Nissan Murano Z51 is a crossover that is valued for its reliability and comfort, but even it requires regular maintenance. One critical but often overlooked aspect is power steering fluid. Wrong choice of oil or untimely replacement can lead to accelerated wear of the pump, the appearance of a hum when turning the steering wheel and even breakage of the rack. In this article we will look at which oil is suitable for Murano Z51, how to replace it correctly and what to pay attention to during operation.

Many owners mistakenly believe that power steering fluid lasts “forever” or that it only needs to be topped up. In practice the oil in the power steering is getting old: oxidizes, becomes saturated with wear products and loses its lubricating properties. For Murano Z51 (2015–2022) with system EPS (electric booster) or classic power steering the approach to service will be different - we’ll also talk about this below.

Original power steering oil Nissan Murano Z51: articles and specifications

The manufacturer recommends for Murano Z51 use with power steering liquid Nissan PSF (Power Steering Fluid). This is a specialized oil designed for power steering systems of cars. Nissan And Infiniti. Main articles:

  • 🔹 KE909-99931 - original liquid Nissan PSF (1 l). Suitable for all models with power steering, including Murano Z51.
  • 🔹 KE909-99932 — similar composition, but in a 0.5 liter package (convenient for refilling).
  • 🔹 999MP-AM000P — alternative article for the European market.

Important: in Murano Z51 with electric power steering (EPS) there is no power steering fluid - it uses an electric motor, and there is nowhere to add oil. If your car is equipped EPS, the information below is not relevant to you. You can check the type of amplifier by the VIN code or visually: power steering Under the hood there will be a fluid reservoir and a pump belt.

Characteristics of the original oil Nissan PSF:

  • 🔴Color: red (not to be confused with Dexron, which is also red, but does not fit!).
  • 🔴 Type: synthetic based on polyalphaolefins (PAO).
  • 🔴 Temperature range: from -40°C to +130°C.
  • 🔴 Compatibility: meets the standard JIS K 2234.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use liquids such as Dexron II/III or ATF (for automatic transmission), even if they are red! These oils have a different additive package and can damage the power steering pump seals.

Analogues of the original oil: what can be filled instead Nissan PSF

The original liquid is expensive (from 1,200 rubles per liter), so many owners are looking for analogues. Main rule: The oil must be red in color and meet specifications JIS K 2234. Suitable options:

Brand Title Article Color Notes
Mobil ATF 320 153270 Red Popular analogue, but not a complete substitute PSF.
Idemitsu PSF Universal 30450025 Red Japanese oil, close in composition to the original.
Febi Power Steering Fluid 22616 Red German brand, suitable for most Asian cars.
Liqui Moly Central Hydraulic Oil 7600 Red Universal oil for power steering and hydraulic systems.

If the original oil is not available, the best choice would be Idemitsu PSF Universal - it is as close as possible in composition to Nissan PSF. Avoid green and yellow liquids (For example, Pentosin or CHF), as they are incompatible with red oils and may cause a chemical reaction leading to seal failure.

📊 What power steering fluid do you use in your Nissan?
  • Original Nissan PSF
  • Analogue (Idemitsu, Febi, etc.)
  • ATF (Dexron, Mobil)
  • I don't know what's in there
  • Other

When and how often to change power steering oil Murano Z51

The manufacturer does not indicate a clear procedure for replacing power steering fluid for Murano Z51, but operating experience shows that the optimal interval is every 60–80 thousand km or once every 3–4 years. However, there are signs that indicate the need for urgent replacement:

  • 🔧 Hum or squeak when turning the steering wheel (especially when cold).
  • 🔧 Tight rotation steering wheel, "biting".
  • 🔧 Darkening of the liquid in the tank (a sign of oxidation or contamination).
  • 🔧 Foam or bubbles in oil (indicates air leaks or pump wear).

It is also worth checking the condition of the fluid if:

  • 🚗 The car is used in difficult conditions (frequent off-road trips, towing a trailer).
  • 🚗 There were oil leaks from the power steering system (for example, through seals or hoses).
  • 🚗 After repairing the pump or rack (fluid replacement is required!).
⚠️ Attention: If the liquid in the tank has black color or burning smell, this is a sign of critical wear of the power steering pump. In this case, changing the oil will not help - diagnostics and, possibly, repairs are required.
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Before changing the power steering oil, check the condition of the hoses and clamps. If they are cracked or leaking, replace them along with the fluid - this will prevent re-contamination of the system.

Step-by-step instructions for changing power steering oil Nissan Murano Z51

Replacing power steering fluid is a procedure that you can perform yourself if you follow the instructions. You will need:

  • 🛠️ New oil (Nissan PSF or equivalent) - 1–1.2 l.
  • 🛠️ Syringe with a tube (for pumping out old fluid).
  • 🛠️ Container for draining (volume of at least 1 l).
  • 🛠️ Rags and gloves.
  • 🛠️ Jack (optional, for bleeding the system).

