “wedge”).

Is it possible to install springs from Nissan Pathfinder R52 on Murano Z51?

No! Despite the external similarity, the springs Pathfinder have:

  • Greater rigidity (20–30% higher), which will worsen comfort.
  • A different height (the ground clearance and suspension angles will change).
  • A different diameter of the coils means they may not fit into the landing cups.

For Murano Z51 Only original springs or analogues with markings are suitable Z51.

How often do silent blocks need to be lubricated?

Silent blocks on Murano Z51 do not require lubrication - they have a factory rubber or polyurethane insert that should not come into contact with oils. Lubricant (eg Litol or CV joint-4) will lead to:

  • Destruction of rubber (it will “swell” and lose elasticity).
  • Squeezing the silent block out of its seat.
  • Loss of boot seal.

The only exception is graphite grease for bolts during installation (applied to the threads, not to the rubber!).