Brake discs for Nissan Murano Z52: a complete selection and replacement guide

Introduction: Why Brake Discs Murano Z52 require special attention

Crossover owners Nissan Murano second generation (body Z52, 2008–2014) are often faced with the need to replace brake discs ahead of schedule. The reason lies in the design features of the model: massive weight (from 1.9 tons), high center of gravity and powerful engines (V6 3.5 l or V6 3.0 l diesel) create an increased load on the braking system. As a result, standard discs wear out faster than on passenger cars, and their deformation or overheating can lead to vibrations in the steering wheel and an increase in braking distance.

In this article we will look at all aspectsrelated to brake discs for Murano Z52: from original catalog numbers to alternative brands, signs of wear and nuances of self-replacement. We will pay special attention unique problem of this model - premature warping of the front discs due to uneven cooling, which often goes unnoticed until critical symptoms appear.

Original brake discs for Murano Z52: catalog numbers and sizes

Manufacturer Nissan sets to Murano Z52 disks with fixed sizes, which depend on the configuration and type of drive. Below is a table with original catalog numbers and technical parameters:

Position	Catalog number	Diameter (mm)	Thickness (mm)	Minimum thickness (mm)	Drive type
Front disc	40520-4M000 / 40520-4M001	320	30	28	4WD / 2WD
Rear disc	40530-4M000 / 40530-4M001	302	18	16	4WD
Rear disc	40530-1X000	296	12	10	2WD

It is important to consider that wheels for all-wheel drive versions (4WD) and front-wheel drive (2WD) differ not only in size, but also in the design of the hub part. For example, rear discs Murano 4WD have built-in ABS sensors, whereas on 2WD-versions they are not available. When purchasing spare parts, be sure to check the vehicle's VIN code or use online catalogs like Nissan Parts Europe or Amayama.

The cost of original discs is from Nissan varies from 8,000 to 15,000 rubles per piece (for 2026), which makes them not the most budget option. However, they are guaranteed to meet factory standards for heat transfer and wear resistance. An alternative is discs from trusted brands, which will be discussed below.

Alternative brands: what to choose instead of the original

The market offers dozens of analogs of original disks for Murano Z52, but not all of them are equally reliable. We have selected 5 brands, which have confirmed their quality in practice:

• 🔧 Brembo — premium segment, discs with perforations and notches for better cooling. Suitable for aggressive driving. Articles: front 09.9566.11, rear 09.9567.11 (4WD).
• 🔧 ATE — optimal price/quality ratio. The discs are covered with an anti-corrosion layer, which is important for Russian roads. Articles: front 24.0120-0150.2.
• 🔧 TRW - a budget option with good wear resistance. Suitable for a relaxed driving style. Articles: front DF4836, rear DF4837 (4WD).
• 🔧 Zimmermann — German quality, wheels with increased service life. Articles: front 120.3008.20.
• 🔧 DBA is an Australian brand specializing in wheels for heavy crossovers. Articles: front DBA4836BLK (with black coating).

When choosing alternative drives, pay attention to:

1. Surface type: perforated discs dissipate heat better, but wear out faster; ventilated (with internal channels) are optimal for everyday driving.
2. Coverage: wheels with a zinc or black anti-corrosion layer retain their appearance longer and are protected from rust.
3. Certification: check for markings ECE R90 or SAE J2521, confirming compliance with safety standards.

⚠️ Attention: Discs from Infiniti FX35/FX50 (platform FM, on which it is built Murano Z52) are similar in appearance, but have a different mounting geometry! Their installation will lead to an imbalance in the brake system.

Signs of wear: when is it time to replace discs? Murano Z52

Brake discs Murano Z52 rarely “die” suddenly - they are usually preceded by symptoms that can be noticed in advance. Here are the key signs that indicate the need for replacement:

• 🚗 Vibration on the steering wheel when braking (especially at speeds above 80 km/h) - signal about warping of disks or uneven wear.
• 🔊 Creaking or grinding when pressing the brake pedal - often caused by contact of the pad with the shoulder on the edge of the disc (the so-called “step”).
• 📏 Reducing disc thickness below the permissible limit (see table above). You can check with a caliper.
• 🔥 Brake overheating after intense braking (the discs are hot to the touch, a blue tint may appear on the surface).
• 🛑 Increased braking distance - an indirect sign that may indicate both pad wear and disc deformation.

Feature Murano Z52 — Uneven wear on front discs due to the design of the calipers. The left and right wheels may bear different loads, so it is recommended to check the thickness of the rims in pairs (even if symptoms appear on only one side).

How to check disc runout without removing it?

Jack up the car, remove the wheel and rotate the rim by hand. Place a dial indicator (or even a coin on the edge of the disk) - if the vibration amplitude exceeds 0.1 mm, the disk must be replaced or re-grooved.

If you notice at least one of the listed symptoms, do not delay diagnosis. On Murano Z52 worn discs can lead to brake failure due to overheating of the calipers - this is due to the peculiarities of the hydraulic system of this model.

