Nissan Murano is one of the most popular crossovers in Russia, combining comfort, cross-country ability and stylish design. However, when installing additional equipment (tow bars, racks, crankcase protection or even bumper pads), owners are faced with the need to drill the body. Errors here can result in corrosion, damage to hidden elements, or incorrect operation of accessories.

In this article we will look at standard hole sizes for all generations Murano (Z50, Z51, Z52), we will provide precise drilling patterns for popular accessories and cut key nuances, which are not written in the instructions. Let us dwell separately on unique features of the Murano body that influence the choice of drill and mounting location - for example, the presence of reinforced zones in the rear part of the frame or the specifics of fastening towbars with electrics.

Generations of Nissan Murano: how drilling differs between Z50, Z51 and Z52

Body drilling directly depends on the generation of the crossover. Let's look at the key differences:

  • 🔹 Z50 (2002–2007): the “softest” iron, requires caution when drilling - the thickness of the metal in the areas where towbars are attached is only 1.8–2.0 mm. The holes for standard accessories often coincide with the factory technological ones, but their diameter may differ.
  • 🔹 Z51 (2007–2014): the body became stiffer, reinforced side members appeared. It is critical to consider here hidden stiffening ribs — drilling in these areas without preliminary marking leads to breakage of drills or deformation of the metal.
  • 🔹 Z52 (2014–present): the most complex design with aluminum elements at the rear. Required for drilling special drills for aluminum and mandatory treatment of holes with anti-corrosive agent.

Important: on Murano Z52 with the system ProPILOT Drilling in the rear bumper area may affect the operation of the radars! Before starting work, check the location of the sensors in service manual.

📊 What generation of Nissan Murano do you have?
  • Z50 (2002–2007)
  • Z51 (2007–2014)
  • Z52 (2014–present)
  • Haven't chosen yet

Standard hole sizes for mounting accessories

Below is a table with typical hole diameters for popular accessories. The data is relevant for all generations, but check them in the instructions for the specific product!

Accessory Hole diameter (mm) Number of holes Features
Towbar (without electrics) 10.5–12.0 4–6 On Z52, drilling is required from the inside of the trunk
Towbar with electrics 12.0 + 20.0 (for connector) 6–8 The hole for the wiring is made in the left side member
Crankcase protection 8.0–10.0 6–10 On Z51 and Z52 it is attached to the subframe, no need to drill the body
Roof rack 6.0–8.0 4 The holes are closed with plugs, drill at an angle of 90°
Bumper covers 4.0–6.0 8–12 Z50/Z51 only, Z52 uses clips

⚠️ Attention: When installing towbars on Murano Z52 with the system 360° camera drill holes for mounting only after removing the rear bumper. Otherwise, you risk damaging the camera cables!

Step-by-step instructions: how to properly drill a Murano body

The drilling process requires preparation and precision. Follow this algorithm to avoid errors:

  1. Surface cleaning. Remove dirt and oil from the drilling area with solvent (e.g. WD-40). On Murano Z52 Be sure to remove the factory anti-gravel protection - it can clog the drill.
  2. Marking. Use masking tape And center punchto mark the centers of the holes. For towbars, use templates from the manufacturer (for example, Thule or Bosal).
  3. Drill selection. For steel (Z50/Z51) - HSS drill, for aluminum (Z52) - carbide. The drill diameter should be 0.2–0.3 mm less the desired hole (the ideal size is achieved by countersinking).
  4. Drilling. Start at low speed (400-600 rpm) with cooling (oil or special fluid). For deep holes (for example, under a tow bar), use step drill.
  5. Processing. Remove burrs countersink, cover the holes anticorrosive (we recommend Dinitrol ML) and install rubber seals.

Plastic covers and seals removed

Checking the thickness of the metal with a caliper

Drills and coolant are prepared

The centers of the holes are marked with a center punch

First aid kit and fire extinguishing equipment at hand -->

⚠️ Attention: On Murano Z51 There are fuel lines in the towbar mounting area! Before drilling, be sure to check their location according to service manual (section 19-00: Fuel System).

Drilling patterns for popular accessories

Below are the basic diagrams for the most popular modifications. All dimensions are in millimeters and may vary slightly depending on the year of manufacture.

1. Installing a towbar (without electrics)

The scheme is relevant for Murano Z50/Z51. On Z52 holes are offset by 15 mm to the left due to the modified bumper design.



