Power steering (power steering) on Nissan Murano - a critical component on which not only driving comfort, but also safety depends. Over time, the fluid loses its properties and the pump wears out, resulting in stiff steering, noise when turning, or even leaks. If you notice strange sounds under the hood, deterioration in controllability or oil leaks near the power steering reservoir - it's time to think about replacement.
In this article we will look at how to replace power steering on Murano (including models Z50 And Z51) with your own hands, without resorting to expensive services. You will learn which liquid to choose, what tools you will need, and how to avoid common mistakes. And if you have never repaired a car, don’t worry: step-by-step instructions with photos and videos will help even a beginner figure it out.
Symptoms of power steering failure on a Nissan Murano
The first signal about problems with power steering - this is change in steering effort. If the steering wheel used to turn easily, but now requires physical effort (especially at low speeds), this is a sure sign of a problem. Other symptoms:
- 🔊 Hum or squeal when turning the steering wheel - often indicates pump wear or low fluid level.
- 💧 Oil leaks under the car (reddish or brown liquid) - check the reservoir and hoses for leaks.
- 🌀 Steering jerks or uneven force - the system may become airy.
- 🔥 Fluid overheating (the tank becomes hot) is a sign that the pump is running dry.
On Nissan Murano with mileage over 150,000 km Most often the power steering pump itself fails or the rack leaks. If you ignore these symptoms, you can end up complete amplifier failure - and this is a direct threat to safety, especially at high speeds.
⚠️ Attention! If the steering wheel has become tight suddenly (for example, after a cold start), and the liquid in the reservoir is black - this is a sign critical pump wear. In this case, you cannot drive the car: the pump may jam, which will lead to loss of control.
Which power steering fluid to choose for Nissan Murano
The life of the pump and the entire system depends on the quality of the liquid. For Murano the manufacturer recommends using ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) type Dexron III or Dexron VI. However, there are nuances:
- 🔧 Original liquid — Nissan PSF (article
KE902-99931), but it is expensive and not always available. - 💰 Analogues — Mobil ATF 320, Castrol Transmax Dex III, Motul Dexron III. The main thing is that there is liquid synthetic.
- ❌ What to Avoid — cheap mineral fluids and universal “power steering oils” of unknown brands. They can foam and accelerate wear of the seals.
Power steering system volume per Murano - about 1 liter, but for a complete replacement you will need 1.5–2 liters (some of the liquid will remain in the rail and hoses). If you are just topping up, use the same brand as before. You cannot mix different types of ATF!
| Liquid type | Recommendations | Approximate price (1 l) |
|---|---|---|
| Nissan PSF (original) | Best choice but expensive | 1 200–1 500 ₽ |
| Mobil ATF 320 | Optimal analogue | 600–800 ₽ |
| Castrol Transmax Dex III | Good quality, widely available in stores | 500–700 ₽ |
| Motul Dexron III | Suitable for severe operating conditions | 900–1 100 ₽ |
- Original Nissan PSF
- Mobil ATF
- Castrol Transmax
- Motul
- Another
Tools and materials for replacing power steering
To change the power steering fluid or pump to Nissan Murano, you will need:
- 🔧 Keys and sockets: on
10,12,14(for hoses and pump mounts). - 🔩 Socket wrench on
19- for the pump pulley. - 🛠️ Syringe or bulb - for pumping out old fluid from the tank.
- 🧴 New power steering fluid (1.5–2 liters).
- 🧰 Power steering reservoir gasket (article
49108-4M000) - if it flows along the joint. - 🧻 Rags and container for draining (minimum 1 liter).
- 🔥 WD-40 or similar spray - for unscrewing stuck nuts.
If you plan to change the pump, additionally prepare:
- 🔄 New power steering pump (original -
49100-4M000, analogues - Febi, TRW). - 🔗 Hose repair kit (if they are cracked).
- 🛑 Retaining ring for a pulley (sometimes included with a pump).
☑️ Preparation for replacing power steering
If you are only changing the fluid, you can do without a pit or lift. But to replace a pump or rack, access from below will be required - here you can’t do without a trestle or a jack with stops.
Step-by-step instructions: replacing power steering fluid
Complete fluid change Murano takes about 1–1.5 hours. The main thing is to take your time and keep it clean so that no dirt gets into the system.
Step 1: Drain the old fluid
1. Open the hood and find the power steering reservoir (located on the right, next to the battery).
2. Disconnect return hose (lower pipe) and direct it into the prepared container.
3. Ask an assistant to turn the steering wheel left and right (engine off!) so that the fluid flows out by gravity.
4. After draining, connect the hose back and fill it into the tank new fluid to the mark MAX.
Step 2: Bleeding the System
1. Start the engine and let it run 1–2 minutes at idle.
2. Turn the steering wheel all the way left and right 5–6 timesso that the liquid circulates.
3. Check the level in the tank - if it has dropped, add fluid. Repeat the procedure until the color of the liquid becomes uniform (without any old impurities).
Step 3: Check for Leaks
After pumping, inspect:
- 🔍 Tank and its gasket - Is there any leakage at the joint?
