Nissan Murano is a stylish and powerful crossover that requires a special approach to choosing wheels. Not only the appearance of the car, but also safety, handling, and suspension life depend on the correct selection of wheels and tires. In this article we will look at all the nuances: from standard wheel sizes to the subtleties of tuning, compatibility with different generations (Z50, Z51, Z52) and recommendations for seasonal use.

Many owners are faced with questions: is it possible to install wheels larger than the standard size? What tire pressure is optimal for city driving and off-road driving? How to avoid problems with ET (departure) And PCD (bolt pattern)? We will give clear answers, supported by technical data and experience of car owners.

Standard wheel sizes for Nissan Murano by generation

Wheel sizes for Murano vary depending on the year of manufacture and configuration. The manufacturer sets the following basic parameters:

  • 🔧 Nissan Murano Z50 (2002–2007): 235/65 R18 or 235/55 R20 (for top versions).
  • 🔧 Nissan Murano Z51 (2008–2014): 235/65 R18, 235/55 R20, less often 255/50 R20.
  • 🔧 Nissan Murano Z52 (2015–present): 235/65 R18, 235/55 R20, 255/45 R21 (for sports packages).

It is important to consider that even within the same generation, sizes may differ. For example, Murano 2016 is equipped as standard 18-inch wheels, and in luxury - 20 inch. Before buying new wheels, check the markings on the old ones or check the plate on the driver's door (usually the acceptable parameters are indicated there).

📊 What size wheels does your Nissan Murano have?
  • 18 inches
  • 19 inches
  • 20 inches
  • 21 inches or more
  • I don't know
Generation Years of manufacture Standard tire size Wheel diameter (inches) PCD (bolt pattern)
Z50 2002–2007 235/65 R18 18, 20 5×114.3
Z51 2008–2014 235/65 R18, 235/55 R20 18, 20 5×114.3
Z52 2015–present 235/65 R18, 235/55 R20, 255/45 R21 18, 20, 21 5×114.3

Critical feature: All generations of Murano have the same bolt pattern (PCD 5x114.3), but differ in the center hole diameter (DIA). For Z50/Z51 it is 66.1 mm, for Z52 it is 71.1 mm. A DIA mismatch can cause the steering wheel to wobble!

Wheel offset (ET) and width: what you need to know

Disc offset (ET) — this is the distance between the plane of attachment of the disk to the hub and its central axis. For Nissan Murano standard ET values:

  • 📏 For 18-inch wheels: ET 35–40 mm.
  • 📏 For 20-inch wheels: ET 30–35 mm.
  • 📏 For 21-inch wheels (Z52): ET 25–30 mm.

Deviation from the recommended values is fraught with:

  • ⚠️ Too big ET (for example, ET 45): the wheels are “recessed” inside the arch, which worsens handling and increases the load on the wheel bearings.
  • ⚠️ Too small ET (for example, ET 20): the rims protrude beyond the arches, which can lead to friction on the fender liners and damage to the rubber when cornering.
⚠️ Attention: When installing discs with non-standard ET, be sure to check the clearances using ruler or caliper. The minimum distance from the tire to the suspension elements must be at least 10–15 mm in all steering positions.

The width of the rim also matters. For Murano optimal parameters:

  • 🔄 18 inches: width 7.5–8.5J.
  • 🔄 20 inches: width 8.0–9.0J.
  • 🔄 21 inches: width 8.5–9.5J.
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If you plan to install wider rims, make sure the tires fit the profile. For example, for a 9J wheel, the tire width must be in the range of 245–265 mm, otherwise the contact patch with the road will be disrupted.

How to choose tires for Nissan Murano: seasonality and brands

Selecting tires for Murano depends on operating conditions. Let's consider the main criteria:

Summer tires

For the warm season, tires with asymmetrical or directional tread pattern. Popular models:

  • 🚗 Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV — excellent handling on wet asphalt.
  • 🚗 Continental ContiCrossContact LX2 - low noise level and long service life.
  • 🚗 Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season - a universal option for mild climates.

Winter tires

Recommended for snow and ice studded or friction tires with markings M+S (Mud and Snow). Best options:

  • ❄️ Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 SUV - leader in grip on ice.
  • ❄️ Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 — optimal price/quality ratio.
  • ❄️ Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2 — good directional stability.

When choosing winter tires, pay attention to speed index (not lower T - up to 190 km/h) and load index (for Murano minimum - 95–100).

⚠️ Attention: Installing tires with a load index lower than recommended may result in tire rupture when the car is fully loaded (especially important for Murano with its spacious trunk).
What is the load and speed index?

The load index shows the maximum weight that one tire can support. For example, index 95 corresponds to 690 kg, and 100 - 800 kg. The speed index indicates the maximum speed at which the tire retains its properties: T - 190 km/h, H - 210 km/h, V - 240 km/h. For Murano, it is optimal to choose tires with indexes of at least T/95.

Tire pressure: table of recommendations

Correct tire pressure Nissan Murano depends on the wheel size and vehicle load. Below is a table with the manufacturer's recommendations:

Tire size Front axle (bar/psi) Rear axle (bar/psi) Fully loaded
235/65 R18 2.3 / 33 2.3 / 33 +0.2 bar (2.5 / 36)
235/55 R20 2.4 / 35 2.4 / 35 +0.2 bar (2.6 / 38)
255/45 R21 2.5 / 36 2.5 / 36 +0.3 bar (2.8 / 41)

Check your pressure at least often once a month and before long trips. Use cold tires (the car must sit for at least 2–3 hours).

