Replacing subframe silent blocks on a Nissan Murano Z51: a complete guide with photos and videos

Subframe silent blocks Nissan Murano Z51 - one of those suspension elements that are often ignored until they begin to “knock” or cause vibrations in the body. Meanwhile, worn rubber-metal joints directly affect the handling, comfort and safety of the car. If you notice a deterioration in directional stability, extraneous noise when driving over bumps, or uneven tire wear, it’s time to check the condition of the silent blocks.

In this article we will look in detail at how to replace the subframe silent blocks with Murano Z51 (2015–2022) with your own hands, without resorting to expensive services. You will learn what tools are needed, how to press out old parts correctly, what mistakes beginners most often make, and how to avoid repeated repairs after 10–20 thousand km. We will also compare original spare parts with analogues and give recommendations for selection.

Signs of wear on subframe silent blocks on Nissan Murano Z51

Subframe silent blocks do not have a clear replacement schedule - their service life depends on operating conditions, road quality and driving style. However, there are a number of symptoms that indicate the need for diagnosis:

• 🚗 Knocking or squeaking in the front of the car when driving through speed bumps or potholes. The sound is often confused with shock absorber malfunctions, but it is duller and radiates into the subframe.
• 🌀 Vibrations on the steering wheel or body during acceleration or braking. Worn silent blocks do not dampen vibrations, and they are transmitted to the body.
• 🔄 Pulling the car to the side when moving in a straight line. This occurs due to the displacement of the subframe relative to the body.
• 🔧 Uneven tire wear, especially along the inner or outer edge. Associated with changes in wheel alignment angles.

On Murano Z51 With a mileage of 80–100 thousand km, the silent blocks of the subframe often “dry out” - the rubber loses its elasticity and cracks. You can check their condition visually: if breaks are visible in the rubber, or the metal bushing is loose relative to the body, the part must be replaced.

⚠️ Attention: On vehicles with all-wheel drive (AWD), the wear of subframe silent blocks is accelerated due to increased loads on the front axle. If you ignore the problem, this can lead to damage to the subframe mounts or even displacement during sudden maneuvers.

What subframe silent blocks are on the Nissan Murano Z51: original vs analogues

On Nissan Murano Z51 (body Z51, 2015–2022) two types of subframe silent blocks are installed:

• 🔴 Front (fastening the subframe to the side members) - art. 54501-4M00A (left) and 54501-4M00B (right).
• 🔵 Rear (fastening the subframe to the cross member) - art. 54501-4M01A (left) and 54501-4M01B (right).

Original parts from Nissan are expensive (from 2,500 to 4,000 rubles per piece), but guarantee a long service life. However, there are worthy analogues on the market:

Brand	Article	Price (per piece), rub.	Features
Nissan (original)	54501-4M00A / 54501-4M00B	3 500–4 000	High quality rubber, precise fit
Febi (Germany)	36420 / 36421	1 800–2 200	A good alternative to the original, soft rubber
Lemforder (Germany)	36420 01 / 36421 01	2 000–2 500	Reinforced design, suitable for harsh conditions
Sasic (South Korea)	2005-0043 / 2005-0044	1 200–1 500	Budget option, resource lower than the original

Important: Murano Z51 with engine VQ35DE (3.5 l) the load on the subframe is higher than on the version with QR25DE (2.5 l). Therefore, for powerful modifications, reinforced silent blocks are recommended (for example, Lemforder or Febi).

When choosing analogues, pay attention to:

• 🔍 Rubber material - it must be elastic, without cracks or foreign inclusions.
• 📏 Dimensional accuracy - even a slight discrepancy will lead to play or make installation difficult.
• 🔧 Availability of lubrication - some manufacturers (for example, Febi) the silent blocks are coated with a special compound for easy pressing.

Tools and materials for replacing subframe silent blocks

Replacing subframe silent blocks with Murano Z51 requires special tools. Without it, you risk damaging new parts or subframe mounts. Here's a complete list of what you'll need:

• 🔧 Set of sockets and keys (10–22 mm), including sockets with extensions.
• 🔨 Silent block remover (For example, KUKKO 21-1 or similar). Without it, pressing out old parts is almost impossible.
• 🛠️ Hydraulic jack And supports (or lift).
• 🔥 Gas burner or hair dryer (to heat the subframe during difficult pressing).
• 🧴 Penetrating lubricant (For example, WD-40 or Liqui Moly MoS2).
• 📦 New subframe bolts (recommended to replace, as old ones often become deformed).
• 🔩 Torque wrench (to tighten to the correct torque).

