Power steering (power steering) in Nissan Murano - a critical component on which not only driving comfort, but also safety depends. Many crossover owners encounter problems: stiff steering, extraneous noise when turning, or fluid leaks. Most often there is one reason - untimely replacement or incorrect choice of oil.
In this article we will look at everything you need to know about power steering oil. Murano (models Z50 And Z51): from official recommendations Nissan to the nuances of self-replacement. You will learn how liquids differ PSF And ATFhow to check the condition of the oil without diagnostics and why Changing the power steering oil every 60,000 km is not a whim, but a necessity to preserve the life of the pump. We will also debunk the myths about “eternal” fluids and tell you which replacement errors lead to rack failure after 10,000 km.
Official Nissan requirements: what oil to fill in Murano power steering
The manufacturer clearly regulates the type of power steering fluid Nissan Murano. According to the service manual, for all generations (including restyled versions) it is recommended:
- 🔹 Original liquid: Nissan PSF (Power Steering Fluid) with catalog number
KE902-99932(1 l) orKE902-99931(12 l for service stations). - 🔹 Alternative analogues: liquid class
PSForATF Dexron II/IIIwith permission JIS K 2234. - 🔹 Color: red or amber (green and blue liquids are incompatible!).
- 🔹 Viscosity: optimal range -
7.0–7.5 mm²/sat 100°C.
Important: Nissan does not allow mixing of different types of oils. For example, if the system was flooded PSF, add ATF This is not possible - this will lead to foaming and loss of properties. It is also prohibited to use universal fluids such as Dexron VI or Multi HF, despite their popularity.
- Original Nissan PSF
- Analogue (Mobil, Liqui Moly, etc.)
- ATF Dexron III
- I don't know what's in there
- Other
For Murano Z51 (2015–2021) with electric hydraulic booster (EPAS) the requirements are stricter: here it is necessary to strictly adhere to PSF, since ATF may cause increased wear of pump seals. In models Z50 (2003–2014) allowed ATF Dexron III, but with a caveat: only if the system previously worked on such a liquid.
Signs that it’s time to change the oil in Murano’s power steering
The manufacturer recommends changing the power steering oil every 60,000 km or once every 4 years, but in practice this interval is often reduced. Here are the key symptoms that the liquid has lost its properties:
- ⚠️ Stiff steering wheel rotation at low speeds (especially during cold starts).
- 🔊 Hum or whistle power steering pump when turning the steering wheel all the way.
- 💧 Dark oil color (black or brown) and a burning smell.
- 🌀 Foam or bubbles in the tank - a sign of air or water getting in.
- 🛑 Leaks under the car (red drops near the rack or pump).
Particularly dangerous smell of burnt oil - this means that the liquid has overheated and lost its lubricating properties. In such cases, replacement is required immediately, otherwise the risk of failure of the pump or rack increases by 3-4 times.
What happens if you don't change the power steering oil?
Long-term operation with old fluid leads to:
- Wear of oil seals and seals (→ leaks).
- Corrosion of the internal surfaces of the rack.
- Scoring on the pump shaft (→ complete power steering failure).
- Increased load on the drive belt (→ belt breakage).
You can check the condition of the oil yourself:
- Open the power steering reservoir cap (located next to the coolant expansion tank).
- Drop the liquid onto a white paper napkin.
- Compare the color with the new fluid: if the color is dark or there are dirt particles, replacement is required.
Step-by-step instructions for changing power steering oil in Nissan Murano
Changing the power steering oil Murano - a procedure that can be performed independently if you follow the algorithm. You will need:
- 🔧 Set of keys (for 10, 12, 14).
- 🧤 Gloves and rags.
- 🚗 Jack or inspection hole.
- 💊 New oil (1–1.2 l).
- 🔄 Syringe for pumping or vacuum pump.
Attention: Before starting work, make sure that the engine has cooled down - hot oil can cause burns!
Turn off the ignition and allow the engine to cool|Lift the front of the car (to access the hoses)|Prepare a container to drain the old oil (volume ≥1.5 l)|Check the new oil for compatibility with the current fluid-->
Step 1: Drain the old oil
1. Open the lid of the power steering reservoir and use a syringe to pump out the maximum amount of fluid.
2. Loosen the clamp on the return hose (the lower hose going from the rack to the tank) and remove it. Place a transparent tube on the hose and lower the other end into a drainage container.
3. Ask an assistant to turn the steering wheel left and right until it stops (the engine is off!). This will flush any remaining oil from the system.
Step 2: Flush the System (Optional)
If the oil is heavily contaminated, flushing is recommended:
1. Pour ~300 ml of new oil into the tank.
2. Connect the hoses back and start the engine for 1-2 minutes, turning the steering wheel.
3. Drain the flushing fluid and repeat the procedure 2-3 times.
For washing, you can use special compounds (for example, Liqui Moly PSF-Flush), but only if they are compatible with PSF!
