Nissan Murano Z51 - a crossover with a comfortable suspension, but even it requires attention to detail. Stabilizer bushings play a key role here: they dampen vibrations, prevent knocks and provide precise control. However, over time, rubber loses elasticity, and the first symptoms of a malfunction often go unnoticed - until it is too late.
If your Murano began to “shudder” on uneven surfaces, and at speeds over 80 km/h a dull hum appeared from the front - with a 90% probability the bushings are the culprit. In this article we will look at how to diagnose their wear, what original and similar spare parts suitable for Z51, and why replacing it yourself can save up to 5,000 rubles.
Signs of wear on the stabilizer bushings Nissan Murano Z51
The first “bells” appear after 50–60 thousand kilometers, especially if the car is operated on Russian roads. The main problem: symptoms of bushing wear are often confused with faulty shock absorbers or ball joints. Here's how to tell them apart:
✅ Knocking sound when passing speed bumps - the most obvious sign. The sound comes from the front, usually from the left side (due to the load on the driver's axle). On Murano Z51 The knock may come from the steering wheel.
✅ Vibration on the steering wheel when driving over uneven surfaces at speeds of 60–90 km/h. The bushings no longer dampen the vibrations of the stabilizer, and they are transmitted to the body.
✅ Pulling the car to the side when braking. Worn bushings change the suspension geometry, which is especially noticeable on wet roads.
- 🔍 Visual inspection: cracks, tears or “flattening” of rubber is a signal for replacement. On Murano Bushings are often “eaten” from the inside, so inspect them with a flashlight.
- 📏 Backlash: If you feel a gap when rocking the stabilizer with your hand, the bushings are worn out. Normal: the stabilizer should fit tightly, without the slightest displacement.
- 🚗 Bump test: Drive over a series of small uneven surfaces (such as cobblestones). Healthy bushings will prevent you from hearing metallic clanging.
⚠️ Attention: on Murano Z51 With a mileage of more than 100 thousand km, bushing wear can be disguised as wheel bearing malfunctions. Before replacing, check the wheel play while suspended!
- Once every 10,000 km
- Only when knocking occurs
- Never checked
- I only trust service stations
Original articles and the best analogues for Nissan Murano Z51
Original bushings from Nissan have an article number 54501-4M000 (for front stabilizer) and 54501-4M001 (for rear, if installed). However, their price—from 1,800 rubles per set—forces us to look for alternatives. Fortunately, there are worthy analogues on the market:
| Brand | Article | Price (per set), ₽ | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan (original) | 54501-4M000 |
1 800–2 200 | Soft rubber, long service life, but high price |
| Febi (Germany) | 36100 |
900–1 200 | Stiffer than the original, but wear-resistant. Suitable for aggressive riding |
| Lemforder (Germany) | 34306 01 |
1 100–1 400 | Optimal balance of price and quality. Recommended for Russian roads |
| Sasic (South Korea) | 2005-0061 |
600–800 | A budget option, but the rubber hardens in temperatures below -20°C |
| TRW (USA) | JBU841 |
1 300–1 600 | Premium quality, suitable for harsh environments |
Important: Murano Z51 from 2015 (restyling) can be equipped with bushings with a changed bore diameter (22 mm instead of 20 mm). Before purchasing, check the year of manufacture!
If you choose analogues, pay attention to:
- 🔹 Material: optimally - polyurethane or high-quality rubber with additives. Cheap bushings made of “oak” rubber will last no more than 20 thousand km.
- 🔹 Form: on Murano The bushings have specific “ears” for fastening. Analogues will not work without them!
- 🔹 Completeness: Some manufacturers sell bushings without mounting clamps. Original clamps Nissan have an article number
54525-4M000.
When purchasing analogues, check for a certificate of conformity ISO 9001 - this is a guarantee that the rubber will not crack a month after installation.
