Replacing the pump on a Nissan Murano Z51: a complete guide with nuances

Water pump (pump) in Nissan Murano Z51 - a critical element of the cooling system, on which stable engine operation depends VQ35DE. Its failure can lead to overheating, deformation of the cylinder head and costly repairs. Owners Murano the first generation (2003–2007) often encounter pump leaks after 150–200 thousand km, and in regions with aggressive reagents the resource is reduced to 100 thousand km.

This article will help you figure out how Diagnose the pump problem yourself, select a high-quality spare part and perform a replacement without contacting service. We will consider in detail the process of removing the old pump and installing a new one, taking into account design features Murano Z51 (for example, the need to synchronize timing marks when removing a pulley), and also give recommendations on choosing between the original and analogues. If you have not worked with a cooling system before, the article will be a step-by-step guide with photographs of key stages.

Signs of a pump malfunction on a Nissan Murano Z51

The first signs of water pump wear often go unnoticed until serious problems develop. On Murano Z51 with engine VQ35DE The most common signs are:

• 🔴 Antifreeze leak from under the pump cover (visible by wet marks on the cylinder block from the timing side). On Murano the leak is often disguised as a leak from the pipes, but differs in localization - the drops collect precisely under the pump pulley.
• 🔊 Extraneous sounds: Creaking or humming noise from the drive belt when the engine is running. This indicates pump bearing wear. On Murano Z51 The sound may become louder during cold starts.
• 🌡️ Engine overheating, even with the cooling fan running. The temperature on the dashboard rises above 100°C, and air bubbles form in the expansion tank.
• 🔄 Unstable stove operation: it either heats or blows cold air. Associated with a disruption in the circulation of antifreeze due to a jammed pump.

On Nissan Murano Z51 there is one peculiarity: the pump is driven by a timing belt, and not by a separate drive belt (as on many other cars). This means that If the pump jams, the timing belt may break, which will lead to pistons hitting the valves and major repairs. Therefore, it is dangerous to ignore signs of malfunction!

⚠️ Attention: If the overheating icon on the dashboard comes on (CHECK ENGINE with an exclamation point), stop immediately and turn off the engine. Further operation will lead to deformation of the cylinder head - repairs will cost 150–200 thousand rubles.

Which pump to choose: original vs analogues

For Nissan Murano Z51 (2003–2007) with engine VQ35DE the original pump has an article number 21010-AL500 or 21010-AL50A (depending on the year of manufacture). The cost of the original is from 8 to 12 thousand rubles. However, there are high-quality analogues on the market that are cheaper.

Brand	Article	Price, rub.	Features
Nissan (original)	21010-AL500	8 000–12 000	1 year warranty, fully compatible
Gates	WP30011	4 500–6 000	Long life bearing, gasket included
SKF	VKPC 88008	5 000–7 000	Reinforced impeller, suitable for harsh conditions
Aisin	WPT-043	5 500–7 500	Japanese quality, often installed on the assembly line

When choosing an analogue, pay attention to:

• 🔧 Impeller material: on Murano Z51 it is better to take a pump with a metal impeller (for example, SKF), since the plastic one can burst under high loads.
• 🛡️ Gasket included. Original gasket 21034-AL500 costs ~1,500 rubles separately, but many analogues (for example, Gates) come with it.
• 📦 Country of manufacture. Avoid cheap Chinese pumps (eg brands FPK or Febi without the “Made in Germany” marking) - their service life rarely exceeds 50 thousand km.

If you plan to replace the timing belt at the same time as the pump (and this is recommended, since the belt will have to be removed anyway), then it makes sense to get a kit. For example, Gates offers a set K015631XS (belt + pump + rollers) for ~15 thousand rubles.

Tools and materials for replacement

To replace the pump yourself Nissan Murano Z51 you will need:

Socket set (10, 12, 14 mm) and extension|Torque wrench (for tightening bolts to 20-25 Nm)|Flat head screwdriver (for removing clamps)|Snap ring pliers|Crankshaft pulley puller (can be rented)|Antifreeze drain container (minimum 8 liters)|New antifreeze (for example, Nissan L255N or CoolStream A-110)|Gasket sealant (e.g. Loctite 574)|rags and gloves-->

Also prepare:

• 🔧 New clamps for pipes (old ones often break during dismantling). Standards will do 16–22 mm.
• 🧴 Carburetor Cleaner (For example, Abro) - they are convenient for washing off the remains of the old gasket and sealant.
• 📐 Vernier caliper (optional) - to check the runout of the new pump pulley (tolerance no more than 0.5 mm).

