Rear shock absorbers Nissan Murano - a critical element of the suspension, on which not only comfort, but also safety depends. Over time, even the original struts lose their effectiveness: knocking noises appear, the car begins to “chatter” on uneven surfaces, and the braking distance increases by 15-20%. If you notice that the crossover has become worse at “swallowing” potholes or the rear part sags when loaded, it’s time to think about replacing it.
In this article we will analyze the entire process - from diagnostics to installation of new shock absorbers - taking into account the features Murano different generations (Z50, Z51, Z52). You will learn which racks are better to choose (original vs analogues), what tools are needed, and how to avoid common mistakes that cause the work to be redone. And if you plan to go to a service center for a replacement, we will tell you what to look for when choosing a service station and how not to overpay for unnecessary work.
Signs of faulty rear shock absorbers on a Nissan Murano
The first symptoms of rear strut wear often go unnoticed, especially if the degradation occurs gradually. However there is 5 Key Signs, which signal the need for replacement:
- 🔊 Knocks or squeaks in the rear when driving over uneven surfaces (even on small bumps). Most often the sound comes from a worn shock absorber.
- 🌊 "Rocking" of the body after overcoming speed bumps or potholes, the car rocks for a long time, like a boat on the waves.
- 📉 Rear sag when loading the trunk or passengers. Normally, the clearance should decrease evenly and not “fall” to one side.
- 🛑 Increased braking distance (by 10-30%) due to insufficient pressure of the wheels to the road. Especially noticeable on wet asphalt.
- 🔄 Uneven rear tire wear — “bald patches” appear on the inside or outside due to improper load distribution.
On Nissan Murano Z51 (2008-2014) and Z52 (2015-2021) there is one feature: electronics can mask problems with shock absorbers by tightening the springs through the system Auto Leveling (if installed). Therefore, visually the subsidence may not be noticeable, but the struts have been “dead” for a long time. You can check their condition with a simple test:
⚠️ Attention! Click on the rear bumper Murano with a force of 30-40 kg and release sharply. If the body makes more than 1-2 vibrations, it’s time to change the shock absorbers. On machines with Auto Leveling The test must be carried out with the ignition off!
Also note oil leaks on the body of the racks - this is a 100% sign of failure. On Murano with a mileage of more than 100 thousand km, leaks can appear even on original shock absorbers Kayaba or Hitachithat were installed from the factory.
- Up to 50,000 km
- 50,000–100,000 km
- 100,000–150,000 km
- More than 150,000 km
Which rear shock absorbers to choose for Nissan Murano: original vs analogues
Selection of racks for Murano depends on the budget, driving style and year of manufacture of the car. Original shock absorbers from Nissan (see table below for article numbers) guarantee perfect compatibility, but their price is often inflated. Alternative brands - Kayaba (KYB), Monroe, Bilstein — can offer similar quality for less money.
| Generation | Original art. | Analogs (recommended) | Average price, rub. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan Murano Z50 (2003–2007) | 54500-4M000 (right)54500-4M001 (left) |
KYB 344379, Monroe 37169 | 8,000–12,000 per pair |
| Nissan Murano Z51 (2008–2014) | 54500-4M600 (right)54500-4M601 (left) |
Bilstein 24-186660, KYB 344380 | 10,000–15,000 per pair |
| Nissan Murano Z52 (2015–2021) | 54500-4M900 (right)54500-4M901 (left) |
Monroe 37170, Sachs 315 384 | 12,000–18,000 per pair |
When choosing analogues, pay attention to shock absorber type:
- 🔹 Oily (For example, KYB Excel-G) - softer, cheaper, but less durable. Suitable for quiet driving around the city.
- 🔹 Gas-oil (Bilstein B4, Monroe Reflex) - stiffer, better road holding at high speeds. Optimal for Murano with motors
VQ35DE(3.5 l) andVQ25DE(2.5 l). - 🔹 With adjustable stiffness (KYB Agx) - allow you to adjust the behavior of the suspension, but require proper tuning.
On Murano Z51 with Auto Leveling system, you cannot install shock absorbers without body position sensors - this will lead to an error C1130 in the suspension control unit. If you want to save money, take struts with the ability to swap sensors from old shock absorbers (for example, Monroe 37169 with sensor connector).
When purchasing shock absorbers for the Murano Z52, check the package - the box should contain new boots, bumpers and fastening nuts. If they are not available, purchase them separately (art. 54525-4M900 for anthers).
