Replacing rear brake discs on a Nissan Murano Z51: a complete guide with photos and videos

Rear brake discs on Nissan Murano Z51 (2015–2022) - one of the most “inconvenient” units for self-repair. Unlike the front ones, replacing them requires not only removing the wheel and caliper, but also working with electronic parking brake (EPB), as well as possible calibration of the ABS system. At the same time, official dealers charge from 8 to 15 thousand rubles for this procedure - without taking into account the cost of spare parts.

In this article we will look at step-by-step replacement algorithm, let us dwell in detail on the nuances of working with EPB (including error resetting and caliper adaptation), and we will also give recommendations on the choice of discs and pads. We will pay special attention a critical mistake that 90% of car owners make when replacing rear discs on a Murano Z51 - the incorrect sequence of actions with the electric parking brake. This leads to a jammed caliper or failure of the EPB motor.

When do you need to replace rear brake discs on a Murano Z51?

The manufacturer recommends checking the condition of the brake discs every 30–40 thousand km, but their actual service life depends on driving style and the quality of spare parts. Main signs of wear:

• 🔊 Creaking or vibration when braking - especially at speeds above 60 km/h.
• 📏 Disc thickness less than 20 mm (nominal for Murano Z51 - 22 mm, minimum allowable - 20.4 mm).
• 🔍 Deep grooves or cracks on the working surface (visible without removing the wheel).
• 🚨 The brake system fault indicator is on on the dashboard (may indicate problems with the EPB).

Important: on Murano Z51 rear discs wear out unevenly due to the way the electronic parking brake works. If you notice that one disc is 1 mm or more thinner than the other, this is a reason for urgent diagnosis. Also worth checking EPB caliper position sensor, which often fails when the disks are critically worn.

⚠️ Attention: If there are blue spots (overheating), it must be replaced even if it is thick enough. Such defects indicate a local change in the structure of the metal and the risk of cracking under load.

Which discs and pads should I choose for the Murano Z51?

Original rear brake discs for Nissan Murano Z51 have an article number 40520-5M000 (left) and 40521-5M000 (right). Their average price is 12–15 thousand rubles per piece, which makes replacement very expensive. Alternative options:

Brand	Article	Price (for 1 disc), ₽	Features
ATE	24.0122-0176.2	6 500–7 800	High quality metal, suitable for aggressive riding
Brembo	09.9692.11	8 200–9 500	Perforated, better cooling
TRW	DF7440	5 800–6 900	Optimal price/quality ratio
Bosch	0 986 479 720	7 100–8 300	Low vibration, long service life

When choosing pads, pay attention to compatibility with EPB. The original ones have an article number 40525-4M025, but analogues from ATE (13.0460-7218.2) or Textar (2556501). Important: pads for Murano Z51 not interchangeable with models Murano Z50 or X-Trail T32 — The shape of the wear sensor mounting is different.

Tools and preparation for replacement

To replace rear discs with Murano Z51 you will need specialized tool, which is not in the standard car owner’s kit. Full list:

• 🔧 Socket heads at 14, 17 and 19 mm (deep).
• 🔧 Ratchet wrench with extension cord.
• 🔧 Caliper puller (or mounting blade).
• 🔧 EPB Piston Pliers (For example, Lisle 25800).
• 🔧 Diagnostic scanner (for resetting EPB, suitable Launch X431 or Autel MaxiCOM).
• 🔧 Brake fluid DOT 4 (1 liter).
• 🔧 Copper grease for caliper guides.
• 🔧 Torque wrench (for tightening the hub nut with a torque of 100–120 Nm).

Before starting work, be sure to:

1. Disable battery (negative terminal first!).
2. Raise the car lift or jacks and remove the rear wheels.
3. Make sure parking brake disabled (the indicator on the panel does not light up).
4. Prepare new discs and pads - They need to be inspected for defects.

Step-by-step instructions for replacing rear discs

The process of replacing rear brake discs with Murano Z51 conditionally divided into 5 stages. Main rule: never press the brake pedal after removing the caliper, otherwise the EPB piston will extend and become blocked!

Step 1: Removing the caliper and pads

1. Unscrew the two caliper mounting bolts (14 mm head).

2. Carefully remove the caliper and hang it on a wire without straining the brake hose.

3. Remove the old pads and inspect them for wear. If the inner block has uneven wear, this indicates problems with the caliper guides.

Stage 2: Removing the brake disc

1. Unscrew the hub nut (32 mm head, tightening torque - 100–120 Nm).

2. Remove the disc from the hub. If it gets stuck, use puller or gently tap with a hammer through the wood spacer.

3. Clean the seat from rust and dirt (use a wire brush).

Step 3: Installing a new disc and pads

1. Install the new disc on the hub and tighten the hub nut previously (you will do the final tightening after lowering the car).

2. Install new pads into the caliper. Make sure wear indicator (if any) is connected correctly.

3. Return the caliper to its place and tighten the fastening bolts (torque - 30–35 Nm).

Step 4: Working with EPB Piston

This is the most crucial moment! Electronic parking brake piston cannot be pressed mechanically - this will damage the threaded drive. Correct sequence:

1. Connect the diagnostic scanner and set the EPB to service mode (command EPB Retraction).
2. Use special forceps (For example, Lisle 25800) to gently press the piston with clockwise rotation.
3. After installing the pads, perform caliper calibration via scanner (command EPB Calibration).

⚠️ Attention: If, after replacing the discs, the EPB indicator on the panel blinks and the brake does not work, it means that the calibration has not been performed or the caliper position sensor is damaged. In this case it is required diagnostics by ECU unit.

