Rear multi-link car suspension Nissan Murano the second generation (Z51 body) is a complex engineering solution that provides a high level of comfort and controllability on any type of road surface. The suspension design is designed to minimize body roll in corners and dampen vertical vibrations created by uneven asphalt. However, like any complex mechanism, it is subject to natural wear and tear, which manifests itself in the form of characteristic knocks, squeaks or changes in the car’s behavior on the road.
Owners Nissan Murano Z51 Often faced with the need to repair the rear axle after traveling 100,000 kilometers, especially if the car was operated in aggressive city traffic or bad roads. Understanding how suspension components work will help you identify faults in a timely manner and avoid costly transmission or body repairs. Regular diagnostics is a key factor in the long service life of your SUV's chassis.
Design features of the rear axle of the Murano Z51
Rear suspension Nissan Murano The Z51 is an independent multi-link system that is structurally different from simpler beam axles. The main feature is the use of a large number of levers, which provide precise control of the kinematics of the wheel. This allows the car to maintain stability during sudden braking and acceleration, and also minimize changes in wheel alignment when driving through potholes.
The design is based on longitudinal and transverse arms connected to the body through massive rubber-metal hinges. The wheel is attached to the steering knuckle, which in turn is connected to several levers. This arrangement allows each rear wheel pair to operate independently without transferring shock to the opposite wheel. Quality levers and silent blocks play a decisive role in maintaining exchange rate stability.
Particular attention should be paid to the shock-absorbing strut, which in this model has a specific design. It is integrated with a spring element and often requires replacement of the assembly when oil leaks occur. It's important to note that spring stiffness Engineers selected them for the high weight of the crossover, so their subsidence can lead to impaired ground clearance and overheating of the shock absorbers.
- 🔧 Multi-link design provides excellent directional stability.
- 🚗 Independent operation of the wheels increases the comfort of passengers in the back row.
- ⚙️ The use of aluminum alloys in the levers reduces unsprung weight.
Main faults and wear symptoms
The first sign that the rear suspension Nissan Murano Z51 requires attention, is the appearance of extraneous sounds. Most often these are dull knocks that occur when driving over bumps or when the suspension operates at low speeds. These sounds may be caused by wear on the anti-roll bar bushings or play in the rear control arm bushings.
If you feel that the car has become less obedient in turns or there is a roll that was not typical for your car before, this may indicate sagging springs or loss of shock absorber efficiency. It is also worth paying attention to uneven tire wear. If the rubber wears off on one side of the wheel faster than on the other, this is a sure sign of poor suspension geometry or failure. Camber arms.
In some cases, the problem may be hidden in the rear beam mounting or muffler mounting brackets, which may make a rattling sound. However, if the knocking is localized specifically in the area of the wheel arch and intensifies when you press the brake pedal, an urgent inspection is necessary. spherical joints and lever bushings.
⚠️ Attention! Ignoring knocks in the rear suspension can lead to destruction of rubber-metal hinges and deformation of aluminum levers, which will require their complete replacement, and not just replacement of silent blocks.
- 🔊 Muffled knocks when passing speed bumps are a sign of wear on the silent blocks.
- 🛞 Uneven tire wear indicates a violation of wheel alignment angles.
- 💧 Oil leaks on shock absorbers indicate a loss of their working properties.
Scheduled diagnostics of the chassis
To identify hidden rear suspension faults Nissan Murano Z51 requires regular diagnostics on the lift. A visual inspection allows you to assess the condition of the rubber elements, which may have cracks, tears or displacement of the metal bushings. Particular attention should be paid to the condition of the shock absorber boots and protective covers of the levers.
Checking the play is done using a pry bar. The technician should try to move the levers relative to the attachment points. If you feel significant play that cannot be eliminated by tightening the bolts, it means silent block needs to be replaced. It's also important to check the sway bar mounts, as the sway bar bushings are often the first to wear out.
When diagnosing, be sure to check the condition of the wheel bearings. Play in the hub can simulate suspension failure and create a feeling of instability in the rear axle. Use a special tool to check the wheel end play by rotating it by hand and trying to rock it up and down.
- up to 100 thousand km
- 100-200 thousand km
- more than 200 thousand km
- Don't know
Procedure for replacing levers and silent blocks
Replacing rear suspension elements requires following a certain sequence of actions and using a special tool. Work should begin by fixing the car on the lift and removing the wheels. Before unscrewing the bolts securing the levers, it is necessary to mark their position or take a photograph so as not to disturb the factory geometry during assembly.
The most difficult step is often removing the old silent blocks. If the levers are aluminum, they can be pressed into special mandrels, but if the bolt threads are severely worn or damaged, the lever assembly often has to be replaced. For Nissan Murano Z51 there are both original levers and high-quality analogues, which can be cheaper with a comparable resource.
When installing new elements, it is important not to tighten the mounting bolts until the car is lowered onto its wheels. This is necessary so that the rubber-metal hinges do not work in a twisted state under load. Tightening should be done to the manufacturer's recommended torque using a torque wrench.