Preparing for replacement: tools and safety precautions
Replacing rear shock absorbers with Nissan Murano does not require special equipment, but without the right tools the process can take all day. Here minimum setwhich you will need:
- 🔧 Set of sockets and ratchet wrenches (required)
10 mm,14 mm,17 mm,19 mm). - 🔩 Torque wrench (for tightening nuts with torque
50–70 Nm). - 🛠 Clamp for compressing springs (if you remove the rack assembly).
- 🔨 Ball joint remover (to disconnect the lower arm from the strut).
- 🧲 Magnetic holder (so as not to lose nuts and washers in the wheel arch).
- 🛢 WD-40 or similar rust remover (bolts often stick).
Also prepare body supports (you can use wooden blocks) - after removing the wheels, the car will rest on the subframe, and without support the body may deform. Don't forget about protective gloves and glasses — when compressing the springs there is a risk of injury.
⚠️ Attention! On Murano with all-wheel drive (4WD) before replacing shock absorbers, you must turn off the systemATTESA E-TS(button4WD Lockin the cabin). Otherwise, when jacking one wheel, the electronics may block the differential, which will lead to drive failure.
If you are planning to change racks for the first time, watch the video instructions for your generation in advance Murano - for example, on YouTube there are detailed guides on Z51 And Z52. Please note procedure for unscrewing bolts - on some models, you first need to loosen the upper fastening, and then the lower one, otherwise the spring may shoot.
Loosen the wheel nuts (do not remove!) on a suspended car|Disconnect the battery terminal (to avoid airbag deployment)|Put supports under the front wheels|Check for the presence of all new consumables (nuts, boots)|Prepare a container for draining oil from old shock absorbers (if they leak)-->
Step-by-step instructions for replacing rear shock absorbers
Replacement process for all generations Murano similar, but there are nuances for Z51 And Z52. We will consider a universal algorithm, and indicate the features separately.
Step 1: Removing the old shock absorber
1. Raise the rear of the car with a jack and fix on supports. Remove the wheel.
2. Unscrew 2 bolts securing the strut to the hub (key 17 mm). On Murano Z52 A ball joint puller may be needed here.
3. In the cabin, remove the plastic cover above the pillar (snap off the clips). Unscrew 3 top mounting nuts (key 14 mm).
4. Carefully remove the strut and spring assembly. If the shock absorber is stuck, do not hit it with a hammer - use WD-40 and wait 10-15 minutes.
Step 2: Disassembling and installing a new shock absorber
1. Compress the spring with a clamp and unscrew central nut (key 19 mm). Remove the bump stop, boot and support bearing.
2. Transfer all parts (except the worn shock absorber) to the new strut. Don't forget to check the condition of the spring — if there are cracks or corrosion on the coils, it also needs to be replaced.
3. Reassemble the stand in reverse order. Tighten the nuts with a torque wrench:
- 🔧 Top mount -
25–35 Nm. - 🔧 Central nut -
50–60 Nm. - 🔧 Bottom bolts to the hub -
70–90 Nm.
Step 3: Installation and Testing
1. Install the stand into place, starting with the top mount. Do not tighten the nuts until the machine is lowered onto the wheels!
2. Screw the hub and install the wheel. Lower the car and tighten all bolts completely.
3. Bleed the new shock absorbers - press the rear of the body 3-4 times so that they “break in”.
On Murano Z51 with the system Auto Leveling after replacement it is necessary reset errors in the control unit. To do this:
- Turn on the ignition (without starting the engine).
- Press the brake pedal and hold it for 5 seconds.
- Turn off the ignition, wait 10 seconds and start the engine.
What should I do if there is a knocking noise after replacement?
If the knocking noise persists, check:
1. Tighten all bolts (especially the top fastening).
2. Condition of the support bearing - it could have cracked during assembly.
3. Correct installation of the bump stop (it should not touch the spring).
4. The presence of play in the silent blocks of the rear beam (on Murano Z50/Z51 they often wear out simultaneously with the struts).
Typical replacement mistakes and how to avoid them
Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes that lead to the rapid failure of new shock absorbers. Here TOP-5 misses when working with Nissan Murano:
- 🔧 Incorrect tightening of nuts — if you tighten the upper mount, the support bearing will begin to creak after 1,000 km. Use a torque wrench!
- 🔄 Confused right/left struts - on Murano Z52 shock absorbers are asymmetrical (different art. for sides). Install strictly according to the markings.
- 🛢 Ignoring oil leaks — if the old shock absorber is leaking, be sure to wash the wheel arch with solvent. Oil corrodes the rubber boots of new struts.