Reduced blood pressure leads to:

  • ⚠️ Increased fuel consumption (up to +5%).
  • ⚠️ Uneven tread wear.
  • ⚠️ Deterioration of controllability at high speeds.

Use a quality pressure gauge (electronic or mechanical)

Check tire pressure when tires are cold

Take into account the vehicle load (luggage, passengers)

Adjust the pressure when the season changes (in winter you can increase it by 0.1–0.2 bar) -->

Wheel tuning: do's and don'ts

Many owners Murano want to make their car stand out with custom wheels. However, not all modifications are safe. Let's look at the acceptable and prohibited options:

Permitted modifications

  • ✅ Installation of disks 1-2 inches larger than standard (for example, replacing 18″ with 20″), if saved PCD, ET and DIA.
  • ✅Usage wide profile tires (for example, 255/50 R20 instead of 235/55 R20) provided that they do not rub against the arches.
  • ✅ Installation alloy wheels with less weight (improves dynamics and reduces the load on the suspension).

Prohibited modifications

  • ❌ Installing disks with PCD other than 5×114.3 (even with adapters, it’s not safe!).
  • ❌ Using tires with load index below 95.
  • ❌ Significantly reducing the tire profile (for example, 235/30 R20) - this worsens comfort and increases the risk of damage to the rims.

When tuning wheels, be sure to consider ground clearance (ground clearance) Murano. In the basic configuration it is 180–200 mm, but when installing large disks it can decrease to 160 mm, which will make driving on bad roads difficult.

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When the rim diameter increases by 1 inch, the tire profile must be reduced by 5–10% to maintain the outer diameter of the wheel. For example, when moving from 18″ to 20″ instead of 235/65 R18, choose 235/55 R20.

How to change wheels on a Nissan Murano yourself

Replacing wheels with Murano does not require special skills, but there are several nuances that are worth considering:

  1. 🔧 Preparation: Park the car on a level surface, set the parking brake and chock the wheels.
  2. 🔧 Wheel removal: Loosen the bolts (but don't remove them completely!) using a wheelbrace, then jack up the car. Unscrew the bolts completely and remove the wheel.
  3. 🔧 Installing a new wheel: Place the wheel on the hub, tighten the bolts crosswise, then lower the car and finally tighten the bolts to torque. 110–120 Nm.

Features for Murano:

  • ⚠️ Wheel bolts are threaded M12×1.25 - do not confuse with other standards!
  • ⚠️ When installing winter tires, it is recommended swap front and rear wheels for even wear.
⚠️ Attention: After changing the wheels, be sure to wheel alignment, especially if disks with non-standard ET were installed. Failure to comply with wheel alignment angles will lead to accelerated tire wear and poor handling.

Common problems with wheels and their solutions

Owners Nissan Murano sometimes they encounter typical wheel-related problems. Let's look at the most common ones:

  • 🔴 Steering wheel vibration at speeds of 80–100 km/h - most often caused wheel imbalance or disc deformation. Solution: check the balancing and geometry of the disks.
  • 🔴 Uneven tire wear - may be a consequence incorrect pressure, wheel alignment violations or wear of suspension elements (for example, silent blocks).
  • 🔴 Noise from wheels when driving - often occurs due to worn wheel bearings or incorrectly selected tires (for example, too hard tread).

If after replacing the wheels a knocking in the suspension, check:

  • 🔧 Tightening the fastening bolts.
  • 🔧 Condition of springs and shock absorbers (perhaps new wheels are heavier than standard ones).
  • 🔧 Gaps between the tire and the arch (if the ET or rim width is too large).
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If after installing new discs the steering wheel starts to wobble, try swapping them (front-to-back). If the problem persists, the disk is most likely deformed.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions

Is it possible to install 21-inch wheels from the Z52 on the Murano Z51?

Theoretically yes, but with reservations: you need to check ET (departure) And rim width. Discs from Z52 have a DIA of 71.1 mm, whereas Z51 - 66.1 mm. Will be required spacer rings for centering. Also make sure that the tires do not rub against the arches when the steering wheel is turned completely.

What tire pressure should be in winter?

In winter it is recommended to increase the pressure by 0.1–0.2 bar relative to summer values (see table above). This compensates for the reduction in pressure at low temperatures. For example, for tires 235/65 R18 optimal 2.4–2.5 bar.

What should I do if the ABS indicator comes on after changing the wheels?

This can happen due to a difference in tire diameter (for example, if one tire is punctured and flat). Damage may also be the cause ABS sensor when removing the wheel. Solution: Check the pressure in all tires and reset the error using the diagnostic scanner. If the indicator stays on, contact service.

Which tires are best for off-road use?

Suitable for light off-road use all-season tires with reinforced tread, for example, BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 or Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015. For serious offroading you will need mud tires (For example, Nitto Trail Grappler), but they will be noisy on asphalt and wear out faster.

Is it necessary to balance wheels during seasonal replacement?

Yes, balancing is required every time you remove/install wheels, even if they are not new. Imbalance of everything 10–15 grams may cause vibration at high speeds. An exception is if the wheels were removed without dismantling them from the rims (for example, for storage).