Step-by-step instructions for replacing brake discs

Replacing disks with Murano Z52 does not require specialized equipment, but will require accuracy and consistency. Below are instructions for front discs (the rear ones are changed in the same way, but the parking brake may need to be removed).

Step 1: Removing the Wheel and Caliper

1. Raise the car with a jack and remove the wheel.
2. Unscrew the two bolts securing the caliper to the bracket (usually M14). Use a hex wrench to secure the guides.
3. Carefully hang the caliper on a wire or hook, without disconnecting the brake hose.

Step 2: Removing the old drive

1. Remove the caliper bracket (two bolts M17).
2. If the disc is “stuck” to the hub, treat the contact area WD-40 and gently knock it down with a rubber mallet.
3. Clean the hub from rust and dirt with a wire brush.

Step 3: Install a new drive

1. Apply a thin layer of high temperature lubricant (eg Permatex 24110) onto the hub seat.
2. Install a new disk and secure it with guide bolts (if provided by the design).
3. Reassemble the caliper in reverse order, replacing the brake pads.

Step 4. Bleeding the brakes

After replacing discs and pads be sure to bleed the brake systemto remove air. On Murano Z52 this can be done manually (with an assistant) or using a vacuum pump. Pumping order: right rear → left front → left rear → right front.

⚠️ Attention: On discs with perforations or notches prohibited use abrasive cleaners (for example, sandpaper) - this disrupts the structure of the metal and accelerates corrosion.

Grooving vs replacement: which is better for Murano Z52?

Many car owners are wondering: is it possible to sharpen the wheels instead of replacing them? The answer depends on the degree of wear and type of discs:

• ✅ Grooving possible, if:
  • The disk thickness exceeds the minimum allowable (see table above).
  • There are no deep cracks or chips on the surface.
  • Disc runout does not exceed 0.15 mm.
• ❌ Grooving is prohibited, if:
  • The disk is thinner than the minimum acceptable value.
  • There are traces of overheating (blue tint, deformation).
  • The disc belongs to ventilated type with internal channels (the groove violates their geometry).

The cost of turning one disc in the service is 1,500–2,500 rubles, which is cheaper than replacement. However, keep in mind that after grooving, the disk life is reduced by 30–50%, and the risk of warping increases. On Murano Z52 with its heavy mass, a groove is often a temporary solution.

If you still decide to sharpen your wheels, choose a service with machine for grooving on a car (without removing the disk). This allows you to maintain balance and avoid runout.

Common mistakes when replacing disks and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners make mistakes when replacing brake discs with Murano Z52. Here are the most common ones and how to prevent them:

• 🔧 Ignoring caliper guides:

  If the guides are not lubricated or replaced, the caliper may become soured, which will lead to uneven wear of the disc. Use special lubricant (eg TRW PFG110).

• 🔧 Incorrect bolt tightening:

  The caliper and bracket mounting bolts must be tightened to a torque 80–100 Nm (for Murano Z52). Use a torque wrench!

• 🔧 Saving on pads:

  Installing new discs with old pads will speed up their wear. The pads must be same brand and series, as disks (for example, Brembo disks + Brembo pads).

• 🔧 Neglecting to pump the brakes:

  On Murano Z52 After replacing the discs, air may remain in the ABS circuit. If the brake pedal has become “soft”, a full bleeding is required using a scanner (for example, Launch X431).

Another common mistake is failure to check brake hoses. On vehicles older than 2012, rubber hoses may crack, causing brake fluid to leak. Inspect them for damage and replace if necessary (original part number: 40510-4M000).

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions about brake discs Murano Z52

Can I install wheels from other Nissan models?

Theoretically, discs from Nissan Pathfinder R51 (2005–2012) and Infiniti EX35, but only if they have identical catalog numbers. For example, front discs 40520-4M000 interchangeable. However, discs from Nissan X-Trail T31 or Qashqai J10 not suitable due to smaller diameter.

How often do you need to change wheels on a Murano Z52?

Service life depends on driving style and quality of spare parts:

• Original wheels: 80,000–120,000 km.
• Budget analogues (TRW, Febi): 60,000–90,000 km.
• Premium wheels (Brembo, DBA): up to 150,000 km with quiet driving.

Under Russian conditions (reagents, salt), the resource is reduced by 20–30%.

Why did a squeak appear after replacing the disks?

The creaking can be caused by:

• Poor quality pads (for example, with a high metal content).
• Lack of anti-squeak plates or lubricant on the back of the pads.
• Incorrect grinding (see advice above).

Solution: replace the pads with ceramic ones (for example, ATE Ceramic) or apply anti-squeak paste (Permatex 24000).

Do I need to change brake fluid when replacing discs?

Definitely! Brake fluid on Murano Z52 must be replaced every 2 years or 40,000 km (according to regulations Nissan). When replacing discs, the fluid is in any case contaminated with wear products. Use liquid DOT 4 (original article: KE903-99932).

Is it possible to drive with a cracked wheel?

Absolutely not! Cracks on the disk are a risk destruction on the go, especially at high speeds. On Murano Z52 Due to the heavy weight of the vehicle, this may lead to loss of control. If cracks are detected, the disc must be immediate replacement.