Front subframe silent blocks <em>Nissan Murano Z51</em>: when to change and how to choose?

Nissan Murano Z51 - a crossover with a solid resource, but even it has weaknesses. One of them is front subframe silent blocks, which over time lose their elasticity, crack and begin to knock. If you ignore the problem, the consequences can result not only in driving discomfort, but also in serious damage to the suspension.

In this article we will look at how to timely diagnose the wear of silent blocks on Murano Z51, which article numbers of original and analog parts are suitable, and we will also give step-by-step instructions for replacement - with nuances that are not written about in standard manuals. We will separately dwell on the mistakes that even experienced craftsmen make, and we will tell you how to avoid them.

Signs of wear on the front subframe silent blocks

Silent blocks are rubber-metal hinges that dampen vibrations between the subframe and the body. On Nissan Murano Z51 their resource is usually 80–120 thousand km, but with aggressive driving or bad roads it can be reduced to 50–60 thousand km. How do you know when it's time to change them?

Main symptoms:

• 🔊 Knocking or squeaking in the front of the car when driving over uneven surfaces, especially at low speeds.
• 🚗 Deterioration in handling: the car begins to “drive” on the road, play appears in the steering wheel.
• 🔧 Visible cracks or tears in the rubber on silent blocks (can be seen when inspected on a pit or lift).
• 💥 Uneven tire wear, especially on the inside, due to the displacement of the suspension geometry.

If you notice at least two of these signs, it is worth getting diagnosed. On Murano Z51 The silent blocks of the front subframe often “die” in pairs - if one is worn out, the second is usually not far away. Therefore, it is recommended to change them comprehensively, even if visually the second one looks normal.

Articles and analogues: what to choose for replacement?

Original front subframe silent blocks for Nissan Murano Z51 (2015–2022) have the following articles:

• 🔹 54501-4M00A — right silent block;
• 🔹 54500-4M00A — left silent block.

The cost of original parts is from 3,500 to 5,000 rub. per piece. However, many owners choose analogues that are not inferior in quality, but are 1.5–2 times cheaper. Among the trusted brands:

• 🔧 Febi (article 22366) - German quality, price ~2,500 rubles;
• 🔧 Meyle (article 100 455 0014) — reinforced silent blocks with improved rubber;
• 🔧 Sasic (article 2005450) - budget option (~1,800 rubles), but the resource is lower;
• 🔧 Nissens (article 8545014) - Danish manufacturer, optimal price/quality ratio.

When choosing analogues, pay attention to rubber material. On Murano Z51 It’s better to take silent blocks with polyurethane filler - they last longer and “tan” less in the cold. Also check that the kit comes with new bolts and nuts (they often have to be cut off during dismantling).

Why shouldn't you buy cheap Chinese analogues?

Cheap silent blocks (for example, unnamed ones from AliExpress) are usually made of low-quality rubber, which cracks after 10–15 thousand km. In addition, their seat dimensions often do not match, which leads to play and accelerated wear of the seats in the subframe.

Tools and preparation for replacement

Replacing the silent blocks of the front subframe with Nissan Murano Z51 - a labor-intensive procedure that requires special tools. If you decide to do this yourself, prepare in advance:

• 🔧 Silent block remover (preferably hydraulic, for example, KUKKO 210-2);
• 🔧 Socket heads by 17, 19 and 22 mm (for subframe bolts and levers);
• 🔧 Extension and ratchet wrench;
• 🔧 Crowbar and hammer (for dismantling stuck parts);
• 🔧 WD-40 or liquid key (for processing rusty connections);
• 🔧 Jack and stops (for lifting and securing the car).

You will also need torque wrench for correct tightening of bolts (torque of silent blocks - 80–100 Nm, subframe bolts - 120–140 Nm). Without it, you risk over-tightening the rubber, which will lead to its rapid destruction.

⚠️ Attention! Before starting work, be sure to disconnect the negative terminal of the battery. On Murano Z51 When removing the subframe, you can accidentally touch the wiring of the ABS sensor or steering rack, which will lead to errors in the ECU.

Step-by-step replacement instructions

The process of replacing silent blocks with Nissan Murano Z51 takes 4–6 hours (depending on the condition of the fasteners). Here are the detailed instructions:

1. Removing the protection and subframe:

   Remove the plastic engine protection (4 x 10mm bolts). Unscrew the bolts securing the subframe to the body (2 front and 2 rear, 19 mm head). Loosen the bolts securing the arms to the subframe (17 mm socket), but do not remove them completely.

2. Disconnecting the steering rack and stabilizer:

   Unscrew the nuts securing the steering rods to the rack (14 mm socket) and remove them using a puller. Disconnect the stabilizer links from the arms (17 mm socket).

