Independent strut front suspension

The 2015 Murano^® utilizes a MacPherson independent strut front suspension which allows the front wheels to react independently to changes in the road surface, helping to provide a smoother ride, improve driver control, and optimize traction. The strut design uses fewer parts, which reduces weight and helps provide accurate and durable suspension performance. Offset springs absorb and deflect the loads caused by driving on rough surfaces. Rebound springs located inside the shock absorbers help reduce body lean when cornering.

The suspension is attached to a subframe that is joined to the body by rubber bushings. This design provides a more comfortable ride and reduces vibrations and road noise inside the passenger compartment by helping to absorb the impact of ruts and bumps in the road. Stabilizer bars help improve handling and driver control. The location and design of the stabilizer bars help keep the vehicle level during cornering and lateral moves.

Independent multi-link rear suspension

The rear suspension is a multi-link independent design that lets the rear wheels react independently to changes in the road surface, helping to provide a smoother ride and optimum traction. Multiple suspension links between the wheels and chassis enhance control of wheel movement, combining excellent handling with a smooth and comfortable ride. Separation between the springs and shock absorbers improves suspension performance by reducing friction. The suspension incorporates anti-squat and anti-dive geometry that helps the vehicle body remain relatively flat even during sudden acceleration or braking.

Hydraulic Pump Electric Power Steering

The 2015 Murano is equipped with the same hydraulic pump electric power steering system as the Altima and the Pathfinder®. The Hydraulic pump Electric Power Steering (HEPS) system enhances fuel efficiency because it does not depend on engine power. It provides power assist that varies based on vehicle speed to adjust steering effort and road feel for various driving conditions. Turning radius is reduced and steering gear ratio is 13% quicker than on the previous Murano. The system increases power assist at lower speeds for ease of steering during low-speed maneuvers. When the steering angle speed is high or the vehicle speed is low, force is generated by increasing the discharge amount from the power steering oil pump and by raising the system hydraulic pressure. It decreases as vehicle speed increases for better road feel at higher speeds.

The system is composed primarily of the power steering oil pump assembly (power steering control module, power steering motor, power steering oil pump, and reservoir tank), hydraulic pipes, and steering gear assembly. There is a new longitudinal, highstiffness steering support member added to the steering column.

The power steering control module controls the speed of the power steering motor according to the vehicle speed and steering angle speed. By changing the power steering oil pump flow, the power steering control module controls the steering assist force. According to the power steering motor control, the system hydraulic pressure is transmitted from the power steering motor to the power steering oil pump. The power steering oil pump is driven by the system hydraulic pressure from the hydraulic pump electric power steering system according to the driving conditions.

Protection Function

When the steering wheel is operated repeatedly or turned all the way for a long period during parking or low speed driving, the function of the hydraulic pump electric power steering system becomes limited to prevent the system from overheating. If the steering wheel is operated furthermore, the hydraulic pump electric power steering system stops and the hydraulic pump electric power steering system warning lamp may be turned ON. In this case, the steering wheel operation temporarily becomes hard. This is not a malfunction.

When the engine is turned off (ignition switch OFF) and steering operation is stopped for a while, the temperature of the hydraulic pump electric power steering system decreases and the steering operation returns to normal after restarting the engine.