Power steering fluid <em>Nissan Murano Z51</em>: diagnosis, selection and replacement

Power steering (power steering) in Nissan Murano Z51 - a critical component on which not only driving comfort, but also safety depends. Over time, the fluid in the system loses its properties, becomes contaminated or leaks, which leads to increased steering effort, extraneous noise and even the risk of pump failure. Owners Murano Z51 (2015–2021) often encounter these problems after 80–100 thousand kilometers, but they cannot be ignored - the consequences can be many times more expensive than timely replacement of the fluid.

In this article we will analyze all the nuances of working with power steering fluid in Nissan Murano Z51: how to recognize an oil leak or wear, what fluid to choose (including original articles and analogues), how to replace it yourself, and what to do if the system is already operating intermittently. We will pay special attention to typical mistakes that owners make when servicing the power steering, and we will provide a checklist for diagnostics.

Signs of problems with power steering fluid Nissan Murano Z51

The first symptoms of a power steering malfunction are often attributed to “car features” or driver fatigue, but it is dangerous to ignore them. Here are the key signals that something is wrong with the fluid or system:

• 🔴 Increased steering effort - especially noticeable at low speeds or when parking. If the steering wheel becomes harder to turn than before, this is the first sign.
• 🔊 Extraneous sounds — a hum, whistle or grinding noise from under the hood when turning the steering wheel. Most often the reason is air entering the system due to low fluid level.
• 💧 Leaks under the car - reddish or brown liquid under the front of the car (the color depends on the type of oil and the degree of contamination).
• 🔄 Steering jerks — uneven effort when turning, “biting” or spontaneous movements of the steering wheel.
• 🚨 Power steering lamp comes on on the dashboard (if it is included in your configuration).

If you notice any of these signs, check the fluid level in the power steering reservoir. B Murano Z51 it is located to the right of the engine (passenger side), has a white or translucent body with a cover marked with a steering wheel icon. Normal level - between marks MIN And MAX on the wall of the tank. If the liquid is below MIN, it needs to be topped up, but first, find out the cause of the leak.

⚠️ Attention: If the liquid in the tank has darkened, has a burning smell, or metal particles are visible in it, simply topping up is not enough - a complete replacement with flushing of the system is required. Ignoring this will lead to accelerated wear of the pump and rack.

What kind of fluid should I put in the power steering? Nissan Murano Z51

The choice of power steering fluid is a critically important point. B Murano Z51 the manufacturer recommends using specialized oils for hydraulic boosterscompliant with the standard Nissan PSF (Power Steering Fluid). The original liquid has an article number KE902-99932 (1 L) and is a synthetic polyalphaolefin (PAO) oil compatible with system seals.

However, the original is not always available, so you can use analogues from trusted brands. The main thing is that they meet the requirements ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) Dexron III or Dexron VI, since these transmission fluids are often used in power steering of modern cars. Here are the tested options:

Liquid type	Article/Name	Manufacturer	Notes
Original	KE902-99932	Nissan	Optimal choice, but high price (~1500–2000 rub/l).
Analogue (Dexron VI)	194754 Mobil ATF Dexron VI	Mobil	Fully compatible, good price/quality ratio.
Analogue (PSF)	08886-80105 Toyota PSF	Toyota	Suitable for most Japanese cars, including Nissan.
Universal	8003000 Liqui Moly PSF	Liqui Moly	High lubricating properties, recommended for worn systems.
Budget option	1526 Castrol ATF Dex III	Castrol	Allowed for topping up, but not for complete replacement.

Important: Never use mineral-based liquids (such as Dexron II) or universal oils like ATF+4unless they are certified for Nissan. They can destroy pump and rack seals, leading to costly repairs. Also avoid mixing different types of fluids - if you do not know what was previously filled, it is better to do a complete replacement.

What happens if you fill in the wrong liquid?

