Muffler Nissan Murano Z50: how to choose, replace and improve?

Owners Nissan Murano Z50 (2007–2014) sooner or later face the problem of wear on the muffler, a key element of the exhaust system. Corrosion, mechanical damage or simply age-related changes lead to the appearance of a characteristic hum, vibration and even leakage of exhaust gases into the cabin. But how to choose the right muffler? Is it worth saving on analogues or is it better to give preference to original parts? Or maybe it's time to think about tuning to improve sound and performance?

In this article we will look at all the nuances: from signs of malfunction And selection criteria to step-by-step replacement and modernization options. We will pay special attention unique problems of the Murano Z50 with a 3.5-liter engine VQ35DEwhere the standard muffler often fails prematurely due to the design of the exhaust system. You'll also find up-to-date prices, brand comparisons and answers to frequently asked questions - everything to get your crossover running quietly and efficiently again.

Signs of a faulty muffler on a Nissan Murano Z50

The first symptoms of muffler problems often go unnoticed, especially if the exhaust system wears out gradually. However, ignoring these signals can lead to serious consequences - from fines for exceeding noise standards to carbon monoxide entering the cabin. Here's what you should pay attention to:

• 🔊 Increased noise — a dull hum or a sharp “roar” during acceleration, especially at low speeds. On Murano Z50 this often appears after 150–200 thousand kilometers.
• 💨 Exhaust smell in the cabin - a sign of cracks or burnout in the muffler box, especially dangerous when the windows are closed.
• 🔥 Vibrations on the body - arise due to loose fastenings or internal destruction of the muffler partitions.
• 🛑 Black marks on the rear bumper - indicate soot leakage through microcracks.
• 🚗 Deterioration in dynamics — a clogged or damaged muffler creates excess resistance, which reduces engine power by 5–10%.

Particularly vulnerable on Murano Z50 rear resonator — its thin-walled structure quickly rusts due to condensation, especially in winter. If during inspection you find rusty stains on welds or fastening points, replacement is inevitable. You can check the condition of the muffler yourself: just start the car and put your hand on the exhaust pipe at idle speed - if you feel a strong pulsation of air, it means that the internal partitions are destroyed.

⚠️ Attention! If, after starting the engine, white smoke with a strong chemical smell comes out from under the car, this is a sign of coolant getting into the exhaust system. In this case, the problem is not in the muffler, but in a broken cylinder head gasket or a crack in the cylinder block. Stop using the vehicle immediately!

Original vs analogues: what to choose for Murano Z50?

When purchasing a new muffler, owners Nissan Murano Z50 are faced with a dilemma: overpay for an original part or save on an analogue one. Let's look at the pros and cons of each option.

Criterion	Original muffler (Nissan)	High-quality analogues (Bosal, Walker, Magnetti Marelli)	Budget analogues (no name, local production)
Price, rub.	25 000–35 000	12 000–20 000	5 000–9 000
Service life	100–150 thousand km (2 year warranty)	80–120 thousand km (1–2 year warranty)	30–50 thousand km (no warranty)
Quality of materials	Stainless steel, aluminized coating	Stainless steel or aluminized steel	Regular steel with thin anticorrosive coating
Compliance	Full (EURO-5, noise standards)	Partial (may not pass through noise)	No certification
Ease of installation	Perfect fit, all fastenings match	Modifications may be required (for example, adjusting flanges)	The holes often do not match, welding is required

For Murano Z50 with engine VQ35DE it is critical to select a muffler with the correct configuration of internal partitions. Cheap analogues often have a simplified design, which leads to harsh sound at high speeds And increased resistance (and therefore loss of power). If you are not ready to pay for the original, the best choice is brands Bosal or Walker, which supply parts to the assembly lines of many automakers.

When purchasing, pay attention to article number. For Murano Z50 (2007–2014) the following original numbers are suitable:

• 📋 Rear muffler: 20600-JK00A (before 2010) or 20600-JK00B (after 2010).
• 📋 Front resonator: 20500-JK00A.
• 📋 Mounting kit: 00105-40610 (rubber hangers).

⚠️ Attention! When replacing the muffler with Murano Z50 with the system CVT be sure to check the condition catalyst. If it is clogged, the new muffler will last 2–3 times less due to increased pressure in the system. Diagnosing a clogged catalyst can be done by mistake P0420 or P0430 on the scanner.

Step-by-step instructions for replacing the muffler on a Nissan Murano Z50

Replacing the muffler with Murano Z50 - a task of medium complexity that requires a pit or a lift, as well as a basic set of tools. If you have never worked with an exhaust system, it is better to entrust this task to professionals, since installation errors can lead to gas leaks or damage to oxygen sensors.

To replace it yourself you will need:

• 🔧 Set of sockets and keys (10, 12, 14 mm).
• 🔨 WD-40 or a similar composition for unscrewing stuck nuts.
• 🔥 Gas burner (optional, for heating rusty joints).
• 🛠 New rubber hangers (item 00105-40610).
• 🧲 Magnet for holding nuts when unscrewing.