If you plan to replace the timing belt, you will additionally need:

• 🔄 Timing belt (13028-AL500 for Murano Z51).
• 🌀 Tension and deflection rollers (13070-AL500 And 13091-AL500).
• 🔑 A special key for the tensioner (can be made from an old 14 mm head).

⚠️ Attention: On Murano Z51 With an automatic transmission, to access the pump, you need to remove the right engine mount. This is extremely difficult to do without a jack or lift - prepare a support for the engine (for example, a wooden block) or use a transmission stand.

Step-by-step instructions for replacing the pump

The process of replacing the pump Nissan Murano Z51 takes 4–6 hours (depending on experience). The main thing is to observe the sequence and timing marks. Below are detailed instructions taking into account the nuances of this model.

1. Preparing and draining antifreeze

Before starting work:

1. Place the car on a level surface and secure the rear wheels.
2. Remove the negative terminal from the battery.
3. Drain the antifreeze by unscrewing the cap on the radiator (lower right corner) and on the engine block (14 mm wrench).
4. Remove the air intake and top engine cover to access the timing belt.

2. Removing the timing belt and pump pulley

This is the most critical stage. On Murano Z51 The timing belt also drives the pump, so it will have to be removed:

1. Rotate the crankshaft clockwise until the marks on the camshaft pulley and the engine block align (the mark on the flywheel should align with the cutout in the crankcase).
2. Secure the crankshaft pulley with a puller and unscrew the bolt (22 mm wrench, tightening torque 120 Nm).
3. Remove the crankshaft pulley and lower timing cover.
4. Loosen the tension roller and remove the timing belt.

Now you can start dismantling the pump:

1. Disconnect the pipes from the pump (loosen the clamps and carefully pull off the hoses).
2. Unscrew the 6 pump mounting bolts (12 mm head).
3. Remove the pump along with the gasket. If it gets stuck, carefully pry it off with a screwdriver.

What to do if the pump bolts cannot be unscrewed?

If the pump mounting bolts are soured, use a penetrating lubricant (for example, WD-40 Specialist) and let it run for 10–15 minutes. If this does not help, heat the bolt with a hair dryer (do not overheat the aluminum block!). As a last resort, you can drill out the bolt and cut a new thread, but this requires experience.

3. Installing a new pump

Before installing a new pump:

• Clean the seat on the engine block from the old gasket and sealant.
• Check the new pump for pulley runout (turn it by hand - there should be no play).
• Apply a thin layer of sealant to the gasket on both sides (if it is paper).

Installation:

1. Reinstall the pump and tighten the bolts evenly crosswise (torque 20–25 Nm).
2. Connect the pipes and tighten the clamps.
3. Install the timing belt, observing the marks (see diagram for VQ35DE).
4. Tension the belt using the tension roller (correct tension is 5-7 mm deflection when pressed with a finger).

4. Refilling the cooling system

After assembly:

1. Close the drain plugs and fill in new antifreeze (system capacity ~9 liters).
2. Bleed the system: start the engine, warm up to operating temperature and squeeze the upper radiator hose several times to remove air pockets.
3. Check the antifreeze level in the expansion tank and add if necessary.

Common mistakes when replacing a pump

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes that lead to repeated repairs. On Nissan Murano Z51 The most common mistakes are:

• ❌ Failure to comply with timing marks. If the belt is installed with a shift of 1-2 teeth, the engine will run erratically or will not start at all. On Murano The marks must match on both camshafts and crankshaft.
• ❌ Retightening pump bolts. Aluminum engine block VQ35DE easy to break - the tightening torque should not exceed 25 Nm.
• ❌ Using old antifreeze. Rust particles and sediment remain in the system, which will quickly clog the new pump. Always fill with fresh antifreeze!
• ❌ Ignoring the gasket. Many people save money and install a new pump on an old gasket, which leads to a leak after 1–2 thousand km.
• ❌ Incorrect bleeding of the system. Air locks are the main cause of overheating after replacing the pump. On Murano Z51 Air often accumulates in the stove, so it should be checked last.

Another common mistake is failure to check the timing belt tensioner. If it is worn out, the belt will slip, resulting in poor valve timing. On Murano Z51 It is recommended to change the tensioner every 100 thousand km along with the belt.