Step-by-step instructions for replacing stabilizer bushings with Nissan Murano Z51
Replacing bushings with Murano Z51 does not require special tools, but will require skill - especially when working with rusty bolts. Average replacement time: 1.5–2 hours for the front axle. Here's what you'll need:
- 🔧 Socket set (10, 12, 14 mm)
- 🔧 Extension and ratchet handle
- 🔧 WD-40 or similar penetrating lubricant
- 🔧 Jack and stops (or lift)
- 🔧 Mount or lever for pressing the stabilizer
Step 1. Preparation
Place the car on a level surface, tighten the handbrake and place chocks under the rear wheels. Raise the front end with a jack (or use a lift) and remove the wheels. Treat all bolts securing the stabilizer and brackets WD-40 - this will save effort when unscrewing.
Step 2. Removing old bushings
Unscrew the two bushing bracket mounting bolts (usually a 14mm socket). Remove the bracket and remove the old bushing. If it gets stuck, carefully pry it off with a pry bar. Clean the seat from dirt and rust.
Lubricate the seat with silicone grease|
Check the integrity of the clamps|
Make sure the stabilizer is not deformed|
Apply soapy water to the inner surface of the bushing for easy installation-->
Step 3. Installing new bushings
Apply a thin layer of silicone grease to the inside of the bushing and the seat on the stabilizer. Install the bushing so that its “ears” coincide with the grooves on the bracket. Tighten the fastening bolts one by oneto avoid skew. Tightening torque: 25–30 Nm.
Step 4. Check
After assembly, lower the car and rock it by the front bumper several times - this will help the bushings “settle.” Drive 5-10 km on uneven roads and check for knocking noises. If the sounds remain, check the tightness of the bolts and the integrity of the clamps.
⚠️ Attention: on Murano Z51 with the system 4WD After replacing the bushings, it is recommended to check the wheel alignment angles. Even a slight movement of the stabilizer can affect the geometry!
What to do if the bracket mounting bolts are broken?
If a bolt breaks off, do not try to drill it out yourself - you risk damaging the threads in the subframe. Best option:
1. Apply “liquid key” (for example, Liqui Moly MoS2-Spray) and leave for 12 hours.
2. Use an extractor or left-hand thread to unscrew the fragment.
3. If all else fails, contact a service station to restore the thread using a screwdriver (helicoil).
Common mistakes when replacing bushings with Nissan Murano Z51
Even experienced car owners make mistakes that shorten the service life of new bushings or lead to additional problems. Here are the most common:
🔴 Using the wrong lubricant. Oil or graphite grease corrodes the rubber of the bushings. May only be used silicone grease or soap solution.
🔴 Bolt tightening. A tightening torque of more than 30 Nm deforms the bushing, causing it to crack faster. Use a torque wrench!
🔴 Ignoring clamps. Old clamps may be warped or rusty. Always install new ones (part no. 54525-4M000).
🔴 Failure to follow the tightening order. If you first tighten one bolt all the way, and then the second, the bushing will sit crookedly and will wear unevenly.
Another typical problem is purchase of bushings without modification. For example, on Murano Z51 with package Sport Bushings with reinforced fastenings can be installed (article no. 54501-4M010). Check the VIN number with your dealer to avoid mistakes.
1. Condition of the silent blocks of the levers.
2. Play in ball joints.
3. Integrity of the stabilizer itself (cracks or deformations).
Often knocking noises are disguised as wear of the bushings, although the problem lies deeper!-->
Bushing service life: how to extend the service life?
On Nissan Murano Z51 Stabilizer bushings last an average of 60–80 thousand km, but this period can be either reduced or increased. Here's what affects their durability:
- 🌡️ Climatic conditions: in regions with frequent temperature changes (from -30°C to +30°C), rubber loses elasticity faster. Polyurethane bushings (for example, from Powerflex) are more resistant to this.
- 🚧 Road quality: Driving on paving stones or gravel increases the load on the stabilizer by 2-3 times. If more than 50% of the mileage is covered by such coatings, check the bushings every 30 thousand km.
- 🧴 Care: every 10 thousand km, clean the bushings from dirt and apply silicone grease. This prevents cracking and corrosion of metal elements.