3. Removing the subframe:

   Lower the subframe to 10–15 cm (you can place wooden blocks for support). Now access to silent blocks is open.

4. Replacing silent blocks:

   Using a puller, squeeze out the old silent blocks. Before installing new ones, clean the seats from rust and dirt. Lubricate the outer surface of the silent blocks with a soap solution (do not use oils or petroleum-based lubricants - they destroy the rubber!). Press in the new parts, making sure they fit evenly and without distortion.

5. Assembly:

   Install the subframe in place, tighten the mounting bolts to the body (torque 120–140 Nm). Connect the levers, steering rack and stabilizer. Tighten all connections to the correct torque.

After replacement, be sure to check wheel alignment — even if the suspension geometry is not violated, it is better to be safe. On Murano Z51 After such work, it is often necessary to adjust the wheel alignment angles.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when replacing silent blocks with Nissan Murano Z51. Here are the most common of them:

Error	Consequences	How to avoid
Reusing old bolts	The bolts stretch when tightened and do not provide the required torque. Risk of self-unscrewing.	Always use new bolts of strength grade 10.9 or original.
Incorrect tightening torque	Silent blocks that are overtightened crack, while silent blocks that are not tightened become loose.	Use a torque wrench. Moment for silent blocks - 80–100 Nm.
Installation without lubrication	The rubber breaks when pressed, the silent blocks wear out quickly.	Lubricate the seats with soapy water or a special lubricant for rubber.
Ignoring wheel alignment	Uneven tire wear, vehicle pulling to the side.	After replacement, be sure to do a wheel alignment, even if everything looks normal on the outside.

Critical error: trying to knock out silent blocks with a hammer without a puller. On the Murano Z51, this almost always leads to deformation of the seat in the subframe, after which the new silent block will play. If there is no puller, it is better to contact a service station.

⚠️ Attention! On some versions Murano Z51 (with engine VQ35DE) the subframe is attached to the side members with additional brackets. If you don't unscrew them, you can bend the subframe when removing it!

Cost of replacement at a service station vs self-repair

The cost of replacing the front subframe silent blocks with Nissan Murano Z51 in services varies from 8,000 to 15,000 rub. (for both silent blocks, excluding the cost of parts). This amount includes:

• 💰 Dismantling/installation of the subframe - 4,000–6,000 rub.;
• 💰 Replacing silent blocks - 2,000–3,000 rub.;
• 💰 Wheel alignment adjustment - 1,500–2,000 rub..

If you do it yourself, the costs will only be the cost of the parts (4,000–8,000 rub. for a couple of original or high-quality analogues) plus the possible purchase of a puller (1,500–3,000 rub.). However, without experience and tools, the risk of mistakes is high - for example, you can damage the steering rack or tear CV joint boots.

The choice depends on your skills. If you have not worked with suspension before, it is better to trust the professionals. If you have experience, replacing it yourself will save up to 50% cost.

💡

Savings on replacing silent blocks can result in expensive suspension repairs. If you doubt your abilities, don’t take risks.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about silent blocks Nissan Murano Z51

Is it possible to drive with knocking silent blocks?

Short term - yes, but no more 1–2 weeks. Long-term driving with worn silent blocks leads to:

• 🔧 Play in the subframe and levers;
• 🔧 Accelerated wear of wheel bearings;
• 🔧 Damage to the steering rack due to increased vibrations.

If the silent blocks are torn, the subframe may move, resulting in loss of control at high speed.

How often should silent blocks be checked?

Recommended inspection interval - every 30 thousand km or once a year. Be sure to inspect them after:

• 🚗 Strong impacts (for example, hitting a curb);
• 🚗 Long off-road trips;
• 🚗 Replacement of other suspension elements (levers, shock absorbers).

Is it possible to replace only one silent block?

Technically yes, but not recommended. On Murano Z51 silent blocks wear out approximately equally. If you replace only one, the second one will soon fail and you will have to repeat the whole job. The exception is if the second silent block is new (for example, recently replaced).

Which silent blocks are better - rubber or polyurethane?

Polyurethane (Powerflex, Whiteline) last longer (up to 150 thousand km), but:

• ✅ Better dampen vibrations;
• ✅ They don’t freeze in the cold;
• ❌ 1.5–2 times more expensive;
• ❌ They can creak at low temperatures.

Rubber ones are cheaper and softer, but wear out faster. For everyday driving, high-quality rubber tires (for example, Meyle), for a sporty driving style - polyurethane.

Do I need to do a wheel alignment after replacement?

Definitely! Even if the subframe was removed and installed carefully, the suspension geometry could change. On Murano Z51 after replacing silent blocks, the toe often “goes away”, which leads to:

• 🔧 Rapid tire wear;
• 🔧 Pulling the car to the side;
• 🔧 Deterioration of exchange rate stability.