Replacing the power steering pump on a Nissan Murano Z51: a detailed guide with photos and videos

Power steering (power steering) in Nissan Murano Z51 - a critical component on which not only driving comfort, but also safety depends. Over time, the power steering pump wears out: a hum appears when turning the steering wheel, fluid leaks, or the force on the steering wheel becomes uneven. If you experience these symptoms, your pump most likely needs to be replaced.

In this article we will analyze the entire process of replacing the power steering pump with Murano Z51 (2008–2014) - from fault diagnosis to installation of a new unit. You will learn what tools you will need, how to properly drain the liquid, avoid installation errors, and check the operation of the system after repair. We’ll also figure out which pump to choose—original or analogue—and whether it’s worth saving on spare parts.

Signs of a faulty power steering pump on a Murano Z51

The first signs of problems with the power steering pump are often ignored until the situation becomes critical. Here are the key symptoms that indicate pump wear or failure:

• 🔊 Hum or squeal when turning the steering wheel (especially at low engine speeds). The sound may become louder in cold weather.
• 💧 Power steering fluid leaks under the hood (red or brown fluid near the pump or hoses).
• 🔄 Heavy steering during maneuvers, especially at low speeds or when parking.
• 🌀 Jerks or dips in the operation of the amplifier - the steering wheel either turns easily or requires effort.
• 🚨 Power steering lamp comes on on the dashboard (if the system is equipped with a pressure sensor).

If you notice at least one of these signs, do not delay diagnosis. Driving for a long time with a faulty pump leads to overheating of power steering fluid, accelerated wear of the rack and even jamming of the steering mechanism.

⚠️ Attention: If you hear when turning the steering wheel metallic grinding or felt jamming, stop driving immediately! This may indicate critical wear of the pump bearing or broken blades, which can lead to complete loss of control.

Before replacing the pump, be sure to check:

• 🔧 Power steering fluid level (topping up sometimes solves the hum problem).
• 🔄 Drive belt condition (belt slippage produces similar symptoms).
• 🛠️ Liquid purity (darkening or the presence of metal shavings is a sign of pump wear).

Which power steering pump to choose for Murano Z51: original vs analogues

When replacing the power steering pump with Nissan Murano Z51 the owner is faced with a choice: to buy original spare part or suitable analogue. Original pump from Nissan (article 49100-4M500 or 49100-4M50A) guarantees 100% compatibility, but its price can reach 25–35 thousand rubles (for 2026).

Among the analogues, the following have proven themselves well:

• 🏆 ZF (article 7110 029 030) - German quality, price ~18–22 thousand rubles.
• 🔧 Maval (article NP491004M500) - Korean manufacturer, reliability at the level of the original, price ~15-18 thousand rubles.
• 💰 Febi (article 33610) is a budget option (~12–15 thousand rubles), but the resource is lower.
• 🛠️ TRW (article JGA1095) - good price/quality balance (~16–20 thousand rubles).

Manufacturer	Article	Average price (RUB)	Resource (thousand km)	Features
Nissan (original)	49100-4M500	25 000–35 000	150–200	Fully compatible, factory assembled
ZF	7110 029 030	18 000–22 000	120–180	High quality seals, quiet operation
Maval	NP491004M500	15 000–18 000	100–150	A good alternative to the original, time-tested
Febi	33610	12 000–15 000	80–120	Budget option, early bearing wear is possible

When choosing a pump, pay attention to completeness: Some analogues are supplied without a pulley or o-ring. Also check if the pump is suitable for your modification Murano Z51 - on models with engines VQ35DE (3.5 l) and VQ25DE (2.5 l) different pumps can be installed!

⚠️ Attention: Buying a power steering pump used or from disassembly, you risk getting a unit with worn blades or bearings. Even if it looks normal outwardly, its lifespan can be only 10–20 thousand km.

Tools and materials for replacing the power steering pump

To replace the power steering pump yourself with Nissan Murano Z51, you will need the following set of tools and consumables:

New power steering pump (with pulley and seals)|Power steering fluid (1–1.5 l, for example, Nissan PSF or Mobil ATF 220)|Set of sockets and wrenches (10, 12, 14 mm)|10 mm socket wrench for drain plug|Pliers for clamps|Screwdriver with Phillips bit|Jack and stops (for lifting the front part)|Container for draining fluid (at least 1 liter capacity)|Rags and gloves|Torque wrench (optional, for precise puffs)

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We also recommend purchasing:

• 🔧 New clamps for hoses (old ones may be rusty or lose elasticity).
• 🛠️ Power steering fluid filter (if your model has it).
• 🧴 Carburetor Cleaner (to flush the system from old fluid).

If you are planning complete fluid change (and this is recommended to be done when replacing the pump), you will need flushing the system. For this you can use special compounds, for example, Liqui Moly ATF-Reiniger or simply pump fresh fluid several times.

