The steering system is one of the key safety elements of any car, and Nissan Murano no exception. Power steering (power steering) ensures ease of maneuvering, especially when parking and driving at low speeds. However, over time, the working fluid loses its properties, which can lead to noise, stiff steering and failure of an expensive pump.
Many crossover owners put off visiting for service, believing that the fluid in the system is eternal. This is a dangerous misconception that often ends in expensive repairs. Timely oil change allows you to maintain the tightness of the seals, prevent cavitation and ensure smooth operation of the rack. In this article we will look in detail at how to choose the right lubricant and perform the procedure yourself.
Signs that the fluid in the system needs to be replaced
You can determine that it is time to service the hydraulic booster by indirect signs that appear at an early stage of wear. The most obvious symptom is the appearance of a characteristic hum or squeak when turning the steering wheel, especially in extreme positions. The sound often becomes louder when starting the engine or in cold weather, indicating thickening or contamination of the operating fluid.
In addition to acoustic signals, pay attention to the behavior of the steering wheel. If you feel increased force when rotating or feel jerking, this is a sure sign that hydraulic efficiency has decreased. It is also worth regularly inspecting the area under the hood and under the car for signs of leakage. Even small oil stains on the asphalt after parking may indicate a violation of the tightness of the system.
The color and consistency of the liquid also play a decisive role. New oil usually has a bright red or green tint (depending on specification). If you take out the dipstick and see a dark, almost black substance with a burning smell, this means that the additives have exhausted their service life and the metal in the system has begun to actively oxidize. In this case, delay is fraught with complete failure of the pump.
Choosing the right fluid for Nissan Murano
The mistake of many car enthusiasts is to use the first power steering fluid they come across. For Nissan Murano (especially the Z50 and Z51 models), the manufacturer strictly regulates the type of oil. Most often, the original liquid is required Nissan PSF (Power Steering Fluid) or its specific analogues that comply with the standard NISSAN KLM20. Use of general purpose oils such as Dexron ATF should only be used in an emergency and with caution.
Modern generations of crossovers may require the use of synthetic fluids with a certain viscosity index. The wrong choice can lead to the destruction of rubber seals, which are not designed for aggressive additives of foreign compounds. Always check the recommendations in your vehicle's service book, as requirements may vary between model years.
There are many high-quality analogues from brands on the market Motul, Pentosin and Castrol, but they must strictly comply with the manufacturer's approval. If you are unsure of the original code, it is better to contact an authorized dealer for advice rather than risk the integrity of the entire hydraulic system. Saving on oil quality here can result in replacing the pump or rack.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to mix liquids of different colors and chemical compositions. This can lead to the formation of sediment, which will clog the filter element and system channels, causing instant overheating of the pump.
- up to 50,000 km
- 50,000 - 100,000 km
- 100,000 - 150,000 km
- more than 150,000 km
Instruments and preparation for the procedure
Before starting work, you need to prepare the place and tools. You will need a pit or lift since the fluid is drained from the bottom of the system. Also prepare a set of keys, a container for used oil (with a volume of at least 2-3 liters), a syringe for pumping out old fluid and a new tank (or filter, if it is separately replaceable).
Don't forget to purchase the required amount of fresh liquid. Usually, a complete replacement requires from 1 to 1.5 liters, but it is better to take a reserve. A rag, gloves and a flashlight will also come in handy for inspecting hard-to-reach places. If you plan to bleed, make sure the battery is charged as the engine must be idling for a certain amount of time.
☑️ Preparation for replacement
Step-by-step instructions for replacing fluid
Replacement procedure for Nissan Murano is divided into several stages. Start by warming up the engine to operating temperature so that the fluid becomes less viscous and flows out of the system more easily. Then turn off the engine, open the hood and find the power steering expansion tank. It is usually located on the left side of the engine and has a black cover with a rudder symbol.
Using a syringe or bulb, pump out as much of the old fluid as possible from the tank. After this, you need to disconnect the return line (return hose) from the tank or pump. Place a container under the connection and lower the end of the hose into the container. Crank the starter several times to allow the pump to expel any remaining oil from the system, but do not run the engine for a long time without fluid.
Then fill the reservoir with new fluid up to the MAX mark. Start the engine and let it idle. Turn the steering wheel from lock to lock several times to bleed the system. Monitor the level in the reservoir, adding oil as needed to prevent air from entering. When the level stops dropping, turn off the engine and let it cool.
