Ball joint in Nissan Murano Z51 - a critical element of the suspension, on which not only ride comfort, but also safety depends. Wear of this unit is manifested by knocking, play in the steering and uneven tire wear. If you notice at least one of these symptoms, you cannot delay replacing it: destruction of the ball while driving can lead to loss of control over the car.
In this article we will analyze the entire replacement process - from diagnostics to installation of new parts - taking into account the features Murano Z51 (2015–2022). You will learn what tools you will need, how to choose quality spare parts, and what pitfalls newcomers are welcome. We will pay special attention unique ball mounting design on this model, which differs from classical solutions Nissan.
Signs of a bad ball joint on a Murano Z51
The first signals of problems with the ball joint are often ignored, attributing them to bad roads or wear of the shock absorbers. However, Murano Z51 There are specific symptoms that are difficult to confuse with other malfunctions:
- 🔊 Characteristic knock when driving over bumps at low speed (especially noticeable from the front left wheel due to the higher load).
- 🚗 Steering wheel vibration at a speed of 60–80 km/h, which disappears when accelerating or braking.
- 🔄 Uneven tire wear along the inner edge - a sign of play in the hinge.
- 🛑 Yaw of the car When braking, it's as if the car is pulling to the side.
On Murano Z51 With a mileage of more than 100 thousand km, ball joints often “die” in pairs - if one fails, the second usually does not lag behind by more than 10–15 thousand km. This is due to the peculiarities of load distribution on the all-wheel drive version.
⚠️ Attention: If, when rocking the wheel with your hands (across the axis), you feel a play of more than 1–1.5 mm, driving such a car is dangerous - the ball joint may “shoot” in the first hole.
- Every 10 thousand km
- Once a year
- Only when there are knocks
- Never checked
Which ball joints are suitable for Murano Z51: original vs analogues
Original ball joints for Nissan Murano Z51 supplied by the company NTN-SNR (article 40520-4M000 for left and 40521-4M000 for the right one). Their average price is 5–7 thousand rubles per piece. However, many owners choose analogues from trusted brands:
| Brand | Article (left/right) | Price, rub. | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| MOOG | NK800344 / NK800345 |
3 800–4 200 | Reinforced body, boot made of heat-resistant rubber |
| Febi | 36930 / 36931 |
3 200–3 600 | Good price/quality ratio, but the anthers are soft |
| TRW | JBJ724 / JBJ725 |
4 500–5 000 | Original quality, but often counterfeited |
| Sasic | 2005010 / 2005011 |
2 500–2 800 | Budget option, resource ~50 thousand km |
When choosing analogues, pay attention to fastening design: on Murano Z51 ball is fixed to the lever three bolts (and not two, as on many other models Nissan). This is important, since some universal analogues may not be suitable.
Before purchasing, check the package: the box should contain a ball, boot, pin nut and locking ring. Without these elements, installation is impossible.
Tools and preparation for replacement
To replace ball joints with Murano Z51 you will need a specialized tool. Without it, you risk damaging the anthers or breaking the thread on your finger. Here's the full list:
- 🔧 Ball joint remover (preferably hydraulic, for example, Hazet 2079-2).
- 🔨 Socket heads at 14, 17, 19 and 22 mm (deep, since the bolts are recessed).
- 🔩 Torque wrench (finger tightening torque - 80–90 Nm).
- 🛠️ Hammer and pry bar to remove the lever.
- 🧲 Magnetic holder (so as not to lose the retaining ring).
Also prepare:
- 🧴 Penetrating lubricant (For example, WD-40 Specialist) for rusty bolts.
- 🧽 Rags and wire brush for cleaning seats.
- 🔥 Gas burner (in case the finger is stuck to the hub).
☑️ Preparing to replace the ball joint
Do not forget about safety precautions: wear gloves and goggles, as during dismantling there may be rust fragments or lubricant splashes. If you do not have experience working with suspension, invite an assistant - he will come in handy when removing the lever.
Step-by-step instructions for replacing the ball joint
Replacement process Murano Z51 has its own nuances due to the design of the front suspension. Follow the instructions strictly in order to avoid mistakes:
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Wheel removal and preparation. Raise the car, remove the wheel and clean any dirt from the lever and hub. Treat the ball mounting bolts and pin with penetrating lubricant.
