Nissan Murano Z51 - a crossover with a comfortable suspension, but even its shock absorbers wear out after 80-120 thousand km. Rear struts fail less often than front struts, but replacing them requires care: errors lead to accelerated wear of new parts or disruption of suspension geometry. In this article we will look at how to correctly diagnose a malfunction, select spare parts and perform the replacement yourself - taking into account the design features Murano.

If you notice that the car begins to “sag” on bumps, and the rear end sways after overcoming bumps, it’s time to check the shock absorbers. Unlike the front struts, the rear ones are Z51 Changes are easier - no need to disassemble the brake system or steering rods. However, there are pitfalls here: for example, improper tightening of the mounting bolts can lead to play, and ignoring the check of the springs can lead to their failure after several thousand kilometers.

The article is suitable for owners Murano Z51 2015–2021 model years (restyled and pre-restyled versions). We will not consider modifications with air suspension - their maintenance requires special equipment. All recommendations are based on the experience of service technicians and reviews of owners who have already performed the replacement themselves.

Signs of faulty rear shock absorbers

The first signal of problems with shock absorbers is a change in the car's behavior on the road. On Nissan Murano Z51 This is especially noticeable due to the soft suspension. Pay attention to the following symptoms:

  • 🚗 Increased braking distance — the car “throws” forward during sharp braking, the rear part “squats” more than usual.
  • 🌀 Body rocking after driving over bumps (especially at speeds of 60–80 km/h). A normal shock absorber dampens vibrations in 1-2 cycles, a worn one - in 3-4 or more.
  • 💧 Oil leaks on the rack body. Even if the shock absorber is still working, the slightest traces of fluid indicate imminent failure.
  • 🔧 Knocks in the rear suspension when driving through speed bumps or potholes. Often confused with a stabilizer malfunction, but checking shows play in the strut.

On Murano Z51 there is a specific sign - Uneven wear on the rear tires along the inner edge. This happens because worn shock absorbers do not hold the wheel in the correct position, and it “falls” inward. If you notice such wear, also check the wheel alignment - after replacing the struts, it will have to be done.

⚠️ Attention: Do not confuse faulty shock absorbers with problems with springs or stabilizer bushings. To accurately diagnose the cause, press the rear bumper with a force of 30–40 kg and release. If the car makes more than two oscillations, it’s time to change the struts. If you hear a metallic squeak, check the bushings.

For accurate diagnosis, you can use vibration table (available at most service stations). It shows the efficiency of each shock absorber as a percentage. For Murano Z51 critical value is below 40%. It is also useful to inspect the struts on the lift: cracks on the boot or corrosion of the rod are a direct signal for replacement.

📊 How often do you check the condition of the suspension?
  • Every 10 thousand km
  • Once a year
  • Only when symptoms appear
  • Never checked

Which shock absorbers to choose for replacement

On Nissan Murano Z51 are installed gas-oil shock absorbers double acting. Original spare parts from Nissan have articles:

  • 56210-4M000 — right rear;
  • 56211-4M000 - left rear.

The cost of the original is from 8 to 12 thousand rubles per piece. However, many owners choose analogues from trusted brands that are not inferior in quality, but are 30–50% cheaper.

Brand Article Type Average price (per piece) Features
Kayaba (KYB) 349042 / 349043 Excel-G (gas-oil) 5 500 – 7 000 ₽ Softer than the original, suitable for a quiet ride
Monroe OE5621 / OE5622 OESpectrum 6 000 – 7 500 ₽ Improved corrosion protection, close to the original
Bilstein B4 22-219183 / B4 22-219184 Gas-oil 7 500 – 9 000 ₽ Stiffer than standard, for a sporty driving style
Sachs 315 384 / 315 385 Super Touring 6 500 – 8 000 ₽ Good price/quality ratio, resource 100+ thousand km

When choosing, pay attention to shock absorber type:

  • 🔄 Oily - cheaper, but less durable (resource ~60 thousand km). Suitable for city driving.
  • ⚡ Gas-oil - the best option for Murano. They dampen vibrations better and do not “sag” when heated.
  • 🏎️ Gas (sports) — tough, for aggressive driving. On Z51 worsen comfort.

Important: The Murano Z51 cannot be equipped with shock absorbers from other Nissan models (such as X-Trail or Pathfinder), even if they are similar in appearance. The difference in rod stroke and stiffness will lead to suspension imbalance.

In addition to the racks, we recommend replacing:

  • 🔩 Support bearings (article 56250-4M000) - if they play or creak;
  • 🧲 Anthers and bumpers (set 56260-4M000) - even if outwardly intact, the rubber loses its elasticity;
  • 🔧 Fastening bolts — often “stick” and break during dismantling.
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Before purchasing, check the production date of the shock absorber (indicated on the body). If the rack is more than 2 years old, it is better not to take it - the oil could separate.

