Crossover operation Nissan Murano the second generation, known as the Z51 body, is associated with certain risks for the chassis, especially in the conditions of our roads. One of the most common problems that owners of these vehicles encounter is wear on the rear hub and bearing assembly. This unit experiences enormous loads when cornering, braking and driving over uneven surfaces, which inevitably leads to its destruction.
Ignoring signs of malfunction can lead to serious consequences, including wheel jamming or tearing off while driving. It is important for the owner to understand that replacement rear hub - This is not just replacing a consumable, but a critical procedure to ensure safety. In this article, we will look at how to correctly diagnose the problem, select the appropriate part, and perform the repair yourself.
Many car owners try to postpone a visit to the service center, hoping that the noise will go away on its own. However, a wheel bearing is a mechanical unit that does not have the ability to self-heal. Any jamming or play in this element irreversibly destroys the seats of the brake disc and hub socket, which will require much more expensive repairs in the future.
Causes of failure and diagnosis of the hub unit
The main reason for premature failure rear hub on Nissan Murano Z51 is the ingress of moisture and dirt into the bearing housing. The seal is broken when the boot is damaged or after driving through deep puddles, where water under pressure penetrates the lubricant. As a result, the lubricant is washed out and the metal parts begin to operate in dry friction mode.
In addition, the resource of the node is affected by the quality of the road surface. Impacts to the wheel when driving through potholes create microcracks in the bearing races, which over time lead to the destruction of balls or rollers. It is also worth taking into account the natural wear and tear of the resource: even under ideal operating conditions, the bearing does not last forever and requires replacement after a certain mileage, which is usually about 100 thousand kilometers.
A malfunction can be determined by several characteristic signs that cannot be ignored. The first and most obvious symptom is a hum or howl that changes depending on the speed of movement. If when you turn the steering wheel the sound increases or the tone changes, this is a sure sign that the problem is in the bearing.
- 🔊 The appearance of a monotonous hum or buzzing sound that increases with increasing vehicle speed.
- 🔧 Presence of play in the wheel when checking by hand (the wheel must be raised).
- 🛑 Vibration on the steering wheel or body when driving, especially at high speed.
- ⚙️ Uneven wear of brake pads due to caliper misalignment.
For an accurate diagnosis, it is necessary to jack up the rear of the car and rock the wheel in the vertical and horizontal planes. If you feel a noticeable play that disappears when you tighten the nut, but appears again, the unit requires replacement. It's also worth checking for brake rotor runout, as this can mimic the symptoms of a bad hub.
⚠️ Attention: Do not confuse the knock of the wheel bearing with the knock of shock absorbers or levers. If the sound is clearly heard in the wheel area and changes intensity when turning, the problem is almost certainly in the hub.
It is important to note that on the rear axle Nissan Murano The hub is a non-separable unit. Attempts to replace only the bearing without replacing the hub assembly often lead to the fact that the seat on the hub itself is already worn out, and the new bearing will quickly fail.
- Less than 100,000 km
- 100,000 - 200,000 km
- More than 200,000 km
- I don't know the exact mileage
Selection of quality spare parts and analogues
When choosing a replacement part rear hub on Nissan Murano Z51 It is important to consider the manufacturer. An original part supplied under the Nissan brand guarantees compliance with all factory tolerances, but is often overpriced. There are many high-quality analogues that offer the best value for money.
Some of the market leaders are Japanese bearing manufacturers, such as Koyo, NTN and NSK. These companies are often Nissan's original equipment suppliers, so their products in boxes with the Nissan logo are the same bearings, just with different packaging. Buying them in their original packaging can save you a significant amount.
If your budget is limited, you can consider European brands such as SKF, FAG or TIMKEN. They also produce reliable units that can withstand high loads. However, you should be careful with Chinese analogues in the low price segment, as they often do not withstand even half of the declared resource.
When purchasing, be sure to check that all necessary components are included in the kit. Ideally, the hub should be supplied complete with bearing and retaining ring. It is also worth paying attention to the presence of slots for attaching the brake disc and ABS ring if your car is equipped with an anti-lock braking system.
| Manufacturer | Approximate price (RUB) | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Nissan (Original) | 15 000 - 20 000 | Perfect quality, high price |
| Koyo/NTN (Japan) | 8 000 - 12 000 | Excellent quality, often original |
| SKF/FAG (Europe) | 7 000 - 11 000 | Reliable analogues, wide selection |
| General (China) | 3 000 - 5 000 | Low resource, risk of rapid failure |
Don't skimp on safety by choosing the cheapest option. The cost of replacing a hub at a service center is often comparable to the price of the part itself, so it’s better to immediately install a reliable unit and forget about the problem for many years. The reliability of the unit directly affects the operation of the ABS and ESP systems, so savings here are unacceptable.
Tools and preparation for work
For self-replacement rear hub you will need a set of specialized tools. A regular jack and wrenches may not be able to handle soured bolts, so it is better to prepare a hydraulic jack, car stands and a powerful set of sockets.
