Muffler for Nissan Murano Z51 (2014–2021): how to choose, change and improve sound

Owners Nissan Murano Z51 (third generation, 2014–2021) sooner or later they are faced with the need to repair or replace the muffler. This element of the exhaust system is not only responsible for reducing noise, but also affects engine dynamics, fuel consumption and even comfort in the cabin. In Russian conditions - with salt on the roads in winter, potholes and aggressive use - the original muffler rarely lasts longer than 80-100 thousand km.

In this article we will analyze all the nuances: from signs of wear to step-by-step instructions for replacement, compare original parts with analogues, and also consider tuning options for those who want to give Murano Z51 more sporty sound. We will place special emphasis on unique problems of this model - for example, why on gasoline versions with a motor VQ35DE the muffler “burns out” faster than on diesel engines, and how to avoid this.

Signs of a muffler malfunction on a Nissan Murano Z51

The first symptoms of problems with the muffler are often ignored, attributed to “little things”. However, delay can lead to damage to the catalyst or even burnout of the exhaust manifold. Please note:

• 🔊 Noise amplification — a dull hum at idle or a sharp “roar” during acceleration. On Murano Z51 this is often associated with burnout of the internal partitions of the resonator.
• 💨 Foreign odors — penetration of exhaust gases into the cabin through cracks in the corroded muffler housing.
• 🔥 Visible damage — rust, holes or traces of melting on the body (especially in places of welds).
• ⚠️ Power drop - if the muffler is clogged with scale or melted catalyst particles, the engine VQ35DE may “suffocate” at high speeds.

On Murano Z51 with all-wheel drive (4WD) there is one more feature: due to the location of the exhaust system close to the rear axle, corrosion is enhanced by the ingress of dirt and reagents. You can check the condition of the muffler yourself, jacking up the car or driving onto an overpass. Please note:

• 🔧 Condition of rubber hangers - if they are torn, the muffler may hit the body.
• 🔍 Exhaust color - black smoke signals a rich mixture, which accelerates the destruction of the metal.

⚠️ Attention! On Murano Z51 with motor VQ35DE (3.5 l) a common problem is cracks in the corrugation of the front muffler. This leads to vibrations and knocks when driving. Do not confuse this with faulty engine mounts!

Original vs analogues: what to choose for replacement

Original muffler for Nissan Murano Z51 has an article number 20600-5NA0A (for petrol versions) and 20600-5NA1A (for diesel engines). Its average price in official dealers is from 45,000 to 60,000 rubles. Main advantages:

• ✅ Exact match to the geometry of the body and fastenings.
• ✅ Optimal sound and absence of resonances.
• ✅ Warranty (usually 1-2 years).

However, the original is not always justified. Firstly, its resource rarely exceeds 100 thousand km. Secondly, there are worthy analogues on the market that are 2-3 times cheaper. The table below compares popular options:

Manufacturer	Article	Price, rub.	Material	Features
Nissan (original)	20600-5NA0A	45 000–60 000	Stainless steel	Perfect fit, but high price
Bosal	254-028	18 000–22 000	Aluminized steel	Good price/quality ratio, but lasts ~80 thousand km
Walker	206005NA0A	25 000–30 000	Stainless steel	Similar to the original, but 30–40% cheaper
Eberspächer	93550100	35 000–40 000	Stainless steel	Premium segment, resource up to 150 thousand km
Phoenix (Russia)	FM206005NA0A	12 000–15 000	Galvanized steel	Budget option, but gets rusty quickly

When choosing an analogue, pay attention to material:

• 🔹 Stainless steel — the best option (lasts 100+ thousand km, but more expensive).
• 🔹 Aluminized steel - average resource (60–80 thousand km), but cheaper.
• 🔹 Galvanizing - budget-friendly, but after 2-3 winters it can rust.

⚠️ Attention! On Murano Z51 with diesel engine V9X (2.5 l) you cannot install mufflers from the gasoline versions - the diameter of the pipes and the design of the resonator are different. This will result in an error P0420 (low catalyst efficiency).

Step-by-step instructions for replacing the muffler

Replacing the muffler with Nissan Murano Z51 does not require special equipment, but will require pit or lift, as well as a set of tools:

• 🔧 Keys for 14, 17 and head for 10.
• 🔧 WD-40 or a similar composition for loosening stuck nuts.
• 🔧 New rubber hangers (item 20635-5NA0A).
• 🔧 Sealant for the exhaust system (for example, DoneDeal DD6785).

Work order:

1. Remove the heat shield (if equipped) - it is secured with 4 10mm wrench bolts.

2. Treat the nuts securing the muffler to the resonator and hangers with WD-40. Wait 10–15 minutes.

3. Unscrew the nuts of the clamp connecting the muffler to the resonator (key 14).

4. Remove the rubber hangers that support the muffler (a pry bar may be required).

5. Carefully remove the old muffler by sliding it backwards.

6. Install the new muffler in reverse order. Do not tighten the clamps all the wayuntil you are sure that all the hangers are in place.

7. Check the tightness of the connections - start the engine and inspect the joints for leaks.

- Tightness of all connections (are there any exhaust leaks)

- No knocking noises when driving (are the suspensions installed correctly)

- Operation of the oxygen sensor (are there any errors like P0420)

- Sound at idle and during acceleration (are there any resonances)

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On Murano Z51 with air suspension (AWD) there is a nuance: before replacing the muffler you need disable suspension compressor, otherwise it may turn on at the most inconvenient moment. You can do this through the menu NissanConnect (if any) or by physically disconnecting the connector on the compressor.

How to reset P0420 after replacing muffler?

