Transfer case oil for Nissan Murano Z51: how to choose and replace correctly

Transfer case in Nissan Murano Z51 (2009–2014 model years) is a critically important unit, the condition of which determines not only the comfort of driving an all-wheel drive crossover, but also the life of the transmission as a whole. Many owners forget about the need to service the transfer case, focusing only on changing the oil in the engine or automatic transmission. Meanwhile, Ignoring the regulations for changing the oil in the transfer case can lead to accelerated wear of gears, bearings and even differential locking.

In this article we will look at what oil is suitable for the transfer case? Murano Z51, how often to change it, and we will provide step-by-step instructions for replacing it yourself. We will pay special attention to the nuances that the manufacturer does not always voice in the manuals - for example, the compatibility of oils with all-wheel drive ATTESA E-TS and the consequences of using low-quality lubricants.

Why is it important to choose the right oil for the transfer case?

Transfer case in Nissan Murano Z51 works under high load conditions, especially when driving off-road or in Lock (differential lock). Incorrectly selected oil can cause:

• 🔥 Overheating gears due to insufficient heat transfer.
• ⚙️ Accelerated wear bearings and synchronizers.
• 💥 Jamming differential lock mechanism.
• 🛑 Loss of properties at low temperatures (thickening).

The manufacturer recommends using specialized gear oils with an additive package for all-wheel drive systems. However, in practice, many owners save money by filling in universal oils, which leads to premature failure handouts. Next, we will look at which oils are suitable for Murano Z51 and why.

Official Nissan recommendations: what the manual says

According to the service manual for Nissan Murano Z51, the transfer case must be filled with oil that meets the specifications API GL-5 and viscosity SAE 80W-90 or 75W-90. However, there are nuances:

• 📄 For models with the system ATTESA E-TS (electronic all-wheel drive) recommended synthetic oil with improved friction properties.
• ❄️ In regions with frosts below −30°C, the use of oil is allowed 75W-85, but only subject to its certification according to MIL-L-2105D.
• 🔧 Oil volume in the distributor — 0.7–0.8 liters (the exact volume depends on the year of manufacture).

Important: Nissan does not indicate a specific brand, but dealerships use original oil Nissan Transfer Gear Oil (article KE908-99932). Its analogues are oils from Mobil, Castrol And Liqui Moly, but with mandatory compliance with specifications.

⚠️ Attention: Use of labeled oils GL-4 instead of GL-5 will lead to insufficient protection of hypoid gears and accelerated wear. This applies even to high-quality oils from well-known brands.

The best oils for the Murano Z51 transfer case: rating and comparison

Based on reviews from owners and recommendations from service centers, we have compiled a table of the best oils for transfer cases Nissan Murano Z51:

Brand and model	Specification	Viscosity	Volume (l)	Average price (₽)
Nissan Transfer Gear Oil	API GL-5, MIL-L-2105D	75W-90	1	1 200–1 500
Mobil Mobilube 1 SHC 75W-90	API GL-5, MB 235.8	75W-90	1	900–1 100
Castrol Syntrax Universal Plus	API GL-4/GL-5, VW G 052 170	75W-90	1	1 000–1 300
Liqui Moly Hochleistungs-Getriebeoil	API GL-5, MB 235.0	75W-90	1	1 100–1 400
Motul Gear 300 75W-90	API GL-5, Renault 75W-80	75W-90	1	850–1 000

Among the owners Murano Z51 are especially popular Mobil Mobilube 1 SHC And Liqui Moly thanks to the optimal price-quality ratio. Original oil from Nissan more expensive, but guarantees 100% compatibility with the system ATTESA E-TS.

When and how often to change the oil in the transfer case

Official regulations Nissan provides for changing the oil in the transfer case every 90,000 km or once every 6 years (whichever comes first). However, this interval is only relevant for ideal operating conditions:

• 🌡️ Moderate climate (without extreme frost or heat).
• 🛣️ Mainly urban and highway conditions (no off-road conditions).
• 🚗 Calm driving style (no sudden starts or differential locks).

In reality, most owners Murano Z51 face more harsh conditions. Therefore, experts recommend shortening the replacement interval:

• 🔄 60,000 km — for mixed use (city + light off-road).
• 🔄 40,000–50,000 km - with frequent trips through snow, mud or sand.
• 🔄 30,000 km - if the oil has darkened or a burning smell has appeared.

⚠️ Attention: If you notice hum or vibration when switching all-wheel drive modes, this may be a sign oil wear or bearing damage. In this case, the replacement must be carried out immediately, even if the mileage has not reached the specified value.

Step-by-step instructions for changing the oil in the transfer case

Changing the oil in the transfer case Nissan Murano Z51 - a procedure that can be performed independently with a minimum set of tools. You will need:

• 🔧 Key on 10 mm (for drain plug).
• 🔧 Key on 24 mm (for filler plug).
• 🛢️ Syringe for pouring oil (or funnel with a flexible tube).
• 🧤 Gloves and rags.
• 🚗 Jack or inspection hole.