Repeat the procedure of pumping out and topping up 2-3 more times until the color of the liquid coming out is the same as that of a new one. This will ensure the most complete replacement, since some of the old oil remains in the rack and tubes. At the end of the work, tighten the tank cap tightly and check for leaks at the hose connections.
To speed up the replacement process, you can remove the lower return hose and run it into a container, then run the engine briefly (2-3 seconds each) until clean fluid comes out. Be careful not to overheat the pump when idle!
Features of system bleeding and air removal
Air in a hydraulic system is the main enemy of smooth operation. If after replacement the steering wheel begins to twitch or noise appears, it means that there are air pockets in the system. The process of removing them requires patience. It is necessary to turn the steering wheel from side to side several times, pausing for a second in extreme positions, but no more than 5 seconds, so as not to burn the pump.
Sometimes air accumulates in the pump itself. To remove it, you can slightly open the return hose fitting on the pump, creating pressure, but this must be done very carefully so as not to fill the engine with oil. The best way is to repeat the starting and steering cycles at minimum speed.
⚠️ Attention: Never hold the steering wheel in the extreme position (all the way) for more than 5 seconds while the engine is running. This creates a peak pressure in the system that can rupture hoses or damage pump seals.
Specifications and service intervals
Understanding the specifics of liquids will help you avoid mistakes when choosing analogues. Below is a table of the main characteristics that are relevant for most models Nissan Murano.
| Parameter | Meaning | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Liquid type | PSF (Power Steering Fluid) | Original Nissan KLM20 |
| Color | Red/Green | Depends on the batch and year |
| Viscosity at -40°C | Up to 5000 mm²/s | Important for winter use |
| Replacement interval | 60,000 - 100,000 km | Or once every 3-4 years |
| System volume | ~1.1 - 1.3 l | More is needed for a complete replacement. |
Following the recommended replacement interval is critical to extending the life of your power steering. In Russian winter conditions, when temperatures drop below -20°C, the oil thickens and the load on the pump increases many times over. Using high-quality synthetics with a low thickening threshold will save you from problems with starting the amplifier in cold weather.
Regular fluid replacement is cheaper than pump or rack repair. Ignoring the condition of the oil leads to premature wear of all hydraulic components.
Common mistakes when replacing yourself
Many owners make the same mistake: they simply add new fluid on top of the old one. This does not solve the problem of pollution, but only dilutes the dirty environment. A complete replacement involves multiple cycles of pumping and topping up to displace old oil from all components of the system, including the rack.
Another common mistake is using the wrong type of fluid. Some people try to save money by using cheap mineral oil instead of synthetic oil. This leads to swelling of the cuffs and loss of tightness. It is also dangerous to mix red and green liquids, as their chemical bases may react and form a precipitate.
What should I do if my steering wheel is still noisy after replacing it?
If the noise remains, check the tension of the pump drive belt. A weak belt slips, causing a squealing noise. Also inspect the hoses for kinks or cracks. In rare cases, noise may indicate wear on the bearing of the pump itself, which requires replacement.
Do not forget to check the fluid level after replacement after a few days of use. If the level has dropped, it means there is a leak somewhere or you did not close the tank lid properly. Regular monitoring is the key to safe driving. Remember that a working power steering ensures precise control and your safety on the road.
In conclusion, replacing the power steering fluid with Nissan Murano is a simple procedure accessible to any car owner with a minimum set of tools. The main thing is to use the right fluid and take your time, carefully bleeding the air out of the system. A complete oil change every 60,000 km allows you to increase the life of the pump and rack by 2-3 times. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations, and your car will delight you with easy driving for many years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to mix red and green power steering fluid?
No, it is not recommended to mix liquids of different colors and manufacturers. Different chemical bases can react to cause sediment to form, which will clog the system and damage the seals. Always use one type of liquid.
How often do you need to change the power steering fluid on a Nissan Murano?
Official regulations often indicate inspection, but not replacement. However, experts recommend changing the fluid every 60,000 - 100,000 km or every 3-4 years to maintain the functionality of the pump and rack.
What happens if you don't change the power steering fluid?
Long-term operation with old fluid leads to loss of lubricating properties, overheating of the pump, wear of the seals and the appearance of noise. In the worst case, this will result in pump failure or steering rack failure.
Can Dexron ATF be used instead of PSF?
In emergency cases (for example, for topping up a leak), the use of ATF Dexron III or VI is acceptable, since their properties are similar. However, for continuous operation it is better to use specialized Nissan PSF fluid that meets the KLM20 approval.