Allow the engine to cool (working on a hot exhaust system is dangerous!)|Treat all threaded connections with WD-40 1-2 hours before starting work|Prepare new rubber hangers and fasteners|Check for gaskets between the flanges (buy new ones if necessary)|Make sure the new muffler fits the part number-->

Now let's move on to the process itself:

1. Removing the old muffler:

   Raise the car on a lift or drive it into a pit. Unscrew the nuts securing the muffler to the resonator (2 pcs.) and remove the rubber hangers (it’s easier to cut them off with a knife if they are stuck). Carefully lower the muffler down - it may be heavy due to accumulated condensation.

2. Cleaning the flanges:

   Carefully clean the surfaces of the resonator flanges and the new muffler from rust and old gasket. Use a wire brush or sandpaper. If the flanges are deformed, they will have to be straightened with a hammer.

3. Installing a new muffler:

   Hang the new muffler on the rubber hangers, then connect it to the resonator by installing a new gasket. Tighten the nuts crosswise to avoid distortion. Tightening torque: 30–40 Nm.

4. Leak test:

   Start the engine and inspect all connections for leaks. If you hear a whistle or see smoke coming from the flanges, tighten the nuts or replace the gasket.

Muffler tuning: how to improve sound and performance?

Many owners Nissan Murano Z50 want to give their crossover a sportier character, and modifying the exhaust system is one of the most effective ways to do this. However, it is important to understand that Incorrect tuning can lead to ECU errors (For example, P0420 due to too direct flow) or even voiding the warranty (if it is still valid). Let's look at the main options:

1. Installation of a direct-flow muffler

Pros: louder and sportier sound, slight increase in power (up to 5–7 hp) due to reduced resistance.

Cons: on Murano Z50 with VQ35DE this often leads to sharp rattling sound at low speeds, which is tiring in city mode. The risk of fines for exceeding noise standards also increases (in Russia - up to 500 rubles, in Europe - up to 1000 €).

2. Replacement with muffler from Nissan 370Z

This option is popular among fans deep bass without excessive volume. Muffler from 370Z (article 20600-3NM0A) is suitable for fastenings, but requires modification of the exhaust pipe (shortening or welding of the adapter). The sound becomes richer, but remains comfortable for daily driving.

3. Installation of the lambda probe blende

If you plan to remove the catalyst or install a straight-through muffler, you will need oxygen sensor decoy, otherwise the ECU will record an error P0420. The fakes are mechanical (welded into the pipe) and electronic (connected to the sensor wires). On Murano Z50 It is better to use electronic ones, as they more accurately simulate the signal.

What happens if you remove the catalyst without blende?

Without tricking or reflashing the ECU, the engine will go into emergency mode, limiting power to 50–60%. Fuel consumption will also increase by 10–15%, and the “Check Engine” will constantly light up on the dashboard. In the long term, this can lead to overheating of the exhaust manifold and damage to the valves.

If you decide to tune, we recommend starting with replacing the rear muffler with a sports version from Bosal Sport or Remus. These brands offer models with adjustable sound (via internal dampers), which allows you to switch between “quiet” and “sport” modes.

Common replacement mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners sometimes make mistakes when working with the exhaust system. Nissan Murano Z50. Here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:

• 🔧 Using old rubber hangers — over time, the rubber loses its elasticity and may tear when installing a new muffler. Always buy new hangers (part number 00105-40610).
• 🔥 Retightening flange nuts - this leads to metal deformation and subsequent leaks. The tightening torque should not exceed 40 Nm.
• 🛠 Ignoring gaskets - even if the old gasket looks intact, it needs to be replaced. Repeated use leads to burnout.
• 🚗 Failure to check oxygen sensors — after replacing the muffler, be sure to check the lambda probe readings with a scanner. If the voltage is outside the range of 0.1–0.9 V, the sensor is faulty.

Another typical problem is hole misalignment when installing analog silencers. If the flanges do not fit together, do not try to “tighten” the nuts by force. It is better to carefully drill the holes or use adapter plates. On Murano Z50 Difficulties especially often arise with attaching the muffler to the resonator - welding may be required here.

⚠️ Attention! If, after replacing the muffler, a metallic knock appears when driving over uneven surfaces, most likely the new muffler is touching the suspension or body elements. This can cause damage to both the muffler and adjacent parts. Immediately check the gaps and adjust the position of the hangers!

Cost of work and where is the best place to order?

Muffler replacement price Nissan Murano Z50 depends on the region, type of service station and the selected part. The average prices in Russia are as follows:

Type of work	Cost (RUB)	Lead time
Replacing the rear muffler (without welding)	2 500–4 000	1–1.5 hours
Replacing the resonator	3 500–5 000	1.5–2 hours
Complete replacement of the exhaust system (from the manifold)	8 000–12 000	3–4 hours
Welding adapters (when installing a non-original muffler)	1 500–3 000	30–60 minutes
Exhaust system diagnostics (leak test)	1 000–1 500	20–30 minutes

Where is the best place to order work?