Don't forget about safety precautions:

• 🔥 Work in well ventilated area — power steering fluid vapors are toxic.
• 🧤 Use gloves — Power steering fluid corrodes the skin.
• 🚗 Secure the car to handbrake and place chocks under the wheels.

Step-by-step instructions for replacing the power steering pump

The process of replacing the power steering pump with Murano Z51 can be divided into several stages: draining the liquid, dismantling the old pump, installing a new one and bleeding the system. Let's look at each step in detail.

1. Draining power steering fluid

Before starting work disconnect the negative terminal of the battery to avoid short circuit.

Next:

1. Raise the front of the car on a jack (or drive it onto an overpass).
2. Remove the engine protection (if it interferes with access to the power steering hoses).
3. Place a container under the drain plug (located on the power steering reservoir or lower hose).
4. Loosen the clamp on return hose (going from the rail to the tank) and remove it.
5. Drain the liquid into a container. To speed up the process, you can turn the steering wheel left and right (the engine is off!).

2. Dismantling the old pump

After draining the liquid:

1. Loosen the accessory drive belt tensioner (use a 14 mm wrench to turn the tension roller counterclockwise).
2. Remove the belt from the power steering pump pulley.
3. Unscrew the pump mounting bolts (usually 3-4 bolts of 12 or 14 mm).
4. Disconnect pressure hose (coming from the pump to the rack) - be prepared for liquid leaks.
5. Carefully remove the pump from its seat.

Important! When dismantling, remember the location of the hoses and fasteners - this will simplify reassembly. If the pump comes with solenoid valve (on some modifications), do not forget to disconnect the power connector.

3. Installation of a new pump

Before installing a new pump:

• Compare it with the old one - the pulleys should match in diameter and number of grooves.
• Check the presence of the O-ring on the flange (if necessary, use an old one if it is in good condition).
• Apply a thin layer sealant (For example, Loctite 574) on the threads of the fastening bolts.

Next:

1. Install the pump in place, tighten the mounting bolts (tightening torque - 20–25 Nm).
2. Connect the pressure and return hoses, tighten the clamps.
3. Place the drive belt on the pump pulley and adjust the tension (the belt deflection should be 8–10 mm when pressed with a finger).
4. Connect the battery terminal.

4. Bleeding the power steering system

After installing a new pump, you must remove air from the system:

1. Fill the reservoir with fresh power steering fluid to the mark MAX.
2. Start the engine and let it idle 1–2 minutes.
3. Turn the steering wheel left and right until it stops 5–6 times (do not hold in extreme positions!).
4. Add fluid to the level and repeat the procedure until air bubbles no longer appear in the tank.
5. Check the operation of the amplifier - the steering wheel should turn smoothly, without jerking or humming.

⚠️ Attention: If there is air left in the system after bleeding, this may lead to overheating of the liquid and repeated pump failure. Signs of incomplete pumping: foam in the tank or hard steering at low speeds.

What should I do if there is still a hum after replacing the pump?

If the hum persists, check:

1. **Liquid level** - it may not be enough.

2. **Belt tension** - low tension leads to slippage.

3. **Fluid quality** - if cheap or old fluid was used, replace it.

4. **Connecting the hoses** - reversed hoses (pressure and return) will cause the system to malfunction.

5. **Rack Condition** - If the rack is worn, the new pump will work harder, which may cause noise.

Typical mistakes when replacing a power steering pump and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners sometimes make mistakes that lead to repeated pump failure or other problems. Here are the most common of them:

• 🔧 Using old power steering fluid. The liquid loses its properties over time, and if it has been contaminated with metal shavings, the new pump will quickly fail. Always fill with fresh fluid!
• 🛠️ Incomplete bleeding of the system. The remaining air leads to cavitation (formation of bubbles), which destroys the pump blades.
• 🌀 Re-tightening of fastening bolts. Excessive tightening torque deforms the pump housing, which leads to leaks.
• 🔄 Installing a pump without an O-ring. Even a small gap will cause liquid leaks.
• 🚗 Ignoring rack check. If the rack is worn, the new pump will work under increased load and quickly break down.

Another common mistake is wrong choice of power steering fluid. For Murano Z51 recommended to use:

• Nissan PSF (original liquid, article number KE902-99932).
• Mobil ATF 220 (complete analogue, suitable for most Japanese cars).
• Motul Dexron III (more budget option, but requires frequent replacement).

Critical: Never mix different types of fluids (e.g. PSF and Dexron III) as this will cause coagulation of additives and clogging of pump channels.

If after replacing the pump the steering wheel becomes too light or does not return to neutral position, this may indicate:

• Incorrect belt tension adjustment.
• Airing of the system (re-bleeding required).
• Malfunction of the pressure valve in the new pump (defective or incompatible).