Interesting fact: on Murano Z51 with a mileage of more than 150 thousand km, not only the bushings often wear out, but also seats on the stabilizer. In this case, it may be necessary to replace the entire assembly (part number 54500-4M000, price ~12,000 ₽).
To extend the life of bushings:
- 🔄 Check them regularly (once every 5 thousand km) visually and for play.
- 🚿 Wash the suspension in winter so that the salt does not corrode the rubber.
- 🛠️ When replacing, use polyurethane bushings — they last 1.5–2 times longer than standard ones.
Replacement cost: service station vs self-repair
Bushing replacement price Nissan Murano Z51 varies depending on the region and service station level. Here are the approximate prices:
| Service type | Price (for front axle), ₽ | Opening hours |
|---|---|---|
| Replacement of bushings (without spare parts) | 1 500–2 500 | 1–1.5 hours |
| Bushing replacement + suspension diagnostics | 2 500–3 500 | 2 hours |
| Replacement of bushings + camber adjustment | 3 500–4 500 | 2.5–3 hours |
Self-replacement will cost only the cost of spare parts (from 600 ₽ for analogues to 2,200 ₽ for the original). However, please note:
- ⚠️ Without a lift or inspection hole, the work will take 3-4 hours.
- ⚠️ Risk of breaking rusty bolts (especially on cars older than 5 years).
- ⚠️ You will need a torque wrench for proper tightening.
When should you go to the service station?
If you are not confident in your abilities or your Murano:
- 🔧 The mounting bolts for the brackets have broken before.
- 🔧 There are signs of corrosion on the stabilizer or subframe.
- 🔧 Not only bushings need to be replaced, but also silent blocks or stabilizer struts.
Saving on a service station is justified only if you are confident in your skills. Errors during replacement (for example, retightening bolts) can result in suspension repairs costing 10–15 thousand rubles!
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about stabilizer bushings on Nissan Murano Z51
Is it possible to drive with worn stabilizer bushings?
Technically yes, but it's dangerous. Worn bushings impair handling, especially at high speeds or during sharp maneuvers. On Murano Z51 this can lead to:
- 🔹 Loss of directional stability on the highway.
- 🔹 Accelerated wear of shock absorbers and stabilizer struts.
- 🔹 Damage to seats on the body (due to vibrations).
The recommended maximum mileage with worn bushings is 1,000 km.
Which bushings are better - rubber or polyurethane?
It depends on the operating conditions:
- 🔹 Rubber (original or Lemforder): softer, dampen vibrations better, but last less (40–60 thousand km). Optimal for city driving.
- 🔹 Polyurethane (Powerflex, Whiteline): tougher, last longer (80–100 thousand km), but transmit more noise to the cabin. Suitable for aggressive driving or bad roads.
On Murano Z51 With a mileage of more than 100 thousand km, polyurethane bushings can cause discomfort due to the stiffness of the suspension.
Do I need to replace the bushings in pairs?
Yes, even if only one bushing is worn. Reasons:
- 🔹 Different stiffness of bushings (new + old) leads to uneven operation of the stabilizer.
- 🔹 If one bushing is worn out, the second one will soon fail (they work in pairs).
- 🔹 On Murano Z51 Replacing one bushing may cause the machine to pull to the side.
Exception: if the second bushing is practically new (for example, it was recently replaced).
How to check bushings without a lift?
Possible, but with limitations:
- 🔧 Kneel in front of the wheel and shake the stabilizer with your hand. Play or creaking is a sign of wear.
- 🔧 Inspect the bushings through a mirror on the extension cord (sold in auto accessory stores).
- 🔧 Drive over a speed bump at low speed with the window open - the knock will be clearly audible.
For accurate diagnosis, you still need a lift or inspection hole.
Is it possible to restore old bushings?
No, this is a temporary measure. Some car owners:
- 🔹 Coat the cracks with sealant - this gives an effect for 1-2 thousand km.
- 🔹 Installing bushings “in reverse” (if the wear is one-sided) is risky, since the geometry is broken.
- 🔹 Rubber gaskets are placed - leads to backlash.
It’s better to replace the bushings right away - saving on spare parts will result in expensive suspension repairs.