- 🔗 Hoses - Are there any cracks or wet spots?
- 🛠️ Pump — Is there any dripping from the seal?
If the steering wheel remains stiff after changing the fluid, check power steering belt tension. On Murano he should bend over 10–15 mm when pressed with a finger.
Replacing the power steering pump on a Nissan Murano
If the pump buzzes, leaks or does not create pressure, it needs to be changed. On Murano with engines VQ35DE (3.5 l) and QR25DE (2.5 l) the process is similar, but there are nuances with the location of the fasteners.
Removing the old pump
1. Drain the system (as described above).
2. Loosen the belt tensioner and remove the belt from the pump pulley.
3. Unscrew two pump mounting nuts (key to 14) and pulley bolt (socket wrench on 19).
4. Disconnect pressure and return hoses (a clamp puller may be required).
5. Remove the pump and clean the seat of the old gasket.
Installing a new pump
1. Transfer the pulley from the old pump to the new one (if it is not included in the kit).
2. Install a new gasket and put the pump in place, tightening the fasteners to torque 20–25 Nm.
3. Connect the hoses, put on the belt and adjust the tension.
4. Fill in the fluid and bleed the system (as when replacing the fluid).
⚠️ Attention! On Murano with VQ35DE when replacing a pump it is sometimes necessary remove engine sump to access the bottom bolt. If you are not sure, it is better to contact the service.
What should I do if there is still a hum after replacing the pump?
The hum may remain if:
- There is air left in the system (needs to be re-bleeded).
- The fluid is of poor quality or incompatible with the pump.
- The power steering belt is overtightened (should bend by 10–15 mm).
- The new pump is defective (rare, but it happens).
Typical mistakes when replacing power steering
Even experienced car owners sometimes make mistakes that lead to repeated breakdowns or deterioration of power steering performance. Here are the most common:
- 🚫 Incomplete pumping - if there is air left in the system, the pump will hum and the steering wheel will “twitch”.
- 🔄 Mixing liquids - for example,
Dexron IIIwithPSF, which leads to foaming. - 🔧 Hose re-tensioning - it can tear the pipes or squeeze out the gaskets.
- 🛑 Ignoring rack leaks - if you replace only the pump, but the rack is leaking, the problem will return.
- 🔥 Working on a hot engine - power steering fluid heats up to 100°C+, which is fraught with burns.
Another common mistake is incorrect belt tension. A weak belt will slip (whistle when turning), and an overtightened belt will accelerate wear on the pump bearing. Check the tension according to the manual: the deflection should be 10–15 mm when pressed in the middle.
If after replacing the power steering the steering wheel becomes “lighter than necessary”, this is normal for the first 100–200 km. The liquid must “break in” to the system.
Cost of replacing power steering in service vs. on your own
Prices for replacing power steering Nissan Murano vary depending on the region and complexity of the work. Here are the approximate prices:
| Type of work | Cost in service (₽) | On your own (₽) |
|---|---|---|
| Replacing power steering fluid | 1 500–2 500 | 300–600 (liquid only) |
| Replacing the power steering pump | 6 000–10 000 | 3,000–5,000 (pump + consumables) |
| Replacing the power steering rack | 15 000–25 000 | 8,000–12,000 (rack + liquid) |
| Power steering diagnostics | 1 000–1 500 | Free |
Replacing yourself is beneficial, but only if you are confident in your abilities. For example, replacing a rack requires wheel alignment after installation, and without special equipment this cannot be done. In such cases, it is better to trust the professionals.
If we are talking only about liquid or a pump, the savings are obvious. The main thing is not to run into counterfeit parts. Buy consumables from official dealers or trusted suppliers (for example, Exist.ru, Autodoc).
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about replacing power steering on a Nissan Murano
Is it possible to drive with a faulty power steering?
Technically possible, but highly undesirable. Without power steering, the steering becomes very tight, especially at low speeds, which is dangerous in city traffic. Moreover, ignoring the problem leads to accelerated wear of the rack and other steering elements.
How often do you change the power steering fluid on a Murano?
The manufacturer recommends every 60,000 km or once every 3–4 years. But if the liquid darkens or a hum appears, it needs to be replaced earlier. For cars with mileage >150,000 km, it is better to reduce the interval to 40,000 km.
Which is better: an original pump or an analogue?
Original pump (49100-4M000) more reliable, but expensive (about 12 000–15 000 ₽). High-quality analogues (Febi, TRW, AISIN) are cheaper (6 000–9 000 ₽), but may last less. If your budget allows, take the original.
Why did the steering wheel become stiff after changing the fluid?
Probable reasons:
- Remained in the system air - needs to be re-pumped.
- Liquid incompatible with a pump (for example, they filled in mineral water instead of synthetics).
- Faulty lath or her cravings.
- Weak belt tension Power steering
Check everything in order, starting with pumping.
Is it possible to fill in ATF instead of special power steering fluid?
Yes, for Nissan Murano allowed use Dexron III/VI instead of Nissan PSF. The main thing is not to mix different types of fluids and not to use cheap universal “power steering oils”.