Necessary tools and preparation

To replace rear shock absorbers with Murano Z51 You don’t need a specialized tool, but there are a few nuances:

Jack and stops (or lifter)|Socket set (10, 12, 14, 17, 19 mm)|Socket wrench with extension|Spring puller (optional, but recommended)|WD-40 or equivalent for loosening stuck bolts|Torque wrench (for tightening to the correct torque)|Hammer and chisel (for stuck nuts)-->

Pay special attention security:

  • 🚫 Do not use the jack without stops! Rear Murano It’s heavy, and if the car breaks down, the consequences will be serious.
  • 👓 Use safety glasses — springs under tension can “shoot” during dismantling.
  • 🔥 Don't smoke nearby — There are oil residues in the shock absorbers that can ignite from a spark.

Before starting work:

  1. Park the car on a flat surface, put it in gear (or “P” for automatic transmission) and put the handbrake on.
  2. Loosen the wheel bolts, but do not remove the wheel completely before lifting.
  3. Treat all threaded connections (especially the upper rack-to-body mount) with WD-40 10-15 minutes before starting work.
⚠️ Attention: On Murano Z51 with the system 4WD Before jacking up, be sure to disengage all-wheel drive (lever in position 2WD), otherwise there is a risk of damage to the transfer case.

If you plan to change shock absorbers for the first time, take photographs of all stages of disassembly - this will help you avoid mixing up parts during reassembly. It is especially important to capture:

  • The position of the spring relative to the strut (there are marks or protrusions);
  • Location of ABS sensor wires (if they are mounted on the rack);
  • Direction of installation of the bumper and boot.

Step-by-step replacement instructions

The process of replacing rear shock absorbers with Nissan Murano Z51 takes 2–3 hours (if there are no complications with stuck bolts). Let's consider the algorithm using the example of the left rack - the right one changes in a mirror way.

1. Removing the old shock absorber

Lift the rear of the car and remove the wheel. Next:

  1. Unscrew the two bolts securing the rack to steering knuckle (17 mm head). They can be too tight - use a lever extension.
  2. Loosen the shock absorber rod nut (19 mm socket), holding the rod from turning with a 6 mm hex. Do not unscrew it completely!
  3. Unscrew the three bolts of the upper mounting of the strut to the body (12 mm head). Problems often arise here - the bolts stick. If they don’t work, gently tap them with a hammer through a chisel.

After unscrewing all the fasteners, the stand will remain hanging on the spring. Carefully remove it through the wheel arch. Be prepared - the spring is in a compressed state!

What to do if the bolts do not come off?

If WD-40 doesn't help, try heating the nut with a hair dryer (don't overheat!), then cool it sharply with cold water. An alternative is to use an impact wrench. In extreme cases, the bolt will have to be cut off with a grinder, but then a new stand or repair kit will be required.

2. Dismantling the rack and installing a new one

Now you need to transfer the spring and other parts to the new shock absorber:

  1. Clamp the stand in a vice (through soft pads so as not to damage the body).
  2. Use spring pullerto release the tension. Carefully unscrew the stem nut and disassemble the stand.
  3. Check the condition of the spring - if the coils are chipped or there are cracks, replace it (part number 56210-4M010).
  4. Install on the new rack:
    • Chipper (rubber “fungus”);
    • Anther;
    • Support bearing (if included);
    • Spring (align the bottom coil with the protrusion on the stand).
  • Tighten the stem nut torque 40–50 Nm (use a torque wrench!).

    • Important: On Murano Z51 springs have asymmetrical winding — the right and left are different! Do not mix them up when installing, otherwise the suspension will not work properly.

    3. Putting the stand in place

    Assembly occurs in reverse order:

    1. Lift the rack into the arch and align the holes with the body. Tighten the top three bolts, but do not fully tighten them.
    2. Screw the strut to the steering knuckle (17 mm bolts). Tighten them torque 80–100 Nm.
    3. Lower the car onto its wheels and only then finally tighten the upper bolts (torque 20–25 Nm). This is necessary so that the spring is in the correct position under the weight of the car.
    💡

    Never tighten the upper strut bolts by weight! This will lead to spring distortion and accelerated shock absorber wear.

    Common mistakes and how to avoid them

    Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when replacing rear shock absorbers with Murano Z51. Here are the most common:

    • 🔧 Incorrect bolt tightening — if you tighten the upper fasteners, the bearing rubber will crack. If you don't tighten it enough, a backlash appears.
    • 🔄 Confused springs — the left and right are visually similar, but have different windings. This results in body roll.
    • 🚗 Ignoring wheel alignment — after replacing the struts, the suspension geometry changes. If you don't do a wheel alignment, the tires will be “eaten up” within 5–10 thousand km.
    • 💧 No pumping of shock absorbers — new struts need to be pumped before installation (compress and release the rod 5-6 times).