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Detaching the pin from the hub. Remove the retaining ring from the pin nut (use pliers), then unscrew the nut 22mm. If the finger does not come out, use a puller. On the Murano Z51, the finger often sticks to the hub cone - do not hit it directly with a hammer, only through the spacer!
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Removing the lever. Unscrew the three bolts securing the ball to the lever (17 mm head). If the bolts do not budge, heat them with a torch. Remove the lever assembly from the ball.
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Replacement of ball. Press the old ball joint out of the lever (you can use a puller or a vice). Install a new one, having previously lubricated the seat. Tighten the fastening bolts to a torque of 50–60 Nm.
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Assembly. Place the lever in place, tighten the bolts (torque 80–90 Nm for the pin and 50–60 Nm for attaching to the lever). Place the retaining ring onto the pin nut.
After replacement, be sure to check wheel alignment - even if you didn’t touch the adjusting bolts, the new play in the joint can change the wheel alignment angles.
What to do if the ball pin does not come out of the hub?
If the puller doesn't help, try the following method:
1. Screw the pin nut back 2-3 turns.
2. Hit the end of the hub with a hammer (not your finger!) through the wooden spacer.
3. Try again with the puller.
If this does not work, heat the hub with a burner for 1-2 minutes (do not overheat!).
⚠️ Attention: On a Murano Z51 with the system 4WD after replacing the balls, an error may light up C1105 (rotation angle sensor malfunction). To reset it, a diagnostic scanner is required (for example, Launch X431).
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when replacing ball joints with Murano Z51. Here are the most critical of them:
- 🔧 Tightening the pin nut. A torque of more than 90 Nm leads to deformation of the ball body and a reduction in its service life.
- 🧹 Dirt under the boot. If you do not clean the seat before installation, dust and sand will quickly damage the new hinge.
- 🔄 Ignoring the retaining ring. Without it, the pin nut may unscrew, which will lead to the loss of the wheel while moving.
- 🛠️ Using a percussion instrument. The impact wrench can strip the threads on the pin - only tighten it by hand.
Another typical problem is incompatibility of analogues. For example, balls from Nissan Pathfinder R52 They are similar in appearance, but have a different angle of inclination of the finger. This leads to incorrect suspension geometry and accelerated tire wear.
Always check the ball joint part number against the vehicle's VIN. The Murano Z51 for the US and European markets uses different parts (they differ in boot material).
Service life and prevention of ball joints
Lifetime of ball joints Murano Z51 depends on operating conditions:
- 🏙️ City riding: 80–120 thousand km (wear is accelerated by frequent turns and bumps).
- 🛣️ Route: 150–180 thousand km (uniform load prolongs the life of parts).
- 🏔️ Off-road: 40–60 thousand km (dust, water and impacts destroy the anthers).
To extend service life:
- 🔄 Every 10 thousand km, check the integrity of the anthers.
- 🚿 Wash the suspension in winter (salt destroys the rubber of the anthers).
- 🛑 Avoid sudden starts with the wheels turned out (maximum load on the ball wheels).
If you often drive on primer roads, install protection plates on anthers (for example, from Rally Armor). They are inexpensive, but reduce the risk of sand getting into the joint by 70%.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about replacing ball joints on a Murano Z51
Is it possible to drive if the ball joint is knocking?
No! A knock means that there is play in the hinge, and the finger may jump out of the body when hitting an obstacle. The risk of an accident is extremely high.
Do I need to change the ball joint if the boot is torn?
Yes, even if there is no play. Dust and moisture have already entered the hinge, and its life has been reduced by 3–5 times. It is better to replace the part immediately.
Can I use used ball joints?
Strongly not recommended. The service life of the ball is unpredictable, and outward wear may not be noticeable. Saving 2-3 thousand rubles is not worth the risk.
How long does it take to replace?
If you have the tools and experience - 1.5–2 hours per side. If the finger is stuck or the bolts are rusty, the time may increase to 3–4 hours.
Do I need to do a wheel alignment after replacement?
Definitely! Even if you haven't touched the adjustment bolts, the new ball joint changes the suspension geometry. Failure to adjust will result in uneven tire wear.