Mixing incompatible oils or using a fluid with unsuitable additives will result in:

1. Swelling or cracking of rubber seals (oil seals, cuffs).

2. Increased wear of power steering pump bearings due to insufficient lubrication.

3. Formation of deposits in the rack channels, which impairs its operation.

4. Overheating of the system and failure of the pump (repair will cost 20–40 thousand rubles).

Step-by-step instructions for replacing power steering fluid

Replacing power steering fluid Nissan Murano Z51 - a procedure that can be performed independently with a minimum set of tools. A complete replacement (including discarding old oil) takes about 1–1.5 hours. Here's what you'll need:

• 🔧 Tools: 10 mm wrench, syringe for pumping out liquid (or bulb), funnel, clean rags.
• 🛢️ Materials: 1–1.5 liters of new fluid (see table above), flushing fluid (optional), sealant for threaded connections.
• 🚗 Conditions: level ground, warm engine (fluid flows better), assistant (to bleed the system).

Step 1: Preparing and draining old fluid

1. Stop the engine and let it cool for 10-15 minutes (the fluid should be warm, but not hot).
2. Raise the front of the car on a jack or drive it onto an overpass for convenience.
3. Remove the power steering reservoir cap and use a syringe to pump out the maximum amount of fluid.
4. Loosen the clamp on the return line hose (the lower hose going from the rack to the reservoir) and remove it. Place a container for drainage.
5. Ask an assistant to sit behind the wheel and turn it left and right until it stops (the engine is off!). This will flush any remaining fluid from the system.

Step 2: Flush the system (optional)

If the old fluid was heavily contaminated or you do not know what was previously filled, it is recommended to flush the system. To do this:

1. Fill the tank with flushing fluid (for example, Liqui Moly PSF-Spulung).
2. Reconnect the return hose and start the engine.
3. Turn the steering wheel several times in both directions, then turn off the engine and drain the flush through the hose.

Step 3. Filling with new fluid and bleeding

1. Reinstall the return hose and tighten the clamp.
2. Fill the reservoir with new fluid to the level MAX.
3. Start the engine and slowly turn the steering wheel from lock to lock 3–5 times. Monitor the fluid level - it will go away, add as needed.
4. Check that there is no air in the system: when the engine is running, the liquid should not foam and the pump should not whistle.
5. Close the reservoir cap and take it for a test drive. After the engine has cooled, check the level again.

Check the level of old fluid and its condition (color, smell)

Buy extra liquid (1.5 l instead of 1 l)

Prepare a container for draining (with a volume of at least 1 liter)

Make sure that the power steering hoses have no cracks or leaks

Have a 10 mm wrench and a clean rag on hand

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⚠️ Attention: If, after replacing the fluid, the steering wheel remains heavy or the pump hums are heard, it means there is air left in the system. To remove it, repeat the bleeding procedure, if necessary, loosening the return hose to bleed air (the engine is off!).

Typical mistakes when replacing power steering fluid

Even experienced car owners sometimes make mistakes that ruin all efforts to change the fluid. Here are the most common mistakes and their consequences:

• 🔄 Incomplete drainage of old fluid — if you do not pump the system by turning the steering wheel, up to 30% of the old oil will remain in the rack and hoses, which will worsen the properties of the new fluid.
• 🛢️ Mixing incompatible liquids - for example, Dexron III with PSF. This leads to the formation of flakes and clogging of filters.
• 🚫 Using dirty tools — dust or debris getting into the tank will accelerate wear of the pump.
• 🔧 Re-stretching clamps — may damage the hoses, leading to leaks.
• 🔥 Pumping at high speeds - this creates excess pressure and the risk of damage to the seals.

How to avoid mistakes? Follow the instructions step by step, take your time, and use only high-quality consumables. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to contact a service center - the savings on replacing the fluid can result in repairs of the rack or pump costing tens of thousands of rubles.