    Another typical problem is squeak after replacement. It occurs due to:

    • Poorly lubricated rubber bushings;
    • Incorrectly installed bump stop;
    • Worn silent blocks of levers (they are also worth checking).

    If after replacement the car has become “harder” than before, possible reasons:

    • Shock absorbers with increased rigidity have been selected (for example, Bilstein B6 instead of KYB Excel-G);
    • The stand is not assembled correctly (the spring is skewed);
    • The shock absorbers were not bled before installation.
    ⚠️ Attention: On Murano Z51 with the system ProPilot (adaptive cruise control) may be required after replacing shock absorbers sensor calibration. If the icon on the dashboard lights up «Check AWD», contact the service station to reset the error.

    When to contact a service station

    Despite the fact that replacing the rear shock absorbers with Murano Z51 is considered a “simple” procedure, there are cases when it is better to trust the professionals:

    • 🔧 If the fastening bolts are so stuck that they cannot be unscrewed without the risk of breaking the thread.
    • 🔄 If you have never worked with a spring remover, a mistake can lead to injury.
    • 🚗 If after replacement it appears pulling the car to the side - this is a sign of improper assembly or wheel alignment problems.
    • ⚡ If your Murano equipped air suspension — its maintenance requires diagnostic equipment.

    The average cost of replacing rear shock absorbers at a service station is from 3,000 to 5,000 rubles per pair (excluding spare parts). If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to overpay for the work than to risk safety.

    It is also worth going to the station if:

    • After replacement appeared knocking in the suspension, which was not there before;
    • The car began to “squat” on the rear axle even on small bumps;
    • Errors lit up on the dashboard «ABS» or «VDC OFF» — the sensors may have been damaged.
    💡

    If you decide to go to a service station, sign up for the “rear strut replacement” service - it’s cheaper than “suspension diagnostics”. Craftsmen often impose unnecessary work during a general inspection.

    Caring for shock absorbers after replacement

    To make your new shock absorbers last longer, follow these simple rules:

    • 🚿 Wash the pendant every 5,000 km (especially in winter). Salt and dirt corrode the anthers and stem.
    • 🛣️ Avoid sharp impacts — do not “fly” speed bumps at speed. For Murano safe speed for overcoming bumps is up to 20 km/h.
    • 🔧 Check the fastenings 1,000 km after replacement, the bolts could have loosened.
    • 🔄 Do a wheel alignment every 20,000 km or after any suspension repair.

    It is also a good idea to inspect the racks on the lift once a year. Pay attention to:

    • Integrity anthers — cracks will lead to dirt getting into the shock absorber;
    • Condition fenders - if they are flattened, they need to be replaced;
    • Availability oil drips on the rack body.

    The service life of shock absorbers depends on driving style and operating conditions:

    Terms Service life (thousand km)
    City driving, good roads 100–120
    Mixed cycle (city + highway) 80–100
    Aggressive driving, bad roads 50–70

    If you often drive on dirt roads or carry heavy loads, the shock absorbers will wear out 30-40% faster. In this case, it makes sense to install racks with an increased resource (for example, Sachs Super Touring or Monroe OESpectrum).

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about replacing shock absorbers

    Is it possible to change shock absorbers one at a time, or only in pairs?

    On Murano Z51 it is recommended to change the racks a couple, even if one is still “alive”. Different shock absorber stiffness leads to suspension imbalance and poor handling. The exception is if one strut is almost new (less than 20 thousand kilometers), and the second is leaking.

    Do I need to do a wheel alignment after replacement?

    Definitely! On Murano The rear wheels also have camber and toe adjustments. If you ignore this procedure, the tires will wear unevenly, and the car may “steer” to the side.

    What is the difference between shock absorbers for Murano Z51 pre-restyle (2015–2018) and restyle (2019–2021)?

    Structurally, the racks are identical, but may differ rigidity And rod length. For restyled versions (from 2019), shock absorbers with slightly changed characteristics are sometimes installed (the article numbers are the same, but there may be a letter at the end A or B). Check with the seller using the VIN code.

    Can I install shock absorbers from a Nissan Pathfinder R52? They look similar.

    No! Despite the external similarity, they Pathfinder others stiffness characteristics And rod stroke. The installation will lead to an imbalance in the suspension and accelerated wear of other elements.

    How long does it take to replace rear struts?

    If you have the tools and experience - 1.5–2 hours on both racks. If the bolts become stuck or other difficulties arise, the process may take 3–4 hours. At a service station, work is completed in 1–1.5 hours.