Power steering (power steering) in Nissan Murano Z50 (2003–2007) is a critically important unit, the condition of which determines not only the comfort of control, but also safety. Many owners experience pump noise, a stiff steering wheel, or fluid leaks, not suspecting that the cause lies in incorrectly selected or outdated oil. In this article we will look at what kind of oil to fill in the power steering. Murano Z50, how to replace it yourself and what mistakes lead to damage to the pump or rack.

Feature Murano Z50 — sensitivity of the hydraulic system to fluid quality. Manufacturer recommends use only original fluid Nissan PSF (Power Steering Fluid) or its analogues with approval NS-2, but the market is full of fakes and generic oils that can cause harm. We analyzed technical manuals, owner reviews and expert tests to create a checklist of reliable options - from budget to premium.

Original power steering oil Nissan Murano Z50: what is flooding the plant

According to the service manual Nissan, for Murano Z50 (including restyled versions 2005–2007) liquid is provided Nissan PSF (article KE902-99932). This is a red mineral oil with a package of additives that protects seals and metal parts from wear. Important detail: Nissan does not recommend mixing PSF with other types of liquids (for example, DEXRON or ATF), even if they are positioned as universal.

Why exactly PSF? In the power steering system Murano Z50 Specific rubber seals are used that can swell or crack when in contact with synthetic or semi-synthetic oils. The original liquid has:

  • 🔴 Color: red (to distinguish it from gear oils).
  • 🌡️ Temperature range: -40°C to +120°C.
  • 🛡️ Additives: anti-foam, anti-oxidation and extreme pressure.
  • ⚠️ Compatibility: only with grade mineral oils NS-2.

Where can I buy the original? Official dealers Nissan or trusted online stores (for example, exist.ru, emex.ru). The price for 1 liter is about 1,200–1,500 rubles. Be careful: there are many fakes on the market with similar packaging, but without protective holograms.

⚠️ Attention: If you find in the power steering system Murano Z50 If the liquid is yellow or green, it must be completely drained and the system flushed. This is a sign that the previous owner filled in incompatible oil (for example, CHF for Citroën/Peugeot), which leads to destruction of the seals.

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

The original liquid is not always available, and the price is steep. Fortunately, there are proven analogues that meet the standard NS-2. Main rule: the oil must be mineral, red in color and approved for Japanese cars.

Brand and name Article Type Color Notes
Mobil ATF 220 153232 Mineral Red Complete analogue Nissan PSF, often used in services
Idemitsu PSF 30450015-825 Mineral Red Made in Japan, ideal for Murano Z50
Ravenol PSF 4014835734406 Mineral Red German brand, compliant NS-2 And NS-3
Liqui Moly ATF 1100 1100 Semi-synthetics Red Allowed for short-term use, but not for complete replacement

From the options presented Idemitsu PSF And Mobil ATF 220 - the best in terms of price/quality ratio. Ravenol more expensive, but suitable for extreme conditions (for example, if you drive at -30°C). Liqui Moly ATF 1100 should only be used as a last resort, as semi-synthetics can damage the seals with prolonged use.

📊 What oil do you use in the power steering of your Murano Z50?
  • Original Nissan PSF
  • Mobil ATF 220
  • Idemitsu PSF
  • Other (I'll write in the comments)

When and how often to change power steering oil Murano Z50

The manufacturer indicates that the power steering fluid Murano Z50 does not require replacement during the entire service life of the vehicle. However, this is only true under ideal operating conditions: moderate climate, no overload and regular maintenance. In reality, the oil ages, accumulates wear products and loses its properties after 60–80 thousand km.

Signs that it's time to change the oil:

  • 🔊 Power steering pump hum when turning the steering wheel (especially when cold).
  • 💧 Dark liquid color (black or brown instead of red).
  • 🌀 Foam or cloudy sediment in the tank.
  • 🚗 Stiff steering wheel rotation, especially at low speeds.

Recommended replacement interval:

  • 📅 Every 60,000 km or once every 3 years (whichever comes first).
  • 🌡️ After power steering repair (replacement of rack, pump, hoses).
  • ❄️ After extreme stress (for example, towing a trailer or driving off-road).
💡

Before changing the oil, check the condition of the power steering hoses for cracks. If they are cracked, replace them along with the fluid, otherwise you risk getting a leak after 1–2 thousand km.

Step-by-step instructions for changing power steering oil Nissan Murano Z50

Changing the power steering oil Murano Z50 - a procedure that you can perform yourself if you follow the instructions. You will need:

  • 🔧 New oil (1–1.5 liters).
  • 🛠️ Syringe for pumping (or pear).
  • 🔩 Key for 10 (to remove the tank).
  • 🧻 Rags and container for draining.

