Rear shock absorbers <em>Nissan Murano Z51</em>: selection, replacement and secrets of durability

Nissan Murano Z51 - a crossover that combines the comfort of a sedan and the cross-country ability of an SUV. But even the most reliable suspension requires attention over time, and the rear shock absorbers are no exception. If you notice that the car has become worse at “swallowing” bumps, and unpleasant knocking noises have appeared on bumps, it’s time to think about diagnostics or replacement. In this article we will look at everything you need to know about rear shock absorbers for Murano Z51: from signs of wear to the subtleties of self-replacement.

Feature Z51 — its multi-link rear suspension, which provides excellent handling, but also places increased demands on the condition of the shock absorbers. Faulty dampers not only worsen comfort, but also accelerate the wear of other elements: silent blocks, balls, and in advanced cases, even the body at the mounting points. Therefore, the problem cannot be ignored. Next, we will tell you how to determine that it is time to change shock absorbers, which options to choose (original, analogues, gas or oil) and how to carry out the replacement without errors.

Signs of a faulty rear shock absorber Nissan Murano Z51

The first signal is a change in the car’s behavior on the road. Rear shock absorbers on Murano Z51 wear out gradually, so many owners get used to the deterioration in comfort and do not notice the problem until a critical moment. Pay attention to the following symptoms:

• 🚗 Body rocking after driving over bumps (the car “nods” back and forth for a long time).
• 💥 Knocks or squeaks in the rear when driving over bumps or when rocking the body with your hands.
• 🛣️ Deterioration of grip on a wet or uneven road (the rear axle “floats”).
• 🔧 Uneven rear tire wear (especially along the inner or outer edge).
• 💡 Oil leakage on the shock absorber body (visible during visual inspection).

The last point is especially critical: if the shock absorber is leaking, it needs to be changed immediately, since this means a complete loss of working properties. On Murano Z51 With worn rear shock absorbers, it is also common to experience a “squatting” of the rear during heavy braking or acceleration - this is a sign that the dampers are not coping with the load.

You can check the condition of the shock absorbers yourself:

1. Swing the car by the rear bumper and release sharply. If the body makes more than 1-2 vibrations, the shock absorbers are worn out.
2. Inspect the housing for oil leaks or corrosion.
3. Check the play in the mounting points (there should be no gaps or knocks when the lever is rocked).

⚠️ Attention: On Murano Z51 with the system All Mode 4x4-i Worn rear shock absorbers can lead to false sensor alarms and errors in all-wheel drive operation. This is due to changes in suspension geometry and incorrect operation of electronic systems.

Original vs analogues: what to choose for Nissan Murano Z51

Original rear shock absorbers for Murano Z51 supplied by the company Kayaba (they are also KYB), and their catalog number - 54600-7M500 (right) and 54601-7M500 (left). The cost of the kit starts from 20,000 rubles, but it is important to consider that the original does not always mean the “best option”. Let's look at the alternatives:

Type	Brand/Model	Catalog number	Average price, rub.	Features
Original	Nissan/Kayaba	54600-7M500 / 54601-7M500	20,000–25,000 (set)	Optimal balance of comfort and controllability, service life 80–100 thousand km.
Analogue (gas)	KYB Excel-G	344388 / 344389	12,000–15,000 (set)	Increased rigidity, better for aggressive driving, resource 60–80 thousand km.
Analogue (oil)	Monroe OE Spectrum	37168 / 37169	10,000–13,000 (set)	Softer than the original, suitable for a quiet ride, service life 50–70 thousand km.
Budget option	Sachs Super Touring	315 524 / 315 525	8,000–10,000 (set)	Low resource (40–50 thousand km), but adequate quality for urban use.

The choice depends on your driving style and budget:

• 🏙️ Suitable for the city and highways Monroe OE Spectrum or original - they will provide maximum comfort.
• 🏁 For active driving (frequent acceleration, braking, turning), it is better to take KYB Excel-G — they are tougher, but they hold the road more accurately.
• 💰 If the budget is limited, Sachs Super Touring - a temporary solution, but get ready to replace it after 40-50 thousand km.

Important: on Murano Z51 It is not recommended to install shock absorbers with modified stiffness (for example, sports ones), as this can lead to suspension imbalance and accelerated wear of other elements. Also avoid cheap no-name options - they often have unstable characteristics and can “break through” even on small bumps.

