Rear suspension Nissan Terrano (especially in the back R51, produced from 2005 to 2015) is a complex unit, the condition of which determines not only ride comfort, but also safety. Unlike the front multi-link, the rear suspension here is built according to the classic design with independent spring design and hydraulic shock absorbers. However, even such a time-tested system has its “diseases” that appear after 100–150 thousand kilometers.
Owners Terrano often encounter knocking noises in the rear of the body, uneven tire wear, or the car “pulling to the side” when braking. The reasons may lie in worn-out silent blocks And stabilizer struts, as well as in deformed levers or sagging springs. In this article, we will analyze the rear suspension structure, typical breakdowns, and give step-by-step instructions for diagnosis and repair - from replacing shock absorbers to adjusting wheel alignment.
Rear suspension device Nissan Terrano R51
Rear suspension Nissan Terrano (like the twin Renault Koleos first generation) belongs to the type multi-link independent. It consists of the following key elements:
- 🔧 Longitudinal and transverse arms — are attached to the subframe through silent blocks and ensure vertical movement of the wheels.
- 🌀 Helical springs — elastic elements that dampen vibrations (air suspensions were installed on some versions).
- 🛢️ Shock absorbers — hydraulic or gas-oil struts responsible for damping.
- 🔄 Anti-roll bar - Reduces body roll when cornering.
- 🔩 Silent blocks and bushings — rubber-metal hinges that absorb shock.
Design feature - lack of a classic beam, which improves off-road handling, but complicates repairs. The levers are attached to the body through a subframe, and the shock absorbers are integrated into the springs (the so-called MacPherson strut at the back). This design allows you to achieve a good balance between comfort and cross-country ability, but requires regular maintenance.
On versions with all-wheel drive (4WD) the rear suspension is additionally strengthened to work with the system All Mode 4×4-i. More durable silent blocks and reinforced levers are used here, but their resource is still limited to 120–150 thousand km.
- Standard (spring)
- Air suspension
- I don't know
- Other
Typical malfunctions: symptoms and causes
The first “bells” about problems with the rear suspension Terrano usually appear after 80–100 thousand km. They can be recognized by the following signs:
| Symptom | Probable Cause | Urgency of repair |
|---|---|---|
| Knock when driving over bumps | Wear of silent blocks of levers or stabilizer struts | Average |
| "Sagging" of the rear part of the body | Broken springs or shock absorbers | High |
| Vibration at speeds of 80+ km/h | Wheel imbalance or deformation of levers | Low |
| Creaking sound when turning the steering wheel | Worn stabilizer bushings or ball joints | Average |
| Uneven rear tire wear | Wheel alignment violation or play in the levers | High |
The most common problem is destruction of silent blocks of rear levers. On Terrano they often “tan” or crack due to the poor quality of the rubber (especially on cars operated in cold climates). The second most common failure is shock absorber leak, which leads to deterioration of controllability and an increase in braking distance.
⚠️ Attention: If after replacing shock absorbers or springs the car “steers” to the side, be sure to check rear axle alignment. On all-wheel drive Terrano a bridge displacement of even 2–3 mm can cause severe vibration.
Rear suspension diagnostics: step-by-step instructions
Checking the rear suspension Nissan Terrano You can do it yourself without resorting to a lift. You will need: a jack, stops, a pry bar and a flashlight. Follow the algorithm:
- Visual inspection. Raise the car on a jack and inspect:
- 🔍 Shock absorbers — traces of oil or corrosion on the rods.
- 🔍 Springs - cracks, subsidence or displacement of coils.
- 🔍 Silent blocks — rubber breaks or play in connections.
- Checking the backlash. Grasp the wheel at the 3 and 9 o'clock positions and rock it:
- 🔧 Play > 1 mm - wear of the wheel bearing or ball joint.
- 🔧 Play in the horizontal plane is a problem with levers.
- Shock absorber test. Press the rear bumper and release quickly:
- 🚗 The body sways > 2 times - the shock absorbers are faulty.
- 🚗 If you hear a knock, the fasteners may break.
For accurate diagnosis silent blocks use a pry bar: place it between the lever and the subframe and try to move the part. Play > 1–2 mm is a sign of critical wear. Also note CV joint boots — their damage leads to dirt getting into the hinges and their rapid failure.
Check for cracks on the levers|Secure the machine with stops|Prepare new silent blocks and lubricant|Take a photograph of the location of the parts before disassembling-->
Replacing rear shock absorbers and springs
Shock absorbers on Terrano It is recommended to change in pairs, even if one of them is still “alive”. To work you will need: keys for 17, 19, 21, spring ties, WD-40 and a torque wrench. Replacement algorithm:
- Removing the wheel and detaching the strut.
- 🔧 Unscrew the nuts securing the shock absorber to the knuckle (
key to 19). - 🔧 Disconnect the brake hose bracket.
- 🔧 Unscrew the nuts securing the shock absorber to the knuckle (
- Removing the rack.
- 🔧 Unscrew the upper nuts securing to the body (
key for 17). - 🔧 Remove the strut along with the spring (use zip ties!).
- 🔧 Unscrew the upper nuts securing to the body (
- Installation of new parts.
- 🔧 Change the shock absorber, spring (if required) and support bearing.
- 🔧 Tighten the nuts to torque
50–60 Nm(for top mounting).
When assembling, pay attention to correct spring position — its lower turn should rest against the protrusion on the cup. If you install reinforced shock absorbers (For example, Kayaba or Monroe), check compatibility with springs - stiffness must correspond to factory parameters.
