Crossover owners Nissan Murano second generation (Z51 body) are often faced with the problem of premature failure of the automatic transmission. The culprit of most emergency situations is not the mechanism itself, but ignorance of the condition coarse filter. Many car owners mistakenly believe that the CVT Jatco JF011E serviced only by changing the oil, forgetting about the physical barriers inside the pan.
This structural element is responsible for the primary protection of the valve body from large particles of metal shavings and friction wear products. If you ignore replacing or cleaning it, the flow of working fluid will drop sharply, which will lead to overheating and fatal consequences for the entire gearbox. It is a clogged filter that is the main reason for the drop in pressure in the system and subsequent slipping of the clutch packs on runs over 100,000 km.
The role of the coarse filter in the Jatco variator system
Lubrication and cooling system Nissan Murano Z51 designed so that the oil goes through several degrees of filtration before entering the valve body. The first line of defense is a mesh element located directly in the oil pan. It holds large particles that can mechanically damage solenoids or jam valves.
Unlike fine cleaning, the coarse filter is not replaced automatically during a scheduled oil change. Its resource directly depends on the condition of the internal components of the transmission. During normal operation, it can withstand up to 150 thousand kilometers, but if there are hidden defects or aggressive driving, clogging occurs much faster.
- 🛡️ Prevents metal shavings from entering the sensitive channels of the valve body
- 🛢️ Provides stable oil pressure in the system under any driving modes
- 🌡️ Reduces the risk of transmission overheating due to impaired fluid circulation
It is important to understand that even the smallest particles that pass through the mesh cells can become an abrasive for friction pairs. Therefore, the state of this element is a key indicator of your health. Jatco CVT. If you notice dark oil color or metal dust on the pan magnets, replacing the filter becomes an immediate task.
Symptoms of blockage and diagnosis of the condition
You can determine that the coarse filter requires replacement by a number of indirect signs that manifest themselves in the behavior of the car. Often owners notice them too late, when repairs already require significant investments. The first signal is the appearance of jerks when changing gears or starting to move.
If the oil pressure is low, caused by limited passage through a clogged screen, the electronics may switch to emergency mode. This manifests itself as a sharp drop in power and blocking upshifts. You should not ignore even minor vibrations transmitted to the body when driving.
- ⚠️ The appearance of jolts or jerks during acceleration and switching modes
- 🚫 Turning on the Check Engine indicator with oil pressure errors (P0868, etc.)
- 📉 Increased reaction time to pressing the gas pedal
For accurate diagnosis, it is necessary to remove the pan and visually assess the condition of the filter. If the mesh is clogged with a dense layer of sludge, and the magnets are covered with a thick layer of metal chips, further operation without replacement is unacceptable. Ignoring these signs will cause chips to circulate throughout the system, destroying the pump and torque converter.
⚠️ Attention: If, when removing the pan, you find that the filter is tightly clogged and the oil has a burning smell, this means that the variator has already received irreversible damage. In this case, replacing the filter alone will not save the situation; a major repair or replacement of the unit will be required.
- Clean, recently changed
- Clogged, but no chips
- Completely clogged, a lot of chips
- Didn't check at all
Selecting an original filter and high-quality analogues
Spare parts market for Nissan Murano offers a wide range of replacement options. Official catalog Nissan recommends using only original parts, which guarantees an exact match to the dimensions and quality of the mesh material. However, the cost of the original filter may be inflated, prompting drivers to look for alternatives.
Among high-quality analogues, it is worth paying attention to brands specializing in transmission components. It is important to check the cell density and the thickness of the mesh metal. A mesh that is too wide will allow dirt to pass through, while a mesh that is too wide can cause excessive resistance to oil flow even in new condition.
- 🏭 Original number: 31726-1XA0A (check relevance by VIN)
- 🌐 High-quality analogues: Febi, Meyle, as well as specialized kits from TransTec
- ❌ Avoid cheap Chinese copies with obvious sizing errors
When purchasing, be sure to compare the appearance of the new filter with the old one. Make sure the O-ring has the correct geometry and is free of defects. Errors when choosing a filter can lead to its being squeezed out by pressure or oil leakage through the pan joint.
Always order a new filter along with a set of pan gaskets and sealant. Reusing an old filter gasket or o-ring is a common cause of oil leaks after repairs.
Step-by-step instructions for replacing the filter
The process of replacing a coarse filter requires a certain level of training and the availability of special tools. You will need a lift or pit, a set of wrenches, a container to drain the oil and a new filter. It is better to carry out work on a warm engine so that the oil is less viscous and drains more easily.