- 🔋 Unreset electronics errors - on cars with
Auto LevelingAfter replacement, you need to reset the calibration of the sensors (see instructions above). - 🚗 Neglect of wheel alignment — after replacing the rear struts with Murano with mileage >80 thousand km, be sure to check the wheel geometry. Even a slight deviation will accelerate tire wear.
Another common problem is creaking new shock absorbers in the first 500 km. This is normal for gas-oil struts (Bilstein, KYB Excel-G), but if the sound does not disappear for longer, check:
- 🔹 Quality of anthers (they should not touch the spring).
- 🔹 Availability of lubricant on rubber bushings.
- 🔹 Correct installation of the bump stop (it should be directed with the wide part downwards).
⚠️ Attention! On Murano Z50 (2003–2007) the light may come on after replacing the shock absorbers ABS. This is due to the speed sensor, which is attached to the rear pillar. Check the integrity of the wiring and the reliability of the connector!
Cost of service replacement vs self-repair
If you are not confident in your abilities, replacing the rear shock absorbers with Nissan Murano It's better to leave it to professionals. However, prices for services can vary greatly:
| Service type | Cost of work (for 2 racks), rub. | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official dealer Nissan | 8 000–12 000 | 1 year warranty, original spare parts, suspension diagnostics | Expensive, long (2–3 days of waiting) |
| Independent service | 4 000–7 000 | Fast (2–3 hours), you can bring your own spare parts | Quality depends on the craftsman, there is no guarantee for work |
| Tire/vulcanization | 3 000–5 000 | Low price, prompt | No specialized tool, risk of errors |
| On your own | 0 (spare parts only) | Savings, quality control | Requires time and tools, risk of damage to springs |
When choosing a service, pay attention to reviews about a specific master, and not about the service station as a whole. Ask if they have:
- 🔧 Torque wrench (without it it is impossible to tighten the nuts correctly).
- 🔧 Puller for springs (if you plan to change the rack assembly).
- 🔧 Diagnostic equipment for resetting errors
Auto Leveling(for Z51/Z52).
On a Murano with a mileage of more than 150 thousand km, when replacing shock absorbers, wear of the rear beam silent blocks and stabilizer bushings is often detected. Services often force them to be replaced “at the same time,” although they can last another 20–30 thousand km. Before agreeing to additional work, ask to see the gaps!
Savings on replacing shock absorbers can result in more expensive suspension repairs. If you are not confident in your skills, it is better to overpay for quality service than to later replace bent levers or cracked springs.
Frequently asked questions about replacing rear shock absorbers on a Nissan Murano
Is it possible to change shock absorbers one at a time, or only in pairs?
It is recommended to change the racks a couple, even if one of them is still “alive”. Different shock absorber stiffness leads to uneven tire wear and poor handling. The exception is if one strut is new (mileage < 10 thousand km), and the second is leaking.
How long do rear shock absorbers last on a Murano?
Service life depends on operating conditions:
- 🏙 City mode (asphalt, rare loads) - 100–150 thousand km.
- 🛣 Mixed mode (road + primers) - 80–120 thousand km.
- 🏔 Aggressive driving/off-road — 50–80 thousand km.
Original racks Kayaba or Hitachi last 20–30% longer than analogues.
Do I need to do a wheel alignment after replacement?
On Nissan Murano the rear wheels have unregulated camber, but the toe angles may get lost when replacing the struts. Be sure to check the geometry if:
- 🔹 The car “steers” to the side when driving in a straight line.
- 🔹 The rear tires began to wear unevenly.
- 🔹 You changed not only the shock absorbers, but also the levers/silent blocks.
Which is better: gas-oil or oil shock absorbers?
The choice depends on your driving style:
- 🔹 Oily (KYB Excel-G, Monroe Sensa-Trac) - softer, more comfortable for the city, but less stable at high speeds. Suitable for a quiet ride.
- 🔹 Gas-oil (Bilstein B4, KYB Gas-a-Just) - stiffer, hold the road better, but can transmit small irregularities into the cabin. Optimal for the track and active driving.
On Murano Z52 with motor VQ35DE (258 hp) gas-oil struts are preferable - they cope better with the weight of the crossover.
Is it possible to drive with faulty rear shock absorbers?
Short-term (1-2 weeks) - possible, but it is dangerous:
- 🔹 Braking distance increases by 15–30%.
- 🔹 The risk of aquaplaning on a wet road is growing.
- 🔹 The wear of other suspension elements (silent blocks, balls, springs) accelerates.
- 🔹 During a sharp maneuver, the car may “yaw” (especially on Murano with a high center of gravity).
If the shock absorber is leaking or has completely lost efficiency, it is better not to delay replacement.