│───────────────────────┬───────────────────────│


│                       │                       │


● (10.5 мм)            ● (10.5 мм)            ← 720 мм между центрами


│                       │                       │


│───────────────────────┴───────────────────────│


▲


│ 350 мм от края бампера

2. Fastening the crankcase protection

Similar for all generations, but Z52 additional holes in the subframe are required (diameter 8.0 mm).



Front:


● (8.0 мм) ─────────────────── ● (8.0 мм)  ← 600 мм


▲


│ 200 мм от переднего бампера



Rear:


● (8.0 мм) ─────────────────── ● (8.0 мм)  ← 580 мм


▲


│ 150 мм от задней оси
Where can I download 3D models for accurate marking?

For maximum marking accuracy, use 3D body models Nissan Murano, available on the resources:

- GrabCAD (search for "Nissan Murano Z51 chassis")

- Thingiverse (models for printed templates)

- Official Nissan portal (section "Service Manuals" → "Body Dimensions")

Please note: Z52 models are often paid for due to the complexity of the design.

Drilling mistakes: how to avoid them

Even experienced craftsmen make mistakes that lead to corrosion or breakage of accessories. Here are the most common:

  • 🔧 Drilling without centering. If not used center punch, the drill will “lead” to the side, especially on aluminum parts Murano Z52.
  • 🔧 Ignores hidden elements. Wires pass through the Z51 side members ABS And ESP — their damage leads to errors on the dashboard.
  • 🔧 No anti-corrosion treatment. On Murano Z50 untreated holes rust after just 6 months (tested on forums Drive2).
  • 🔧 Incorrect drilling angle. For roof racks, the holes must be strictly perpendicular to the surface - deviation more 2° will lead to loose fasteners.
💡

Before drilling, apply to the drill marker, stepping back from the edge to the depth of the hole. This will help avoid through passage and damage to internal body elements.

Frequently asked questions about drilling Nissan Murano

Let's look at typical situations that owners face:

Is it possible to drill the body of a Murano Z52 without removing the bumper?

Technically possible, but highly not recommended. On the Z52, the rear bumper is integrated with the system ProPILOT and parking sensors. Drilling “by eye” in 80% of cases leads to damage to the wiring or plastic fastenings of the sensors. It is better to spend 1.5 hours on dismantling than to repair the electronics later.

What drill bit should I use for aluminum parts on the Z52?

Suitable for aluminum:

  • 🔹 Carbide drills (For example, Ruko HSS-TiAlN)
  • 🔹 Step drills (for holes with a diameter of 10–30 mm)
  • 🔹 Titanium Nitride Coated Drills (increased wear resistance)

Required condition: oil cooling (not water!). Drilling speed - no more 800 rpm.

How to seal unnecessary holes after dismantling accessories?

Use:

  1. Threaded plugs (For example, 3M 08577) - for holes up to 12 mm.
  2. Epoxy resin with reinforcing fiber - for large holes (pre-clean the metal to a “bare” state).
  3. Welding - if the hole is critical (for example, in a spar). After welding, processing is required zinc spray.

⚠️ Attention: On Murano Z50 do not use silicone sealants - they do not hold the load and after a year the hole will again become a source of corrosion.

Do I need to drill into the body to install the crankcase guard?

Depends on the protection model:

  • 🔹 Nissan Factory Protection (article 54501-JM00A) - attached to the subframe without drilling the body.
  • 🔹 Universal protection (For example, AVS) - require 4–6 holes in the front bumper (diameter 6–8 mm).
  • 🔹 Enhanced protection (For example, Ironman 4x4) - drilling of the side members is mandatory (holes 10 mm).

Before purchasing, check with the seller whether the model is suitable for your generation Murano.

How to avoid corrosion after drilling?

Follow this algorithm:

  1. Clean the hole metal brush and degrease acetone.
  2. Apply acid soil (For example, Reoflex) - it transforms rust.
  3. Once dry, cover the hole. anti-gravel (For example, Tectyl 506).
  4. Install rubber seals (comes complete with accessories).
  5. Repeat anticorrosive treatment every 6 months.

On Murano Z50 The areas under the towbar are especially vulnerable - dirt from the road accumulates there.

- Always check the location of hidden components (fuel lines, wiring).

- Use drills and coolant suitable for the body material (steel or aluminum).

- Treat holes with anticorrosive immediately after drilling.

- For Z52, it is necessary to remove the bumper when working with a tow bar or protection.-->