Checking power steering operation after replacing the pump

After installing a new pump and bleeding the system, it is necessary test the operation of the power steering in different modes. Here's what to do:

1. Checking at idle speed:
   • Start the engine and turn the steering wheel left and right.
   • The effort must be uniform, without jerking and hum.
   • Listen to the pump - it should be working quiet, without squealing or grinding.
2. Check while driving:
   • Drive in a straight line and make a few turns.
   • The steering wheel should return smoothly to neutral position.
   • When parking (at low speeds), the force should not increase sharply.
3. Leak test:
   • Inspect the pump installation site and all hoses for leaks.
   • Check the fluid level in the tank - it should not fall.

If everything is in order, the replacement can be considered successful. However, at first 500–1000 km recommended:

• 🔧 Monitor the power steering fluid level (add if necessary).
• 🛠️ Avoid long drives with the steering wheel turned all the way (this creates maximum load on the pump).
• 🚗 Monitor the steering behavior - any changes (extraneous sounds, tight steering wheel) should alert you.

⚠️ Attention: If, 1–2 weeks after replacement, the fluid in the tank darkens or metal shavings appear in it, this is a sign rack wear or poor quality pump. In this case, additional diagnostics are required.

Cost of replacing the power steering pump at a service center vs self-repair

If you are not confident in your abilities, you can contact a car service. However, the cost of work there may be comparable to the price of the pump itself. Let's look at the prices for 2026:

Type of work	Cost (RUB)	Lead time
Replacing the power steering pump (without spare parts)	4 000–7 000	1.5–2.5 hours
Replacing power steering fluid	1 000–1 500	30–40 minutes
Diagnostics of the power steering system	500–1 000	20–30 minutes
Replacing power steering hoses (kit)	2 500–4 000	1–1.5 hours

Thus, complete replacement of the power steering pump in the service (with spare parts and labor) will cost 25,000–45,000 rubles, depending on the selected pump and region. DIY repair will save money 5,000–10,000 rubles, but will require time and accuracy.

Advantages of self-replacement:

• ✅ Savings at work.
• ✅ Quality control of spare parts and materials.
• ✅ Ability to simultaneously check other components (belts, rollers, hoses).

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Risk of installation errors (for example, incorrect pumping).
• ❌ No guarantee for work (unlike service).
• ❌ The need to purchase tools (if you don’t have them).

If you decide to contact the service, choose proven stations with good reviews. Be sure to check:

• 🔧 What kind of power steering fluid they will fill.
• 🛠️ Do they provide a guarantee for the work (usually 3-6 months).
• 🚗 Will they check the condition of the rack and hoses?

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about replacing the power steering pump on a Murano Z51

Is it possible to drive with a faulty power steering pump?

Technically possible, but highly not recommended. A faulty pump creates increased load on the steering rack, which can lead to its breakdown. In addition, a tight steering wheel significantly impairs handling, especially at high speeds or in emergency situations. If the pump completely out of order, the steering wheel will become very heavy and it will be almost impossible to drive the car.

How often should the power steering fluid be changed?

The manufacturer recommends replacing the power steering fluid every 60–80 thousand km or once every 2–3 years (depending on operating conditions). However, if the liquid has darkened, a suspension or metal shavings has appeared in it, it must be replaced immediately, regardless of mileage. Also, the fluid should be replaced after any repair of the power steering system (replacement of the pump, rack, hoses).

Is it possible to fill the Murano Z51 power steering with Dexron III fluid instead of Nissan PSF?

Theoretically it is possible, but not recommended. Liquid Nissan PSF specially developed for Japanese cars and has an optimal additive package. Dexron III more universal, but maybe accelerate seal wear and reduce pump life. If you still decide to use Dexron III, choose quality brands (Mobil, Motul) and reduce the replacement interval to 40–50 thousand km.

Why did the steering wheel become too light after replacing the power steering pump?

This can be caused by several reasons:

1. Incorrect bleeding of the system - air remains, which leads to excess pressure.
2. Pressure valve malfunction in a new pump (defective or incompatible model).
3. The consistency of the filled power steering fluid is too thin (for example, if a non-original composition was used).
4. Steering rack wear - if it is “broken”, the new pump may create excessive force.

It is recommended to re-bleed the system and check the pump for defects. If the problem persists, the rack may need to be diagnosed.

How long does the power steering pump last on a Murano Z51?

The service life of the power steering pump depends on several factors:

• 🔧 Power steering fluid quality and the frequency of its replacement.
• 🛠️ Operating conditions (frequent driving off-road or with the steering wheel turned will reduce the resource).
• 🚗 The quality of the pump itself (the original lasts longer than its analogues).

On average, original pump serves 150–200 thousand km, and high-quality analogues - 100–150 thousand km. With aggressive driving or untimely maintenance, the service life may be reduced to 60–80 thousand km.