Step 1. Preparation

Place the car on a level surface and turn off the engine. Let the oil cool (if the engine is hot). Open the hood and find the power steering reservoir - it is located next to the battery (on Murano Z51 white tank with black lid, marked PSF).

Step 2. Pumping out old fluid

Using a syringe with a tube, remove as much oil as possible from the tank. If the fluid is very dirty, you can wash the reservoir with a cleaner (for example, WD-40), then wipe dry.

Step 3. Bleeding the system

There are two options here:

  1. Partial replacement (without bleeding): fill in new oil to the level MAX, start the engine, turn the steering wheel left and right 5-6 times. Repeat pumping and topping up 2-3 times until the liquid is clear.
  2. Complete replacement (with bleeding): disconnect the return hose from the tank and direct it into a drainage container. Fill with new oil, start the engine and turn the steering wheel until clean fluid flows out. Then reconnect the hose.

Pump out old fluid with a syringe|

Rinse the tank (if heavily soiled)|

Fill with new oil to the MAX level |

Bleed the system (by turning the steering wheel) |

Check that there is no air in the system (no foam in the tank) -->

Step 4. Check

After replacement, start the engine and turn the steering wheel several times until it stops in both directions. Make sure that:

  • 🔹 There is no foam in the tank (a sign of air in the system).
  • 🔹 The oil level remains stable (no leaks).
  • 🔹 The steering wheel rotates smoothly, without hum.
What should I do if there is still a hum after replacement?

If the hum does not disappear, the following reasons are possible:

1. **Air remains in the system** - repeat bleeding by lifting the front of the car with a jack.

2. **Wear of the power steering pump** - diagnostics or replacement is required.

3. **Poor quality oil** - drain it and fill with original oil Nissan PSF.

4. **Dirty tank filter** - wash or replace the tank.

Common mistakes when changing power steering oil

Even experienced car owners sometimes make mistakes that can lead to damage to the pump or rack. Here are the most common of them:

  • 🚫 Mixing different types of oils (for example, red PSF and green CHF). This causes a chemical reaction that breaks down the seals.
  • 🚫 Usage ATF instead of PSF. Automatic transmission fluids have other additives and can foam in the power steering system.
  • 🚫 Incomplete pumping. If there is air left in the system, the pump will work with increased load and quickly fail.
  • 🚫 Ignoring leaks. If after changing the oil level drops quickly, you need to look for the leak, and not just add fluid.

Another common mistake is oil overflow. The level in the tank should be between MIN And MAX. If you fill it above the maximum, when heated, the liquid can be squeezed out through the breather, polluting the engine compartment.

⚠️ Attention: If, after changing the oil, the steering wheel begins to turn tighter than usual, this may indicate wrong choice of liquid (for example, poured too viscous ATF) or airing the system. Don't ignore this symptom!

What happens if you don't change the power steering oil?

Many owners Murano Z51 They neglect replacing the power steering fluid, considering it “secondary”. However, the consequences can be serious:

  • ⚠️ Pump wear. Old oil loses its lubricating properties, which leads to accelerated wear of the pump blades and bearings. Repairs will cost 15–25 thousand rubles.
  • ⚠️ Damage to the rack. Metal and dirt particles from the oil act as an abrasive, destroying the rack mirror. Replacing the rack - from 50 thousand rubles.
  • ⚠️ Deterioration in handling. Tight steering or jerking when turning can cause accidents, especially at high speeds.
  • ⚠️ Corrosion of system elements. Oxidized oil causes metal parts to rust, which leads to leaks.

In practice, Changing power steering oil is 3–5 times cheaperthan repairing the consequences of its untimely replacement. For example, a new power steering pump for Murano Z51 costs about 20 thousand rubles, and replacing it with work costs another 5–8 thousand rubles.

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Regularly changing power steering oil (every 60–80 thousand km) extends the service life of the pump and rack by 2–3 times, preventing expensive repairs.

Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to mix Nissan PSF with analogues (for example, Idemitsu PSF)?

Yes, but only if both oils red and match JIS K 2234. Do not mix with ATF or oils of other colors (green, yellow). Ideally, it is better not to mix, but to completely replace the liquid.

How much oil is needed for a complete change in Murano Z51?

Power steering system volume - approx. 1 liter. For a complete replacement with bleeding you will need 1.2–1.5 l (part of it will be used for washing).

How to check the power steering oil level?

The level is checked for cold engine (after 5–10 minutes of parking). Open the reservoir lid, wipe the dipstick with a napkin and insert it back. Take out the dipstick - the oil should be between the marks MIN And MAX.

What should I do if my steering wheel becomes tighter after changing the oil?

Possible reasons:

  1. Air has entered the system - bleed it again.
  2. The wrong type of oil has been filled (for example, ATF instead of PSF) - replace with the correct one.
  3. The power steering pump is faulty - diagnostics required.
Can I use Dexron VI instead of Nissan PSF?

No! Dexron VI - This is an automatic transmission fluid; it has other viscosity and anti-friction properties. Its use in power steering will lead to foaming and accelerated pump wear.