⚠️ Attention: After replacing shock absorbers, be sure to wheel alignment adjustment. On Terrano With independent suspension, even slight movement of the arms leads to accelerated tire wear.
If the shock absorbers are leaking, but the budget is limited, you can temporarily use rubber reducers (For example, Liqui Moly Gummi-Pflege). They will extend the life of silent blocks by 10–15 thousand km, but will not replace a full repair.
Repair of levers and silent blocks
Silent blocks of rear levers on Terrano — a consumable with a service life of 80–120 thousand km. To replace them you will need puller (or a vice with mandrels) and a set of heads. Work order:
- Removing the lever.
- 🔧 Unscrew the bolts securing the lever to the subframe (
head 18). - 🔧 Disconnect the ball joint from the hub (
key to 21).
- 🔧 Unscrew the bolts securing the lever to the subframe (
- Pressing out old silent blocks.
- 🔧 Use a puller or knock out the bushings with a hammer through the mandrel.
- 🔧 Clean the seats from rust and dirt.
- Installation of new parts.
- 🔧 Lubricate the silent blocks soap solution (not with oil!) for easy pressing.
- 🔧 Tighten the lever mounting bolts to torque
80–100 Nm.
When choosing silent blocks, give preference to original parts (Nissan 54501-BM60A) or analogues from Febi or TRW. Cheap Chinese bushings often become dull after 20–30 thousand km, which leads to knocking and vibration. Also check the condition subframe - on cars with mileage > 150 thousand km, it may have cracks in the places where the levers are attached.
What happens if you don't change the silent blocks?
Long-term driving with worn silent blocks leads to:
- Play in the suspension and deterioration in handling (especially at speeds > 100 km/h).
- Uneven tire wear — tires are “eaten up” within 10–15 thousand km.
- Deformation of levers due to increased loads.
- Breakdown of CV joints (due to changes in the angles of operation of the hinges).
Wheel alignment adjustment after repair
On Nissan Terrano with independent rear suspension, wheel alignment is adjustable by changing position trailing arms and eccentric bolts. To do this you will need:
- 🔧 Wheel alignment stand (manual adjustment without equipment will not give an accurate result).
- 🔧 Cam wrenches (
on 19 and 22). - 🔧 Torque wrench for tightening bolts.
Standard values for Terrano R51:
- 📏 Camber:
–1°30' ± 30'. - 📏 Toe-in:
0°10' ± 10'(total for two wheels).
If after adjustment the car still “pulls” to the side, check:
- Tire pressure (must be the same).
- Condition stepped washers on the lever mounting bolts (they often break).
- Rear axle alignment (on all-wheel drive versions).
After replacing any suspension elements (levers, silent blocks, shock absorbers), adjusting the wheel alignment required. Even minimal play of 1–2 mm leads to accelerated tire wear and poor handling.
Selection of spare parts: original vs analogues
When repairing the rear suspension Terrano owners are often faced with a dilemma: to buy original parts or analogues. Below is a comparison table of popular brands:
| Detail | Original (Nissan) | High-quality analogue | Budget analogue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shock absorber | 56210-BM60A (~8 000 ₽) |
Kayaba 349183 (~6 500 ₽) | SACHS 315 381 (~4 200 ₽) |
| Lever silent block | 54501-BM60A (~1 200 ₽) |
TRW JBU1043 (~900 ₽) | Febi 36106 (~500 ₽) |
| Spring | 56211-BM60A (~5 000 ₽) |
Lesjofors 1212115 (~4 500 ₽) | MAPCO 65101 (~3 200 ₽) |
| Stabilizer link | 54630-BM60A (~1 800 ₽) |
Lemforder 33506 01 (~1 500 ₽) | Sidem 803018 (~800 ₽) |
When choosing shock absorbers, pay attention to their type:
- Gas-oil (Kayaba Excel-G) - the best option for the city.
- Gas (Monroe Reflex) - stiffer, but hold the load better (suitable for off-road use).
- Oily - cheap, but quickly overheat.
For silent blocks and bushings, it is better to avoid cheap brands (Asam, Masuma), since their tires become tanned after just a year of use. Original parts or TRW/Febi will last 2-3 times longer.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the Terrano rear suspension
Is it possible to drive with a broken spring?
No. A broken spring leads to body distortion, uneven tire wear and the risk of loss of control during sudden maneuvers. Replacing a spring takes 1–2 hours and costs ~3,000–5,000 RUR (including labor).
How often should shock absorbers be replaced?
Shock absorber life Terrano — 80–120 thousand km. However, with aggressive driving or frequent off-road trips, they have to be changed after 60–70 thousand km. Signs of wear: body rocking, knocking, poor braking.
What is better: original silent blocks or polyurethane ones?
Polyurethane silent blocks (Powerflex, Whiteline) is more durable (lifespan ~200 thousand km), but tougher, which affects comfort. The original rubber ones are softer, but last ~100 thousand km. For the city the original is better, for off-road use polyurethane.
Why did the car become stiffer after replacing the shock absorbers?
It's ok if you have installed gas shock absorbers (For example, Monroe Reflex). They are stiffer than oil ones, but hold the road better. If the stiffness is excessive, check:
- The springs are installed correctly (the sides are not mixed up).
- Condition of silent blocks (worn bushings increase vibrations).
Is it necessary to do a wheel alignment after replacing the levers?
Yes, necessarily. Even if you replace one lever, the suspension geometry is disrupted. The cost of adjustment at the stand is ~1,500–2,500 RUR, but it is cheaper than buying new tires due to uneven wear.