Power steering fluid leaks: causes and solutions

Fluid leakage from the power steering system is one of the most common problems in Nissan Murano Z51. It can occur in several places, and it is important to correctly diagnose the source so as not to waste money on replacing faulty parts. Here are the main "weak points":

• 🔧 Power steering reservoir - cracks or loose lid. Often liquid leaks along the walls of the tank, leaving marks on the engine protection.
• 🔄 Hoses and connections — the most vulnerable places with clamps. Over time, the rubber becomes dull and cracks.
• 🚗 Power steering pump - leakage through the seal or o-ring. Diagnosed by a puddle under the pump and a characteristic hum.
• 🔩 Power steering rack — leakage through the seals or housing. The most expensive fault to repair (replacing the rack will cost 30–60 thousand rubles).

To diagnose a leak:

1. Clean all system components of dirt and old fluid (use carburetor cleaner or WD-40).
2. Start the engine and turn the steering wheel. Inspect the system for new leaks.
3. Check the fluid level after 10-15 minutes of operation - if it drops, there is a leak.

Remedy:

• 🔧 Tank or hoses — replace damaged parts. Hoses will cost 500–1500 rubles, a tank – 2000–3000 rubles.
• 🔄 Power steering pump — if the oil seal is leaking, you can try to replace it (a repair kit costs ~1000 rubles), but it is often easier to change the pump assembly (~15–25 thousand rubles).
• 🚗 Power steering rack — if there is a leak, it is necessary to replace the seals (if the rack is collapsible) or the entire rack. B Murano Z51 The rack cannot be repaired, so replacement is the only option.

Frequency of power steering fluid replacement: recommendations for Murano Z51

Manufacturer Nissan does not indicate strict intervals for changing power steering fluid for Murano Z51, but operating experience shows that the optimal timing is as follows:

• 📅 Every 60–80 thousand km — planned replacement to prevent system wear.
• ⏳ Once every 3–4 years - even if the mileage is small, the liquid ages and loses its properties.
• 🚨 When signs of malfunction appear (see first section of the article).
• 🔧 After power steering repair - for example, replacing a pump or rack.

If you operate the car in difficult conditions (frequent off-road trips, towing a trailer, extreme temperatures), the replacement interval should be reduced to 40–50 thousand km. Also pay attention to liquid color:

• 🟢 Light red or pink - normal condition.
• 🟤 Brown or dark red - replacement required.
• ⚫ Black or with metallic particles — urgent replacement with washing!

Is it possible to drive on old fluid? Technically, yes, but this reduces the life of the pump and rack. For example, worn-out fluid lubricates pump bearings less well, which leads to its failure after 10–20 thousand km. Cost of power steering pump for Murano Z51 - from 15 thousand rubles, so regular fluid replacement is cheaper.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about power steering fluid Nissan Murano Z51

Is it possible to fill it into the power steering? Murano Z51 transmission oil instead of specialized fluid?

Yes, but only if it meets the standard Dexron VI or Dexron III. However, the original liquid Nissan PSF preferable because it contains additives optimized for system seals. Mixing different types of oils is not recommended.

How to check the power steering fluid level if there are no marks on the reservoir?

B Murano Z51 The power steering reservoir usually has marks MIN And MAX on the wall. If they are not visible, the level should be 1–1.5 cm below the neck. Check the level with the engine off and the fluid cold.

What should I do if the steering wheel becomes heavier after changing the fluid?

Most likely there is air left in the system. It is necessary to repeat the bleeding: with the engine off, turn the steering wheel from lock to lock 10–15 times, then add fluid and repeat the procedure with the engine running. If the problem persists, check that the hoses are connected correctly.

How much fluid is needed for a complete replacement in Murano Z51?

The total volume of the power steering system is about 1 liter, but a complete replacement will require 1.2–1.5 liters (some of the fluid remains in the rack and hoses). If you are flushing the system, use 2 liters.

Is it possible to drive with a power steering leak if you add fluid regularly?

Short term - yes, but this is a temporary solution. A leak causes air to enter the system, which accelerates wear on the pump. In addition, a low fluid level can cause the rack to overheat and jam. It is recommended to fix the leak within 1-2 weeks.