First, you need to drain the old transmission fluid through the drain hole. Then the bolts securing the pallet are unscrewed. Be careful as the pallet may be stuck to the body of the box. Carefully pry it off with a mounting spatula, being careful not to damage the contact surface.
- 🔧 Unscrew 10-12 bolts securing the pallet around the perimeter
- 🧽 Clean the magnets from metal shavings and wash them in solvent
- 🔩 Disconnect the old filter and clean the installation area from adhering sludge
Install the new filter on a clean surface. Make sure the O-ring is firmly in place. Before tightening the pan bolts, apply a thin layer of sealant to the corners where the stiffeners meet. This will prevent leaks when the engine is running.
☑️ Filter replacement process
Common installation errors
If the pan is not leveled before tightening the bolts, the gasket may be damaged, causing a leak. It is also important to observe the tightening torque of the bolts so as not to strip the threads in the aluminum pan body.
Features of flushing the system and changing the oil
Replacing the coarse filter must be accompanied by a complete replacement of the transmission fluid. Old oil residues mixed with new wear products can negate the effect of installing a clean filter. It is recommended to use specialized fluids that meet the standard Nissan NS-2.
The replacement process can be partial or complete. A partial replacement involves draining the oil from the pan and adding a new volume. A complete replacement requires the use of a special apparatus to force the old fluid through the cooling system, which ensures maximum system cleanliness.
- 💧 The oil volume in the pan is about 4-5 liters (depending on the replacement method)
- 🌡️ The operating temperature of the oil when checking the level should be in the range of 50-60°C
- 📏 The level is checked through the control hole with a plug while the engine is running
After filling the oil, you need to start the engine and move the selector to all positions, holding each position for a few seconds. This will allow the valve body and radiator to be filled with new fluid. Then check the level and, if necessary, add oil to the correct level.
⚠️ Attention: Never use universal gear oils or analogues that do not have NS-2 approval. Incorrect viscosity and composition of additives can lead to rapid wear of the clutches and failure of the variator.
Consequences of ignoring maintenance
Ignoring the replacement of the coarse filter with Nissan Murano Z51 leads to a chain reaction of breakdowns. The first to suffer is a pump that operates in dry friction mode or with cavitation due to insufficient oil flow. This causes noise and vibration when the engine is running.
Next, the solenoids and valve body come under attack. Small chips passing through a clogged filter clog the thin channels, disrupting the operation of the pressure control system. Repairing a valve body is an expensive procedure and requires high precision. In the worst case, the clutch pack and planetary gears are destroyed.
The cost of replacing a filter is not comparable to the cost of overhauling a variator. Regular maintenance can extend the life of the transmission by tens of thousands of kilometers. Do not skimp on the little things that ensure the reliability of the entire unit.
Regular replacement of the coarse filter and oil is the only guarantee of long service life of the Jatco variator on the Nissan Murano Z51 without expensive repairs.
Compatibility and Service Interval Chart
For ease of maintenance planning, below is a table with the main parameters that owners need to consider Nissan Murano. This data will help you navigate replacement times and selecting suitable consumables.
| Parameter | Meaning/Recommendation | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Filter type | Coarse cleaning (mesh) | Complete with gasket |
| Replacement interval | 60,000 – 80,000 km | In severe conditions - more often |
| Oil type | Nissan NS-2 | Strict compliance with the standard |
| Volume for partial replacement | 4.0 – 4.5 liters | Depends on the degree of drainage |
| Tightening torque for pan bolts | 11 Nm | Use a torque wrench |
Compliance with the specified intervals and the use of high-quality materials allows you to avoid most problems associated with the operation of the transmission. Remember that prevention is always cheaper and easier than eliminating the consequences.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to simply wash the old coarse filter?
Theoretically, if the filter is metal, you can try to wash it in a solvent and blow it with compressed air. However, in practice, the cells are often clogged so tightly that cleaning does not restore patency. It is recommended to install a new filter immediately to ensure reliability.
What to do if the pallet is deformed during removal?
The aluminum pan can easily bend if removed carelessly. Minor deformations can be smoothed out, but the contact surface must be perfectly flat. If the deformation is severe, it is better to replace the entire pan to avoid problems with tightness.
Do I need to change the filter every oil change?
Nissan's official regulations require replacing the filter every 60,000 km, which usually coincides with a double oil change. If you change the oil more often (for example, every 30-40 thousand), then the filter does not need to be changed at each change, but be sure to inspect its condition.
Is it possible to drive with a clogged filter before replacing it?
Strongly not recommended. Driving with a clogged filter creates high resistance to oil flow, which leads to overheating and oil starvation of transmission components. This can lead to breakdown of the variator after just a few hundred kilometers of active driving.