☑️ Preparation for replacing levers
Effect of suspension geometry on handling
After work on replacing rear suspension elements Nissan Murano Z51 A wheel alignment procedure is required. Improper wheel alignment even by a few degrees can lead to rapid tire wear and poor handling. The rear axle of this model has camber and toe adjustment, which allows you to accurately set the parameters.
If you only replaced shock absorbers or springs, adjustment may not be necessary, but if you are replacing control arms, it is required. Incorrect angles can cause the car to float on the highway or pull to the side when braking. The mechanic must use modern equipment with 3D scanning to obtain accurate data on the position of the wheels.
It is important to understand that suspension geometry directly affects safety. Even small deviations from the norm can increase braking distances on wet roads or make the car unpredictable in an emergency situation. Do not skimp on this procedure and trust it only to proven specialized services.
Why can't you tighten the lever bolts by weight?
If you tighten the bolts securing the arms while the car is hanging on the lift, the rubber-to-metal joints will be under tension. When the car is lowered to the ground, the rubber will curl, which will lead to rapid destruction of the silent block and the appearance of knocking noises after just a few thousand kilometers.
Comparison of original spare parts and analogues
The choice between original Nissan parts and high-quality analogues is a dilemma for many owners. Original levers and silent blocks Nissan Murano Z51s have a long service life and are exactly like factory specifications, but they are often very expensive. Manufacturers of brands such as KYB or NTK offer shock absorbers that are not inferior in quality to the original.
For silent blocks and stabilizer bushings, the market offers many options from brands Lemforder, CTR or Moog. These parts often have improved rubber compounds that better withstand road chemicals and temperature changes. However, when purchasing assembled levers, you should be careful and choose only trusted suppliers.
In some cases, replacing only the rubber inserts (silent blocks) on the levers is cost-effective and technically justified. This allows you to preserve the original aluminum structures, which are often not damaged, while the rubber loses its properties. The main thing is to make sure that you have high-quality equipment for pressing new bushings.
| Suspension element | Original (Nissan) | Popular analogues | Average resource (km) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rear lever | 54601-ZZ00A | CTR, GMB | 120 000 - 150 000 |
| Lever silent block | 54660-1AA0A | Lemforder, CTR | 80 000 - 100 000 |
| Shock absorber | 54006-1AA1A | KYB, NTK | 100 000 - 120 000 |
| Stabilizer bushing | 54685-1AA0A | Febi, Stabilus | 40 000 - 60 000 |
⚠️ Attention! When purchasing analogues, be sure to check for quality and packaging certificates. Counterfeit spare parts from unknown manufacturers may not have the necessary strength characteristics and quickly fail.
The correct selection of spare parts and adherence to the technology for tightening bolts after replacing the levers is the key to ensuring that the suspension will last a long time and will not require repeated intervention in the near future.
Prevention and care of suspension
To extend the life of the rear suspension Nissan Murano Z51, you must follow simple operating rules. Avoid sharp impacts of wheels on curbs and deep holes at high speed, as this creates shock loads that destroy metal and rubber. Wash the suspension regularly after the winter season, removing salt and reagents that cause corrosion of metal elements.
It is important to monitor tire pressure, since its deviation from the norm changes the load on the suspension elements. Use winter tires with the appropriate load rating to avoid deformation of the tread and sidewalls, which also affects the performance of the suspension. It is recommended to check the condition of the suspension at every maintenance.
If you are planning long off-road trips, it is worth installing additional protective elements or checking the condition of the shock absorber protective covers. The increased stress of unpaved road speeds can accelerate the wear of springs and shock absorbers, so installing reinforced components is sometimes advisable for such conditions.
Before the winter season, be sure to check the condition of all rubber suspension elements, since in the cold, old rubber becomes brittle and may burst at the first serious load.
Frequently asked questions from owners
How long do the rear control arms travel on the Nissan Murano Z51?
With quiet operation and no shocks to the suspension, the original levers can last from 100,000 to 150,000 kilometers. However, the silent blocks in them often require replacement earlier, approximately 80,000 - 100,000 kilometers, depending on the quality of the roads.
Is it possible to replace only the silent blocks of the levers?
Yes, it is technically possible and often cost-effective. However, this requires special equipment for pressing the bushings. If the aluminum lever is cracked or corroded, the entire assembly must be replaced.
Is wheel alignment necessary after replacing rear shock absorbers?
In most cases, when replacing only shock absorbers, adjustment is not required, since the suspension geometry is not affected. But if you changed levers, springs or hubs, the procedure is required.
Why is there a knock at the rear of a Nissan Murano if the levers are new?
The knocking noise can be caused by improper tightening of the bolts (without lowering the car onto the wheels), wear of the stabilizer bushings, play in the wheel bearing, or problems with the muffler mounting.
What analogue shock absorbers are best installed on the Murano Z51?
The most popular and reliable analogues are shock absorbers from the KYB (Excel-G or Gas-a-Just series), NTK and Monroe brands. They provide a balance between comfort and handling close to the original.