I drove the car onto a level surface and secured the wheels.

Disconnected the negative terminal of the battery (for safety)

Prepared all the tools and new parts

I photographed the location of the subframe mounts (for reassembly)

Cleaned the threaded connections from dirt and rust -->

If you don’t have a puller, you can try to make do with improvised means (for example, knocking out silent blocks with a hammer through a mandrel), but this is fraught with:

• 🚫 Damage to seats in the subframe.
• 🚫 Deformation of new silent blocks during pressing.
• 🚫 Tightening the bolts with the wrong force (which will lead to their breakage).

⚠️ Attention: On Murano Z51 the bolts securing the subframe to the body have disposable thread (with plastic retainer). They must be replaced with new ones (art. 08922-60010), otherwise the fastening will weaken over time.

Step-by-step instructions for replacing subframe silent blocks

The process of replacing silent blocks with Murano Z51 labor-intensive, but doable in a garage environment. The main thing is to be consistent and take your time. Below are detailed instructions taking into account the nuances of this model.

1. Removing the subframe

The first stage is removing the subframe. To do this:

1. Raise the car on a jack or lift and remove the front wheels.
2. Unscrew the stabilizer bar mounting bolts (if it interferes).
3. Disconnect the steering rods from the rack (after noting their position!).
4. Unscrew the bolts securing the subframe to the body (4 pcs.) and to the cross member (2 pcs.).
5. Lower the subframe onto the supports or pallet (do not drop it - you may damage the rail!).

Important: On Murano Z51 the subframe weighs about 20–25 kg, so it is better to work with an assistant or use a winch.

2. Pressing out old silent blocks

The most difficult stage is removing old parts. A puller or a homemade mandrel will help here:

1. Clamp the subframe in a vice (using soft pads to avoid damaging the paint).
2. Apply penetrating lubricant to the silent block and wait 10–15 minutes.
3. Use a puller to push out the old part. If the silent block is “stuck”, heat the seat with a burner (but do not overheat - the rubber may catch fire!).
4. Clean the mounting holes from rust and dirt (use a wire brush or drill with an attachment).

3. Installation of new silent blocks

New parts are pressed in in reverse order:

1. Lubricate the seat and outer surface of the silent block with soapy water or special lubricant (for example, Liqui Moly Silicone-Fett).
2. Install the silent block into the hole and, using a puller or mandrel, press it in until it stops. Make sure that the part does not warp!
3. Check that the silent block sits smoothly and does not play.

Advice: On Murano Z51 The rear silent blocks of the subframe are often installed with “antennae” (clamps). Make sure they fit into the grooves on the subframe!

4. Assembling and tightening bolts

After replacing silent blocks:

1. Reinstall the subframe and tighten all the bolts (do not overtighten!).
2. Tighten the fasteners in the following sequence:
   1. Bolts of the subframe to the side members (torque 100–120 Nm).
   2. Subframe bolts to cross member (torque 80–90 Nm).
   3. Steering rack mounting bolts (torque 50–60 Nm).
3. Reinstall the stabilizer, tie rods and wheels.
4. Lower the car to the ground and finally tighten all the fasteners (while hanging!).

Typical mistakes when replacing subframe silent blocks and how to avoid them

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes that shorten the service life of new silent blocks. Here are the most common mistakes and ways to prevent them:

• 🔧 Reusing old bolts. Subframe bolts disposable - their threads are deformed when tightened. If you do not replace them, the fastening will weaken and the silent blocks will begin to play.
• 🔥 Subframe overheating. When pressing, you cannot heat the metal too much - this can change its structure and lead to cracks.
• 🛠️ Incorrect pressing. If the silent block is installed crookedly, it will quickly break. Always use a mandrel or puller.
• 📏 Incorrect tightening torque. Weak tightening will lead to play, too strong - to deformation of the rubber.
• 🚗 Ignoring wheel alignment. After replacing the silent blocks, the wheel alignment angles change. Don't delay your visit to the stand!