When to change: regulations and real resources

According to the regulations Nissan rear shock absorbers Murano Z51 They do not have a strict replacement period - their condition is checked at every maintenance (every 15,000 km). However, the actual resource depends on several factors:

• 🛣️ Road quality: when driving on broken roads, shock absorbers wear out 1.5–2 times faster.
• 🚘 Driving style: Sharp starts and braking increase the load on the rear suspension.
• 🏋️ Loading the machine: Constantly carrying heavy loads will shorten the life of the dampers.
• 🌡️ Climatic conditions: In regions with frequent temperature changes, the rubber elements of shock absorbers age faster.

Average resource indicators for Murano Z51:

• Original: 80–120 thousand km.
• KYB Excel-G: 70–90 thousand km.
• Monroe/Sachs: 50–70 thousand km.

But these numbers are approximate. For example, if you often drive off-road or transport heavy loads, the shock absorbers may fail after 40–50 thousand km. The opposite situation: with careful use on good roads, original shock absorbers can last 150 thousand km.

⚠️ Attention: On Murano Z51 with a mileage of more than 100 thousand km, replacing shock absorbers often requires simultaneous checking of support bearings, silent blocks of levers and springs. Ignoring these elements can lead to their rapid failure after installing new shock absorbers.

Step-by-step instructions for replacing rear shock absorbers

Replacing rear shock absorbers with Murano Z51 - a task of medium complexity. If you have a tool and an inspection hole (or a lift), you can handle it yourself in 2–3 hours. You will need:

• 🔧 Set of sockets and keys (10, 12, 14, 17, 19 mm).
• 🔩 Socket wrench for the rod nut (special, with internal hexagon).
• 🛠️ Spring puller (optional if you plan to change springs).
• 🧴 WD-40 or a similar composition for unscrewing stuck nuts.
• 🔧 Torque wrench (for proper tightening).

Sequence of work:

1. Preparation: Secure the front of the machine with the handbrake and chock the front wheels. Raise the rear end on jacks or a lift and remove the wheels.
2. Removing the old shock absorber:
   • Unscrew the nut securing the shock absorber rod to the body (you will need an assistant to keep the rod from turning).
   • Unscrew the two bolts securing the shock absorber to the suspension arm.
   • Carefully remove the shock absorber along with the spring (if the spring is not removed separately).
3. Installing a new shock absorber:
   • Transfer the spring and other elements (boot, bump stop) from the old shock absorber to the new one.
   • Reinstall the shock absorber, securing the bottom bolts (do not fully tighten!).
   • Attach the rod to the body and tighten the nut firmly 40–50 Nm.

Completion: Tighten all bolts to the required torque (lower - 80–100 Nm), install the wheels and lower the car. After replacement, be sure to check the wheel alignment!

The wheel nuts have been loosened|New shock absorbers and components have been prepared (boots, bump stops)|There is a spring extractor (if required)|The silent blocks and support bearings have been checked for wear|A torque wrench is at hand-->

Features for Murano Z51:

• On models with All Mode 4x4-i after replacing the shock absorbers, it may be necessary to reset the adaptations of the all-wheel drive system (done through a diagnostic scanner).
• When installing shock absorbers KYB Excel-G Sometimes modifications to the fasteners are required due to the difference in the length of the rod (2–3 mm shorter than the original).

⚠️ Attention: Do not use a pneumatic or hydraulic tool to remove the shock absorber nuts as this may strip the threads on the rod. Perform all operations manually or using a torque wrench.

Typical replacement mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes that lead to premature failure of shock absorbers or the appearance of post-warranty problems. Here are the most common:

• 🔧 Incorrect tightening of nuts: overtightened bolts can deform the silent blocks of the levers, and weak tightening will lead to play. Always use a torque wrench!
• 🔄 Ignoring wheel alignment: After replacing the shock absorbers, the wheel alignment angles change. If you don't do a wheel alignment, your tires will wear unevenly.
• 🛠️ Boot damage: When installing a new shock absorber, it is easy to tear the boot with the sharp edges of the spring. Always check its integrity.
• 🔩 Reusing old nuts and bolts: Threaded connections have a limited life. Always install new nuts and bolts (included with shock absorbers).
• 🚗 Failure to check related elements: worn silent blocks or support bearings will negate the effect of new shock absorbers.

Another common problem is incompatibility of shock absorbers with springs. On Murano Z51 sometimes springs from other modifications are installed (for example, from Murano Z50), which have a different rigidity. As a result, shock absorbers do not operate optimally and quickly fail. Before purchasing, check the markings of the springs - they must match 54300-7M500 (rear).

What should I do if there is a knocking noise after replacement?