Warm up the car (drive 5–10 km)

Place the car on a level surface and lock the handbrake

Remove the crankcase protection (if equipped)

Prepare a container for draining used oil

Check for new plug gaskets -->

Now let's move on to the procedure itself:

1. Drain old oil.

   Place a container under the drain plug (it is located at the bottom of the transfer case). Unscrew the plug with the key to 10 mm and wait until the oil is completely drained. Pay attention to the color and consistency of the waste:

   • ⚫ Black oil with metal shavings - a sign of gear wear.
   • 🟤 Brown oil with a burning smell - overheating or poor quality lubrication.

Washing (optional).

If the oil is heavily contaminated, it is recommended to wash the transfer case. To do this:

1. Screw in the drain plug.
2. Fill in 0.5 l flushing oil (For example, Liqui Moly Getriebe-Reiniger).
3. Start the engine and let it run for 5–10 minutes. 4WD Lock.
4. Drain the flushing oil.

Filling with new oil.

Unscrew the filler plug (key on 24 mm) and use a syringe or funnel to fill 0.7–0.8 liters of new oil. The level should reach the bottom edge of the filler hole.

How to check the oil level without a dipstick?

There is no dipstick in the Murano Z51 transfer case. To ensure that the oil is filled to the correct level, wait until it stops flowing out of the filler hole when filling. After this, tighten the plug with a force of 30–40 Nm.

Checking the work.

Start the car and turn on the modes one by one 2WD, AWD And 4WD Lock. Make sure there is no extraneous noise or vibration.

Common mistakes when changing oil and how to avoid them

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

• 🔧 Pulling traffic jams.

  The drain and fill plugs must be tightened firmly 30–40 Nm. Exceeding this value may lead to thread breakage or deformation of the aluminum transfer case housing.

• 🛢️ Underfilling or overfilling of oil.

  A lack of oil leads to oil starvation, and an excess leads to increased pressure and leaks through the seals. Always check the level at the filler hole.

• 🔄 Mixing oils of different brands.

  Even if both oils meet specification GL-5, their additives may be incompatible. Always use the same oil when changing.

• 🚫 Ignoring flushing.

  If there are metal shavings or sediment in the old lubricant, the new oil will quickly become contaminated. In severe cases it is required disassembling and cleaning the transfer case.

Another common mistake is using sealant on plugs. In the transfer case Murano Z51 The plugs have copper or aluminum gaskets that provide a tight seal without additional means. Sealant may get inside and contaminate the oil.

Signs of a malfunctioning transfer case: when the oil has nothing to do with it

Sometimes problems with the transfer case are mistakenly attributed to oil, although their causes lie elsewhere. Here are the symptoms that require diagnosis by a specialist:

• 🔊 Crunching or grinding noise when switching modes, wear of synchronizers or gears is possible.
• 🔄 Spontaneous shutdown of all-wheel drive — malfunction of the electromagnetic clutch ATTESA E-TS.
• 💡 The indicator is on 4WD on the dashboard - an error in the control unit or sensors.
• 🛑 Wheel lock in mode Lock — problem with the differential.

If you notice any of these signs, do not delay your visit to the service. Delay may lead to complete failure of the transfer case, and its repair will cost 50 000–100 000 ₽.

⚠️ Attention: In some cases, a malfunction of the transfer case may be due to incorrect firmware of the control unit. For example, after chip tuning or software update. In this case, diagnostics using a scanner is required Consult-III Plus.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about oil in the transfer case of Nissan Murano Z51

Is it possible to use automatic transmission oil in the transfer case?

No, absolutely not. Automatic transmission oils (ATF) have a different viscosity and additive package. They do not provide sufficient protection for the gears and bearings in the transfer case. Using ATF will result in accelerated wear and possible jamming of the mechanism.

What happens if you don’t change the oil in the transfer case?

Over time, the oil loses its properties: viscosity decreases, additives fall out, and metal shavings accumulate. This leads to:

• Increased wear of gears and bearings.
• Deterioration of system performance ATTESA E-TS (all-wheel drive may not engage).
• Overheating and differential jamming.

In critical cases it will be necessary transfer case overhaul costing from 40 000 ₽.

How much oil is needed for a complete change?

To the transfer case Nissan Murano Z51 fits 0.7–0.8 liters oils However, when flushing, it may take up to 1.5 liters (including flushing fluid). Recommended to buy 1 liter for replacement and 0.5 l for topping up (if necessary).

Is it possible to mix oils of different viscosities (for example, 75W-90 and 80W-90)?

Mix oils of different viscosities not recommendedas this may lead to:

• Unstable operation of the transfer case at extreme temperatures.
• Deterioration of component protection due to additive incompatibility.

If there is a need to top up, use oil same brand and viscosity, which was uploaded earlier.

Is it necessary to change the oil in the transfer case if the car is driven only in the city?

Yes, even during city use, the oil in the transfer case ages due to:

• Cyclic loads (frequent acceleration and braking).
• Thermal changes (heating and cooling).
• Oxidation of additives over time.

Minimum replacement interval - once every 6 years, even if the mileage has not reached 90,000 km.