Another common mistake is skimping on lubrication. If the seats are not lubricated, the new silent blocks will “creak” when pressed in, and the rubber may tear. Use only compatible lubricants (for example, silicone-based), since ordinary lithol or grease corrodes rubber.

What happens if you don’t replace silent blocks on time?

If you ignore the wear of the subframe silent blocks on Murano Z51, this will result in:

- Accelerated wear of ball joints and tie rod ends (due to changed wheel alignment angles).

- Damage to the subframe fastenings (bolts may burst and holes may become deformed).

- Deterioration in handling, especially at high speed (the car will “float” in the lane).

- In extreme cases - displacement of the subframe during sudden braking or impact, which can lead to loss of control.

How much does it cost to replace subframe silent blocks on a Nissan Murano Z51 at a service center?

If you are not confident in your abilities, you can entrust the work to professionals. The cost of replacing subframe silent blocks with Murano Z51 in services in Moscow and regions varies:

Service type	Cost of work (for 1 silent block), rub.	Cost of work (set of 4 pieces), rub.	Opening hours
Official dealer Nissan	1 500–2 000	6 000–8 000	3–4 hours
Specialized car service	800–1 200	3 200–4 800	2–3 hours
Garage craftsmen	500–800	2 000–3 200	4–5 hours

To this amount you need to add the cost of spare parts:

• Original set (4 pcs.) — 14,000–16,000 rub.
• Analogues (Febi or Lemforder) — 7,000–10,000 rub.
• Budget analogues (Sasic) — 4,000–6,000 rub.

Total: Replacing subframe silent blocks with Murano Z51 the service will cost 10,000–20,000 rub. (with spare parts). Self-repair will save up to 50% of the budget, but will require time and tools.

When do you need to do a wheel alignment after replacing silent blocks?

Replacing subframe silent blocks always affects the wheel alignment angles, as the subframe moves relative to the body. Even if nothing has changed externally, it is necessary to check and adjust the wheel alignment.

Signs that the alignment is broken:

• 🚗 The car pulls to the side when driving in a straight line.
• 🔄 The steering wheel is uneven (you need to steer to move straight).
• 🔥 Uneven tire wear (especially along the inner or outer edge).
• 🛞 When braking, the car pulls to the side.

On Murano Z51 it is recommended to do a wheel alignment no later than 500 km after replacing silent blocks. This is due to the fact that new rubber-metal joints “shrink” in the first hundreds of kilometers.

⚠️ Attention: If, after replacing the silent blocks, you notice that the steering wheel has become “stiff” or there is play, this may indicate improper pressing of the parts or deformation of the subframe. In this case, you need to urgently check the fastenings again!

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about replacing subframe silent blocks on a Nissan Murano Z51

Is it possible to replace subframe silent blocks without removing the subframe?

Theoretically it is possible, but in practice it is extremely difficult. Without removing the subframe, you will not be able to properly press out the old silent blocks and press in the new ones. In addition, there is a high risk of damaging threaded connections or seats. We recommend removing the subframe completely.

How often do you need to replace subframe bushings on a Murano Z51?

The service life of silent blocks depends on operating conditions, but on average they last 80–120 thousand km. On vehicles equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD) or when driven on poor roads, wear will accelerate. We recommend checking their condition every 30–40 thousand km.

Is it possible to use polyurethane silent blocks instead of rubber ones?

Polyurethane silent blocks are more durable and resistant to deformation, but they are stiffer than rubber ones. On Murano Z51 their installation is possible, but ride comfort will deteriorate (vibrations will be transmitted more strongly). If you prefer softness, stick with the original rubber parts.

Do I need to replace subframe silent blocks in pairs?

Yes, you need to change the subframe silent blocks set (all 4 pieces). If you replace only one or two, this will lead to uneven load distribution and the new parts will quickly fail.

What other parts should be replaced along with the subframe silent blocks?

When replacing subframe silent blocks with Murano Z51 we recommend:

• 🔧 Replace the subframe mounting bolts (art. 08922-60010).
• 🛠️ Check the condition of the stabilizer bushings and replace them if necessary.
• 🚗 Diagnose steering tips and ball joints (their wear often coincides in terms of timing).