⚠️ Attention: If after replacing the pump the engine begins to vibrate or there is a metallic knock, turn it off immediately! Most likely, the timing belt is installed incorrectly and the pistons are hitting the valves. In this case, repeated disassembly and checking of the marks is required.

How much does it cost to replace a pump at a service center?

Cost of pump replacement Nissan Murano Z51 in service depends on the region and level of the service station. On average prices are as follows:

Type of work	Cost, rub.	Notes
Replacing the pump (without timing belt)	6 000–10 000	Includes draining/filling antifreeze and bleeding the system
Replacement pump + timing belt + rollers	15 000–22 000	Recommended option, since the belt is removed anyway
Cooling system diagnostics	1 500–3 000	Includes checking the thermostat, hoses and radiator
Flushing the cooling system	2 000–4 000	Necessary when replacing antifreeze with a different type

At official dealers Nissan the price is 30–50% higher, but they give a 1–2 year guarantee on the work. You can save money with “garage” services, but the risk of running into unqualified craftsmen is higher. For example, in Moscow, for replacing a pump with a timing belt at a trusted service center, they ask for ~18 thousand rubles (with spare parts - ~35 thousand rubles).

If you decide to do the work yourself, your costs will be limited to the cost of spare parts:

• Pump (analogue) - 5,000–7,000 rubles.
• Timing belt + rollers - 8,000–12,000 rubles.
• Antifreeze - 1,500–2,500 rubles.
• Gasket and clamps - 500–1,000 rubles.

Total: 15,000–22,000 rubles (versus 30,000–40,000 in the service). However, keep in mind that without experience, the work will take all day, and mistakes (for example, with timing marks) can be more expensive.

How to extend the life of a new pump?

To keep the water pump on Nissan Murano Z51 served as long as possible, follow these recommendations:

• 🔄 Change antifreeze every 60 thousand km or once every 3 years. Use only high-quality compounds (for example, Nissan L255N or CoolStream A-110). Cheap antifreezes form a sediment that destroys the pump seal.
• 🌡️ Monitor engine temperature. If the needle regularly rises above the middle of the scale, check the thermostat and radiator - overheating reduces the life of the pump.
• 🛠️ Check the timing belt tension every 30 thousand km. A sagging belt accelerates wear on the pump bearing.
• 🚿 Clean the radiator outside once a year. Dirt and insects reduce heat transfer, causing the pump to work harder.
• ❄️ Avoid cold starts in winter. Before starting the engine in cold weather, turn on the ignition for 10 seconds so that the pump has time to pump through the thickened antifreeze.

Also note quality of cooling system pipes. On Murano Z51 after 10 years of operation, they become brittle and can burst under increased pressure (for example, due to a jammed pump). It is better to replace rubber hoses with silicone ones (for example, SAMCO), which last 2–3 times longer.

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

Is it possible to drive with the current pump if the leak is small?

No! Even a small leak indicates wear of the oil seal, which means that the pump bearing is already running dry. On Murano Z51 the pump is connected to the timing belt, and its jamming will lead to the belt breaking and the valves hitting the pistons. Repairs will cost 200–300 thousand rubles.

What antifreeze should I fill in after replacing the pump?

For Nissan Murano Z51 recommended antifreeze based on ethylene glycol with approval Nissan L255N (green or blue). Suitable analogues: CoolStream A-110, Sintec Unlimited G12+, Motul Inugel Optimal. You cannot mix different types of antifreeze!

Do I need to change the timing belt when replacing the pump?

Yes, highly desirable. On Murano Z51 To access the pump, the timing belt is removed in any case. If it is not replaced, the risk of breakage in the next 20–30 thousand km increases due to wear. The cost of the belt (~3,000 rubles) is not comparable with the consequences of its breakage.

What should I do if the engine overheats after replacing the pump?

There may be several reasons:

1. There is still air in the system - you need to bleed it (see instructions above).
2. The thermostat is stuck in the closed position - check its operation (the upper radiator hose should heat up when warming up).
3. The pump is installed incorrectly (for example, the gasket is skewed and is blocking circulation).
4. Low quality antifreeze - drain and flush the system.

Is it possible to install a pump from a Nissan X-Trail T31?

No! Although on X-Trail T31 the engine is also installed VQ35DE, the pump has a different part number (21010-9J000) and does not fit the seats. Use only parts intended for Murano Z51.