If, after installing new shock absorbers, extraneous sounds appear, check:

1. Tighten all fasteners (especially the upper rod nut).

2. Condition of the support bearing (at Murano Z51 it often wears out at the same time as the shock absorbers).

3. Integrity of the boot and bump stop.

4. Compatibility of springs and shock absorbers in terms of rigidity.

If the knocking noise remains, it may be a defective shock absorber (this happens even with the original).

Is it worth replacing shock absorbers in pairs?

This is one of the most controversial issues. The manufacturer recommends replacing shock absorbers in pairs (both rear or both front), but in practice, many owners save money and install only one. Let's look at the pros and cons of both approaches:

Approach	Pros	Cons
Replacement by pair	Uniform behavior of the car on the road. Same service life for both shock absorbers. Elimination of “distortion” of the suspension.	High cost (you will have to buy two shock absorbers).
Replacing one	Savings (if the second shock absorber is in good condition).	Different stiffness can cause instability at speed. Accelerated wear of the “old” shock absorber. Risk of imbalance in suspension operation.

On Murano Z51 the recommendation is:

• If the car's mileage is less than 100 thousand km and the second shock absorber is in perfect condition (no leaks or play), only one can be replaced.
• If the mileage is more than 100 thousand km or the second shock absorber is also worn out, replace it in pairs.
• If you install shock absorbers of a different brand or type (for example, gas instead of oil), be sure to change both to avoid imbalance.

How to extend the life of rear shock absorbers Nissan Murano Z51

Even the highest quality shock absorbers will last longer if you follow a few simple rules:

• 🛣️ Avoid sharp impacts: Drive around potholes and speed bumps at speed. Strong impacts destroy the internal structure of the shock absorber.
• 🚿 Wash your pendant in winter: salt and reagents corrode the protective coating of the stem and body, which leads to corrosion and leaks.
• 🏋️ Don't overload the machine: Constantly driving with a loaded trunk increases the load on the rear suspension.
• 🔧 Check the fastenings: Loose nuts lead to play and accelerated wear.
• 🛠️ Keep an eye on the anthers: A torn boot lets in dirt that scratches the rod and seals.

It is also useful to check the condition of the shock absorbers on a stand every 10–15 thousand km (many service stations offer this service for free). This makes it possible to detect a decrease in damping efficiency at an early stage, when there are no external signs of wear yet.

On Murano Z51 with the system All Mode 4x4-i It is especially important to monitor the condition of the rear shock absorbers, as they affect the operation of the electronic stabilization systems. Worn dampers can cause false alarms ABS And VDC (dynamic control systems), which is manifested by blinking indicators on the dashboard.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is it possible to install gas shock absorbers instead of oil ones? Murano Z51?

Yes, but with reservations. Gas shock absorbers (eg KYB Excel-G) are stiffer than oil ones, which improves handling, but can reduce comfort. On Murano Z51 this is especially noticeable due to the soft factory suspension setting. If you prefer a sporty driving style, gas shock absorbers are suitable; for everyday use it is better to stay with oil or original ones.

How often should shock absorbers be checked?

Minimum - once every 30,000 km or at every maintenance. But it is better to do this more often, especially if you drive on bad roads. Simple test: press hard on the rear bumper and release. If the car makes more than 1-2 vibrations, the shock absorbers are worn out. Also pay attention to oil stains on the body.

What happens if you don't change the shock absorbers?

Consequences of ignoring the problem:

• Deterioration in handling (especially on wet roads).
• Accelerated wear of tires, silent blocks and balls.
• Increased load on the body at the suspension mounting points.
• Risk of damage to other components (e.g. steering rack due to increased vibration).

On Murano Z51 with All Mode 4x4-i faulty shock absorbers can lead to errors in all-wheel drive operation.

Is it possible to restore shock absorbers?

Technically, yes, some workshops offer shock absorber overhauls, replacing seals and refilling with new oil. However for Murano Z51 This is impractical for two reasons:

1. The cost of rebuilding is often comparable to the price of a new shock absorber.
2. The quality of restored shock absorbers is unpredictable - they can last either 10 thousand km or 50 thousand km.

The exception is rare cases when the shock absorber is new, but has failed due to mechanical damage (for example, a broken housing).

Is it necessary to do a wheel alignment after replacing shock absorbers?

Necessarily! On Murano Z51 Replacing the rear shock absorbers affects the wheel alignment angles, although not as much as replacing the front struts. If you ignore wheel alignment, the following are possible:

• Uneven tire wear.
• The car pulls to the side when driving in a straight line.
• Deterioration of directional stability at speed.

The cost of adjusting the rear wheel alignment is about 1,000–1,500 rubles, which is not comparable to the risks.