• 🔧 Official Nissan dealer - guarantee for work, but high price (30–50% more expensive than at independent service stations).
• 🛠 Specialized exhaust workshops — the best option in terms of price/quality ratio. The masters here know all the nuances Murano Z50, for example, how to properly weld aluminized steel.
• 🏠 Garage services - cheaper, but the risk of poor quality work is higher. Before ordering, check whether the specialist has experience working with Nissan.

If you buy a muffler yourself, pay attention to the following stores (according to reviews from owners Murano Z50):

• 🌍 Exist.ru — a wide range of original and analog parts, fast delivery.
• 🌍 Autodoc.ru — there are often discounts on brands Bosal And Walker.
• 🌍 Emex.ru — a good selection of tuning mufflers.
• 🏬 Local showdowns - you can find a used original muffler in good condition for 5,000–8,000 rubles.

Muffler maintenance: how to extend its service life?

Average muffler service life Nissan Murano Z50 - 80–120 thousand km, but with proper care this figure can be increased to 150–200 thousand km. Here are some practical tips:

• 🚿 Cleaning the exhaust system in winter - salt and reagents accelerate corrosion. Once a month, wash the muffler with water under pressure (for example, at a car wash).
• 🔥 Warming up before the trip — condensate accumulating in the muffler evaporates when warmed up. Try not to turn off the engine immediately after a trip - let it idle for 1-2 minutes.
• 🛡 Anti-corrosion treatment — once a year, apply special compounds to the outer surface of the muffler (for example, Liqui Moly Unterboden-Schutz).
• 🔧 Checking fasteners — every 10 thousand km inspect rubber hangers and flange connections. Loose fastenings lead to vibrations and cracks.

Pay special attention internal corrosion, which often goes unnoticed. If your Murano Z50 It is used mainly on short trips (up to 10 km), condensate does not have time to evaporate, which accelerates rusting. In this case, it is recommended to drive 30–50 km along the highway at high speeds (3,000–4,000 rpm) once every 2–3 months - this will help “burn through” the moisture from the muffler.

It's also worth keeping an eye on catalyst condition. On Murano Z50 with a mileage of more than 200 thousand km, it often begins to crumble, and its particles enter the muffler, clogging the honeycombs. This leads to increased back pressure and premature wear of the muffler. Signs of a clogged catalyst:

• 🔥 The engine is “stupid” when accelerating.
• 🌡 Increased fuel consumption (more than 12 l/100 km).
• 🚨 Error P0420 or P0430 on the dashboard.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Nissan Murano Z50 mufflers

Is it possible to drive with a burnt out muffler?

Technically possible, but highly undesirable. Firstly, it is dangerous: carbon monoxide can enter the cabin, especially if the burn is closer to the front of the system. Secondly, the load on the engine increases due to a violation of the back pressure, which leads to increased fuel consumption. Thirdly, you can be fined for exceeding noise standards (in Russia - 500 rubles, in Europe - up to 1000 €).

Which muffler is better - stainless or aluminized?

For Murano Z50 optimal aluminized muffler — it is cheaper than stainless steel, but at the same time quite durable (with proper care, it lasts 100+ thousand km). Stainless steel is more expensive and weighs more, but its advantages only appear under conditions of aggressive use (for example, constant off-road travel or in coastal regions with salty air). Original mufflers Nissan They are made from aluminized steel.

Is it necessary to reflash the ECU after installing a direct-flow muffler?

Not always. If you remove the catalyst, then necessarily You need either a lambda probe snag or a flashing of the ECU (to disable the control of the second oxygen sensor). If you simply change the muffler to a direct-flow muffler, but the catalyst remains in place, no firmware is required. However, please note that Murano Z50 with VQ35DE The ECU is sensitive to changes in back pressure, so errors may appear P0420 or P0171 (lean mixture).

How much does the original muffler cost for a Murano Z50?

Prices for original mufflers for Nissan Murano Z50 (2007–2014) as of June 2026:

• Rear muffler (20600-JK00B) — 28,000–35,000 rub.
• Front resonator (20500-JK00A) — 18,000–22,000 rub.
• Mounting kit (00105-40610) — 1,200–1,500 rub.

Cost may vary depending on region and stock availability. It is often more profitable to order through official dealers Nissan, as they offer discounts on original spare parts.

Is it possible to repair a muffler by welding?

Yes, but this is a temporary solution. If the body of the muffler or resonator burns out, welding will help for 10–20 thousand km, after which corrosion will resume. It's better to cook argon, since conventional welding will burn through thin metal. If the problem is a crack in a weld or flange, then high-quality repairs can extend the life of the muffler by 50+ thousand km. However, on Murano Z50 It is often more profitable to buy a new muffler than to repair an old one - the difference in price is insignificant.