Pay special attention to the squeezing tool. The old hub often sits very tightly on the axle, and it is almost impossible to knock it out without a special puller. You will also need a torque wrench to properly tighten the hub nut, since the life of the bearing depends on this.
You will definitely need:
- 🔨 Hammer and pry bar for dismantling jammed parts.
- 🔩 Heads for 17, 19, 21, 24 and 32 mm (depending on the year of manufacture).
- 🧴 Liquid wrench (WD-40) for processing threaded connections.
- 🛠️ Hub remover or mandrel for pressing in a new part.
☑️ Preparing to replace the hub
Before starting work, the vehicle must be securely secured. Use stands under the body to eliminate the risk of the vehicle falling. Remove the wheel and unscrew the brake caliper bolts, first disconnecting the ABS sensor if it interferes with access.
⚠️ Attention: Do not unscrew the hub nut before removing the wheel, as it is tightened with enormous force. Do this only when the wheel rests on the ground and does not spin.
Step-by-step replacement instructions
The replacement process begins with dismantling the brake system. Remove the caliper and secure it with wire to the suspension spring so as not to damage the brake hose. Then unscrew the brake disc mounting bolts and remove it. If the disc is stuck, use a hammer to gently tap the inside.
Next you need to unscrew the hub nut. This nut has left or right hand threads depending on the side, but on Nissan Murano Z51 it is usually standard right. Use a torque wrench or a wrench with an extension. After unscrewing the nut, disconnect the ABS sensor from the connector.
Now you need to unscrew the bolts securing the hub to the steering knuckle. Usually there are three or four. After this, the hub should come off freely. If it does not budge, use a puller or carefully knock it out through a wooden spacer so as not to damage the threads.
What to do if the hub cannot be removed?
If the hub is stuck, try heating it with a hair dryer or blowtorch (be careful with the ABS sensor!). You can also use a penetrating lubricant and leave it on for a few hours. Sometimes a sharp blow with a hammer on the end of the axle through the spacer helps, but do not hit the bearing directly.
Installing the new hub is done in the reverse order. Before pressing, be sure to clean the seat from rust and dirt. Apply a thin layer of lubricant to the axle and the inside of the hub. Tighten the nut with a torque wrench to the torque specified in the instruction manual (usually about 180-200 Nm).
After assembly, do not forget to connect the ABS sensor and check its functionality. There should be no system fault warning light on the instrument panel. Spin the wheel by hand to make sure there is no abnormal noise or binding.
Before tightening the hub nut, apply a medium-strength thread locker to prevent it from unscrewing during operation.
Features of working with ABS sensors
On Nissan Murano Z51 The ABS system plays an important role in the operation of electronic assistants. When replacing a hub, the magnetic ring or the sensor itself is often damaged. If the ring is on the hub, it may not be removable, and replacing the hub assembly will automatically resolve the problem.
If the sensor is damaged, it must be replaced. Be careful when removing the old sensor as it is often a tight fit and can break if handled incorrectly. Use penetrating lubricant and gently wiggle it as you remove it.
When installing a new sensor, pay attention to the gap between it and the magnetic ring. Too much clearance will cause the system to not read wheel speed, while too little clearance will cause friction and cause sensor failure.
After replacement, be sure to perform the ABS system learning procedure, if required. In some cases, it is enough to simply drive a few meters for the system to adapt itself. If the error persists, diagnostics with a scanner will be required.
Correct operation of the ABS sensor is critical to safety. If the ABS light comes on after replacing the hub, check the integrity of the wiring and connector.
Why you shouldn’t delay repairs
Delaying replacement rear hub may lead to serious financial losses. A damaged bearing can jam the wheel, leading to an accident. In addition, vibration destroys other suspension elements: ball joints, control arm bushings and shock absorbers.
A locked wheel can cause the brake system to overheat and cause a fire. In the worst case scenario, the hub may simply fall off, causing you to lose control of the vehicle. The safety of you and your passengers must come first.
The cost of repairs in the service is small compared to the risks. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to entrust the work to professionals. However, if you decide to do everything yourself, follow the instructions and use quality tools.
⚠️ Attention: Driving with a faulty hub can lead to complete destruction of the steering knuckle, the replacement of which costs several times more than the hub itself.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to replace a hub?
On average, replacing one rear hub with Nissan Murano Z51 takes from 1 to 2 hours if you have the necessary tools and experience. If the hub is very stuck, the time may increase.
Is it possible to replace just the bearing?
Theoretically it is possible, but in practice it is not recommended. The seat on the hub is often worn out, and the new bearing will not hold tightly, which will lead to rapid re-failure. It is better to change the hub assembly.
Do I need to change the ABS sensor when replacing the hub?
If the sensor is working properly and is not damaged, it is not necessary to replace it. However, if it was damaged during dismantling or has visible defects, replacement is required.
What kind of hub nut is needed?
Use the original nut or a quality replacement. The nut must be new, since it is self-locking and loses its properties after unscrewing. The tightening torque is about 180-200 Nm.
How to check the quality of work after repair?
Spin the wheel manually, make sure there is no play or extraneous sounds. Check the operation of the ABS system at idle and while driving at low speed. Make sure the error light on the panel is off.