Step 5: Completion and Review

1. Install the wheel and lower the vehicle.

2. Tighten the hub nut finally (100–120 Nm).

3. Press the brake pedal several times to lapping pads.

4. Take a test drive: accelerate to 40 km/h and do several smooth braking. Then check the operation of the parking brake (it should work without squeaking).

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced craftsmen make mistakes when replacing rear discs with Murano Z51. Here are the most common:

• 🔧 EPB sensor damage when removing the caliper. Always disconnect the battery and use plastic pullers.
• 🔧 Incorrect piston pressing sequence. Remember: on Murano Z51 need a piston rotate, and not just push!
• 🔧 Ignoring EPB Calibration. Without this, the brake may not operate or may lock spontaneously.
• 🔧 Using incompatible pads. Pads from Murano Z50 or Pathfinder R52 don't fit!
• 🔧 Tightening the hub nut without a torque wrench. Over-tightening leads to destruction of the bearing, under-tightening leads to disc beating.

Another typical problem is corrosion of caliper guides. If they are not lubricated or warped, new pads will wear unevenly. Solution:

1. Clean the guides with a wire brush.
2. Apply high temperature copper grease (For example, Molykote Cu-7439).
3. Check the caliper play - it should move freely, without jamming.

What should I do if the ABS light comes on after replacing the discs?

If the ABS indicator lights up on the panel, this may mean that the discs were damaged when replacing the discs. pulse sensor (located next to the hub). Also, the error may appear due to incorrect installation of the disk (if it touches the sensor). Solution: check the sensor circuit with a multimeter (resistance should be 800–1400 Ohms) and reset the error with a scanner.

Resetting the service interval and adapting the EPB

After replacing discs and pads with Murano Z51 It is necessary to perform two mandatory procedures:

1. Resetting the pad wear counter (if pads with a sensor are used). This can be done through the on-board computer menu:

   Настройки → Техническое обслуживание → Сброс интервала тормозных колодок

   Or through a diagnostic scanner (command Reset Brake Pad Wear Sensor).

2. Electronic parking brake adaptation. Without this, EPB may not work correctly:

   1. Подключить сканер.
   2. Выбрать блок EPB Control Module.
   3. Выполнить команду EPB Initialization.
   4. Дождаться завершения процедуры (займёт 1–2 минуты).

If you don't have a scanner, you can try resetting the EPB manually:

1. Turn on the ignition (without starting the engine).
2. Press and hold the brake pedal.
3. Quickly move the parking brake lever to the ON/OFF.
4. Release the brake pedal and turn off the ignition.

⚠️ Attention: Manual EPB reset does not work on all firmware versions! If after this procedure the brake does not work or the malfunction indicator is on, diagnostics with a scanner is required.

Cost of service replacement vs self-repair

Prices for replacing rear brake discs Nissan Murano Z51 in services in Moscow and regions (as of August 2026):

Service type	Cost of work (for 1 side), ₽	Cost of spare parts (set), ₽	Total for both sides, ₽
Official dealer	7 000–9 000	25,000–35,000 (original)	45 000–60 000
Unofficial service	3 500–5 000	15,000–22,000 (analogues)	25 000–35 000
On your own	0	12 000–20 000	12 000–20 000

The savings when replacing it yourself is from 13 to 40 thousand rubles, but only if you have:

• 🔧 Diagnostic scanner for working with EPB.
• 🔧 Torque wrench.
• 🔧 Experience working with the brake system.

If at least one of the items is missing, it is better to contact the service. Errors when replacing disks with Murano Z51 often lead to expensive EPB repairs (replacing a motor costs 15–20 thousand rubles).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about replacing rear discs on a Murano Z51

Is it possible to replace the rear discs on a Murano Z51 without a scan tool?

Technically yes, but with caveats:

• The EPB piston can be pressed in by hand (rotating), but this is risky and may damage the threaded drive.
• Resetting EPB errors without a scanner is only possible on some firmware versions (see the section on manual reset).
• If after replacement the brake system indicator is on, you will not be able to fix the problem without a scanner.

Conclusion: for a one-time replacement it is cheaper to rent a scanner or contact a service center.

How often should the rear brake rotors be replaced on a Murano Z51?

Average resource of original disks - 80–120 thousand km, but depends on:

• Driving style (frequent sharp braking reduces service life by 2 times).
• Quality of pads (cheap pads increase disc wear).
• Operating conditions (humid climate accelerates corrosion).

We recommend checking the thickness of the rims every 20 thousand km. If less than 20.4 mm remains, replacement is required.

Is it possible to install perforated wheels instead of standard ones?

Yes, but taking into account the nuances:

• Perforated discs (Brembo, EBC) dissipate heat better, but wear out faster.
• On Murano Z51 they are relevant only for aggressive driving or frequent trips in mountainous areas.
• The service life of perforated disks is 20–30% less than that of standard ones.

If you drive mostly around the city, it is better to choose standard or ventilated wheels (ATE, TRW).

What to do if a squeaking noise appears after replacing the disks?

Creaking can occur for several reasons:

1. Poor quality pads — check the presence of anti-squeak plates.
2. Incorrect installation — make sure that the pads are aligned without distortion.
3. Lack of lubrication on the caliper guides.
4. Grinding in new pads — the squeak may disappear after 200–300 km.

If the squeaking persists, try applying anti-squeak paste on the back of the pads (for example, Liqui Moly Bremsen-Anti-Quietsch-Paste).

Do I need to bleed the brakes after replacing rear discs?

Bleeding the brake system is required only in two cases:

• If you disconnected the brake hoses from the caliper.
• If after replacement the brake pedal becomes “soft” (indicates air ingress).

In other cases, pumping is not necessary. However, we recommend checking the brake fluid level in the reservoir and adding it if necessary.