Step 3: Add new oil
1. Reinstall the hoses and tighten the clamps.
2. Fill with new oil up to the mark MAX on the tank.
3. Start the engine and slowly turn the steering wheel from lock to lock 5–6 times. Add oil as it goes down.
4. Repeat the procedure until the level stabilizes.
Attention: After replacement, check that there is no air in the system! If you hear a hum when you turn the steering wheel, it means there is air left in the system. To remove it, repeat the bleeding procedure (step 3).
Typical mistakes when changing power steering oil and how to avoid them
Even experienced car owners make mistakes that reduce the life of the power steering. Here are the most common:
| Error | Consequences | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|
Mixing PSF And ATF |
Foaming, loss of properties, wear of seals | Use only one type of liquid |
| Incomplete drainage of old oil | Reduced effectiveness of new fluid | Flush the system or drain the oil by bleeding |
Oil overflow higher MAX |
Increased pressure, leaks through the breather | Check the level after pumping |
| Using cheap analogues | Corrosion, pump scuffing, reduced service life | Select approved fluids JIS K 2234 |
Another critical error - ignoring system bleeding. If the air is not removed after replacement, the pump will work with increased load, which will lead to its failure after 5–10 thousand km. Bleeding is required, even if you have filled the oil to the level!
Never use automatic transmission fluids (for example, ATF Dexron VI) in power steering Murano — their additives are aggressive for power steering seals.
How to extend the life of the power steering: operating tips
The service life of the power steering depends not only on the quality of the oil, but also on driving style. Here's what will help you avoid premature repairs:
- 🔄 Do not hold the steering wheel in extreme position more than 5 seconds - this creates a peak load on the pump.
- ❄️ Warm up the power steering in winter before active maneuvering: after starting the engine, let it idle for 1–2 minutes, then gently turn the steering wheel.
- 🚗 Monitor the oil level every 10,000 km - leaks at an early stage are easier to eliminate.
- 🛠️ Change power steering hoses every 100,000 km - they lose elasticity and may burst.
Pay special attention condition of the power steering pump drive belt. If it slips or has cracks, the pump is overloaded, which leads to overheating. On Murano Z50 The belt is changed along with the rollers every 90,000 km, for Z51 - once every 120,000 km.
Frequent power steering malfunctions of Murano and their connection with oil
Most power steering problems Nissan Murano somehow connected to the liquid. Let's look at typical malfunctions and their causes:
- 🔊 Pump noise when turning:
- Cause: Low oil level or foaming.
- Solution: top up/replace fluid + check for air leaks.
- 💦 Leaks from the rack:
- Cause: Worn seals due to old oil or incompatible fluid.
- Solution: replacing the seals + flushing the system.
- ⚠️ The steering wheel jerks when turning:
- Cause: air in the system or contaminated oil.
- Solution: pumping the power steering + replacing the fluid.
On Murano Z51 with EPAS (electric power steering) a common problem - error P1705 (pressure sensor malfunction). In 80% of cases, it occurs due to low oil levels or poor quality. Diagnostics show an error, but the real reason lies in the liquid!
Attention: If after changing the oil the pump hum does not disappear, check filter in power steering reservoir (on Z50 it often becomes clogged with wear products). If necessary, the tank is washed or replaced.
Alternative liquids: what can be poured instead of the original
Original liquid Nissan PSF not always available, but there are worthy analogues. The main thing is to comply with the standard JIS K 2234. Here are the tested options:
| Manufacturer | Liquid name | Catalog number | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mobil | ATF 220 (PSF) | 152696 | Suitable for Z50 And Z51 |
| Liqui Moly | Central Hydraulic Oil | 7603 | Universal, but requires washing when switching from ATF |
| Motul | Dexron III | 105777 | Only for Z50 (not for Z51!) |
| Idemitsu | PSF Universal | 30450025 | Approved Nissan for the Asian market |
When choosing an analogue, pay attention to color and viscosity. For example, Liqui Moly PSF has a higher viscosity at low temperatures, which is important for cold regions. A Motul Dexron III Cheaper, but only suitable for older models.
Important: if you are moving from ATF on PSF (or vice versa), be sure to flush the system! Mixing different types of additives leads to the formation of sediment, which clogs the rack valves.
FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions about power steering oil for Nissan Murano
Is it possible to use Dexron VI instead of the original oil?
No! Dexron VI has a different additive package and lower viscosity, which leads to leaks through the seals. Use only Dexron II/III or PSF.
How much oil is needed for a complete change in Murano power steering?
The volume of the system is ~1 l, but for a complete replacement with flushing, 1.2–1.5 l will be required (taking into account losses during draining).
What is the difference between power steering oil for Murano Z50 and Z51?
B Z51 (2015+) used EPAS (electric power steering), which is more sensitive to the quality of the fluid. Required here PSF, whereas in Z50 allowed ATF Dexron III.
How often do you check the power steering oil level?
Optimally - every 10,000 km or before a long trip. Critical level (below MIN) leads to air leaks and pump failure.
Is it possible to change the oil yourself, or is it better to go to a service station?
Changing power steering oil is a procedure of average complexity. If you have a viewing hole and a minimal set of tools, you can do it yourself. However for Z51 with EPAS Diagnostics at a service station is recommended (errors must be reset after replacement).