If after installing a new muffler the Check Engine with an error P0420, this could mean that:

1. The oxygen sensor is not connected correctly (check the connector).

2. There is no space in the muffler to install a second lambda probe (relevant for some analogues).

3. The corrugation of the front muffler has burned out (the entire system needs to be diagnosed).

To reset the error, disconnect the battery terminal for 10 minutes or use a diagnostic scanner (for example, ELM327).

Muffler tuning: how to improve the sound of the Murano Z51

Standard muffler Nissan Murano Z51 designed for comfort, not sporty sound. If you want to give your car a more aggressive tone, there are several ways:

1. Installation of direct flow

Direct-flow muffler (for example, Magnum or Remus) removes internal partitions, which makes the sound louder and more bassy. However, there are disadvantages:

• ⚠️ The noise in the cabin increases (especially on the highway).
• ⚠️ An error may appear P0420, if the catalyst is removed.
• ⚠️ On Murano Z51 with diesel V9X direct flow often leads to “battering” at low speeds.

2. Replacement with a sports muffler

Brands like Akrapovic or Borla offer stainless steel mufflers with a unique sound. For Murano Z51 suitable models:

• 🔥 Akrapovic Slip-On Line — dull bass sound, +5–7 hp. (price ~120,000 rub.).
• 🔥 Borla ATAK - Aggressive tone, but may be too loud for daily driving.

3. Modernization of the resonator

A more budget-friendly option is to replace only the resonator with a perforated one (for example, Sprint Boost). This will add a sporty edge to the sound without making it too loud. Cost - from 8,000 to 15,000 rubles.

⚠️ Attention! On Murano Z51 with motor VQ35DE installing forward flow without modifying the ECU can lead to over-enrichment of the mixture and increased fuel consumption (up to +2 l/100 km). Solved by firmware.

Common replacement mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when working with the exhaust system. Murano Z51. Here are the most common:

• 🔧 Using rusty fasteners — new rubber hangers cost a penny, but if you leave the old ones, the muffler will dangle.
• 🔧 Pulling the clamps - this leads to pipe deformation and leaks. The tightening torque should be no more than 40 Nm.
• 🔧 Ignoring corrugation - if it is cracked, it needs to be replaced (item number 20620-5NA0A).
• 🔧 Lack of sealant — without it, the joints quickly burn out.

Another typical problem is incorrect assembly. For example, if the front and rear mufflers are swapped (they are visually similar, but have a different internal design), this will lead to:

• ⚠️ Resonant hum at speeds of 100–120 km/h.
• ⚠️ Increased back pressure and loss of power.

To avoid mistakes, take pictures of the location of all the parts before disassembly. And if you have Murano Z51 with the system NissanConnect, check that it does not block access to the muffler mounts (sometimes you have to remove the rear bumper).

Cost of service work vs independent replacement

Muffler replacement price Nissan Murano Z51 in service depends on the region and complexity of the work. On average:

Type of work	Cost, rub.	Time
Replacing the rear muffler	3 000–5 000	1–1.5 hours
Replacing the resonator	4 000–6 000	1.5–2 hours
Replacing corrugations	2 000–3 500	30–40 minutes
Complete replacement of the system (muffler + resonator + corrugation)	8 000–12 000	3–4 hours

Self-replacement will only cost the cost of parts and tools. However, keep in mind:

• 🔧 It is extremely inconvenient to work without a pit or lift.
• 🔧 Sticky nuts may break (a welding machine is required).
• 🔧 On Murano Z51 with air suspension you need to know how to turn off the compressor.

If you decide to contact the service, choose those who specialize in Nissan — they know all the nuances of the model. For example, on the network "Nissan-Service" or «Bosch Car Service» They often offer a guarantee on their work.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about mufflers on the Nissan Murano Z51

Is it possible to drive with a burnt out muffler?

Technically, yes, but it is fraught:

• 🔊 Increasing noise to 90–100 dB (you can get a fine under Article 12.5 of the Administrative Code).
• 💨 Exhaust gases entering the cabin (risk of CO poisoning).
• 🔥 Overheating of exhaust system elements and the risk of fire.

On Murano Z51 with diesel V9X a burnt out muffler can lead to turbine failure due to back pressure failure.

Which muffler is better - stainless steel or aluminized steel?

For Murano Z51 The stainless steel option is optimal because:

• 🔹 It does not rust even with constant driving on salt.
• 🔹 Service life - 100+ thousand km (versus 60–80 thousand km for aluminized steel).
• 🔹 Tolerates high temperatures better (relevant for gasoline versions).

Aluminized steel is cheaper, but is only suitable for temporary replacement or if you plan to sell the car in the next 1-2 years.

Is it necessary to flash the ECU after installing the forward flow?

On Murano Z51 with motor VQ35DE firmware required, if:

• 🔧 Catalyst removed (otherwise there will be an error P0420).
• 🔧 Direct flow is installed without a resonator (a “failure” may appear at low speeds).

For diesel versions (V9X) firmware is needed less often, but correction of fuel maps may be required if the muffler has changed the back pressure significantly.

What should I do if there is a knocking noise after replacing the muffler?

Knocking is usually associated with:

• 🔧 Incorrect installation of hangers — check whether the muffler is touching the body or subframe.
• 🔧 Damaged corrugation - if it is cracked, vibrations will be transmitted to the body.
• 🔧 Loose fastenings — tighten the clamps and nuts.

On Murano Z51 with air suspension, the knocking noise may come from the compressor if it is not turned off before operation.

How often should you replace the muffler on a Murano Z51?

Service life depends on operating conditions:

• 🔹 Original: 80–120 thousand km (or 5–7 years).
• 🔹 Stainless steel analogue: 100–150 thousand km.
• 🔹 Budget galvanized: 40–60 thousand km.

In Russian conditions (salt, pits, temperature changes) it is recommended check the condition of the muffler every 20–30 thousand km, especially before winter.