Replacement algorithm:

  1. Drain the old oil:
    • Unscrew the power steering reservoir cap (located to the right of the engine, next to the battery).
    • Draw out the liquid with a syringe or bulb.
    • Loosen the clamp on the bottom hose of the tank and drain the residue into a container.
  2. Flush the system (optional, but recommended for heavy soiling):
    • Pour ~300 ml of new oil into the tank.
    • Turn the steering wheel left and right several times (engine is off!).
    • Drain the flushing fluid and repeat 2-3 times.
  3. Fill with new oil:
    • Reinstall the tank and secure the hose.
    • Fill the liquid up to the mark MAX.
    • Start the engine and slowly turn the steering wheel all the way in both directions.
    • Add oil to the level (with the engine running).

Check the old oil level (should be between MIN and MAX)

Prepare a container for draining with a volume of at least 1.5 l

Buy new oil with a reserve (1.5 l)

Make sure the engine is cool (run cold!)

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⚠️ Attention: Never fill the power steering with oil. Murano Z50 "by eye". Overfilling is just as dangerous as underfilling: excess pressure can damage the pump seals, and too little pressure can cause cavitation and bearing failure.

Typical mistakes when changing oil and their consequences

Even experienced car owners make mistakes that lead to power steering failure. Here are the most common:

  1. Mixing different types of oils:

    For example, topping up DEXRON III in Nissan PSF. This leads to a chemical reaction, as a result of which the liquid coagulates, clogs the tank filter and damages the pump.

  2. Using synthetics instead of mineral water:

    Synthetic oils (eg. CHF-11S) aggressive to rubber seals Murano Z50. After 5–10 thousand km, the oil seals will begin to “leak” and the rack will begin to knock.

  3. Incomplete drainage of old oil:

    If you do not flush the system, the remaining dirty fluid will mix with the new one, and its properties will deteriorate 2-3 times faster.

  4. Changing the oil without checking the hoses:

    Old hoses can burst under the pressure of fresh fluid, especially if they are already worn out.

Consequences of errors:

  • 🔧 Pump hum (if using the wrong oil).
  • 💦 Leaks (due to destruction of seals).
  • 🚨 Rack failure (when mixing liquids).
  • 💸 Expensive repairs (replacing the power steering pump will cost 20–30 thousand rubles).
What to do if the steering wheel becomes stiff after changing the oil?

If after replacement the steering wheel turns tightly, there are two possible reasons:

1) There is air left in the system — you need to bleed the power steering (turn the steering wheel again with the engine running).

2) The oil is too thick (For example, ATF+4 instead of NS-2) - requires a complete replacement with the correct fluid.

How to check the condition of the power steering oil without replacing it

You don't always need to change the oil right away. Sometimes it is enough to top up or simply check its condition. Here's how to do it:

  1. Visual inspection:

    Open the power steering reservoir cap and look at the color of the fluid:

    • 🟢 Red/pink — oil is normal.
    • 🟠 Brown - replacement required.
    • ⚫ Black — critical condition, urgent replacement + flushing is needed.
  • Smell test:

    If the oil smells like burning, this is a sign that the pump is overheating. You need to look for the cause (for example, a stuck bearing).

  • Foam Test:

    Shake some liquid from the reservoir. If the foam does not settle for more than 30 seconds, there is air in the system or the oil has lost its properties.

    • Also note oil level. He must be between MIN And MAX on a cold engine. If the level drops faster than once every 10 thousand km, look for a leak (most often the rack seal or hoses are leaking).

    💡

    If the oil is in the power steering Murano Z50 darkened, but the level is normal - this is not always a reason for replacement. The main thing is that there is no sediment or foreign particles. If the fluid has simply darkened but remains clear, you can add fresh oil of the same type.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about power steering oil Nissan Murano Z50

    Is it possible to fill it into the power steering? Murano Z50 gear oil (for example, DEXRON VI)?

    No! Transmission oils have a different additive package and viscosity. They are not compatible with power steering rubber seals and may cause leaks or pump failure. Use only approved fluids NS-2.

    How much oil is needed for a complete power steering change? Murano Z50?

    The total volume of the system is approx. 1 liter. However, for a complete replacement with flushing you will need 1.3–1.5 liters, since some of the liquid remains in the rack and hoses.

    What to do if after changing the oil there is a hum from the pump?

    Most likely, air has entered the system. Need:

    1. Turn off the engine.
    2. Turn the steering wheel all the way left and right 5-6 times.
    3. Start the engine and repeat the procedure.
    4. Check the oil level and add if necessary.

    If the hum does not disappear, the pump may be faulty or the filter mesh in the tank is clogged.

    What kind of oil to fill in power steering Murano Z50 with mileage of more than 200 thousand km?

    For cars with high mileage, it is recommended to use oil with increased anti-wear properties, for example:

    • Idemitsu PSF (article 30450015-825).
    • Ravenol PSF (has additives for worn systems).

    Avoid synthetics - they can “wash out” deposits that were covering microcracks in the seals and cause leaks.

    Is it possible to drive with low power steering oil level?

    For a short time (for example, before service) - you can, but:

    • The steering wheel will become heavier, especially at low speeds.
    • The pump will run dry, which will lead to accelerated wear.
    • If you drive for a long time without oil, the rack may jam.

    If the level drops below MIN, add liquid same type, which is already loaded into the system.