<em>Nissan Murano Z51</em>automatic transmission filter: how to select and replace without errors

Automatic transmission Nissan Murano Z51 (2015–2022) with engines VQ35DE or QR25DE requires special attention to the condition of the oil and filter element. Many owners underestimate the role automatic transmission filter, believing that regular fluid replacement is sufficient. However, a dirty filter leads to a drop in pressure in the valve body, jerking when shifting gears and accelerated wear of the clutches. In this article, we will look at how to choose the right filter, when to change it, and what nuances to take into account when replacing it in order to avoid costly repairs.

Feature Murano Z51 — use of a variator JF017E (for models with QR25DE) or classic automatic transmission RE7R01A (for VQ35DE). The design of the filters in these boxes varies, so there is no universal solution. We analyzed data from service manuals, owner reviews and dealer recommendations to create a checklist for a safe replacement.

Types of automatic transmission filters for Nissan Murano Z51: original vs analogues

On Murano Z51 Two types of filters are installed depending on the transmission:

• 🔧 For CVT JF017E (2.5L QR25DE): fine filter 31726-3M50A (original) or its analogues from Mann, Framm. Feature: metal mesh with small cells (up to 20 µm), which retains wear products from the belt and cones.
• ⚙️ For automatic transmission RE7R01A (3.5L VQ35DE): coarse filter 31726-31X0A with paper element. Critical here bypass valve, which prevents oil starvation when clogged.

Original filters from Nissan are 2–3 times more expensive than analogues, but their service life is longer by 30–40%. For example, 31726-3M50A withstands up to 90,000 km subject to oil change every 60,000 km. Analogues from JS Asakashi or Beck Arnley cheaper, but can begin to “float” after 50,000 km, especially when driving aggressively.

Important nuance: There are counterfeits of original articles on the market. They can be distinguished by the quality of packaging (in Nissan - holographic sticker) and weight (the original weighs 20–30 g more due to metal inserts).

When to change the filter: regulations and signs of wear

Official regulations Nissan for Murano Z51 recommends replacing the automatic transmission filter every 90,000 km or once every 6 years - whichever comes first. However, these figures are relevant for “ideal” operating conditions: moderate climate, high-quality oil and no towing. In the realities of Russian roads and frosts, the interval should be reduced to 60,000–70,000 km.

Signs that the filter needs replacement immediately:

• ⚠️ Jerks when switching to “cold” (especially from 1st to 2nd gear). This indicates a drop in pressure due to a clogged mesh.
• 🔥 Automatic transmission overheating (oil temperature is higher 100°C under normal load). A clogged filter impairs fluid circulation.
• 🛑 Extraneous noise (hum or whistle) from the box area. Often caused by metal shavings passing through a worn filter.
• 💧 Dark oil with a burning smell when checking with a dipstick. This means that the filter did not cope with cleaning, and wear products circulate in the system.

A critical mistake many owners make is to change only the oil, leaving the old filter. This is tantamount to a “cosmetic” repair: fresh fluid quickly becomes contaminated with deposits from the filter, and the problem returns after 10–15 thousand km.

⚠️ Attention: If after changing the filter and oil the jerking does not disappear, check valve body solenoids and oil level (must be strictly between the marks HOT on the dipstick at operating temperature 70–80°C).

Step-by-step instructions for replacing the automatic transmission filter

To replace the filter with Murano Z51 you will need:

• 🔧 Set of sockets and wrench 10 mm (for drain plug).
• 🛠️ Flat screwdriver (for removing the pallet).
• 🧴 New oil NS-3 (for variator) or Matic-S (for automatic transmission) — 8–10 l for a complete replacement.
• 🔄 New filter (article depends on the type of box).
• 🧽 Sealant for the pallet (for example, Loctite 574).

Work order:

1. Drain old oil. Warm up the box until 60–70°C (drive 10–15 km), then drain the liquid through the plug. In the variator JF017E You also need to remove the pan and remove any remaining oil from the magnets.
2. Remove the pan. Unscrew the bolts (starting from the corners) and carefully separate the pan with a knife - the old sealant may stick. Be careful: there is up to 0.5 l butter!
3. Replace filter. In the variator, the filter is mounted on 3 bolts, in the automatic transmission - on latches. Before installing a new filter, clean the seat from dirt.
4. Install the pallet. Apply a thin layer of sealant (no excess!), tighten the bolts crosswise with a torque 8–10 Nm.
5. Add oil. Use a fine mesh funnel. For CVT JF017E initial volume - 6.5 l, then top up to level.

Check the filter article by VIN|Buy oil with a reserve (for topping up)|Prepare a container for draining (at least 10 l)|Clean the sump magnets from shavings|Warm the box before draining the oil-->

Key Point: after replacement, be sure to perform variator adaptation (for JF017E) or resetting the oil aging counter (for RE7R01A). This can be done through a diagnostic scanner (for example, Launch X431) or manually:

1. Заведите двигатель, прогрейте до рабочей температуры.
2. Переключите селектор во все положения (P-R-N-D) с задержкой 5 сек.
3. Повторите цикл 3 раза.

Common replacement mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced technicians make mistakes that reduce the life of the automatic transmission. Here are the most critical ones:

Error	Consequences	How to avoid
Using non-original sealant	Oil leak, air entering the system	Apply only Loctite 574 or ThreeBond 1217
Incomplete oil drain	Mixing old and new oil, deterioration of properties	Flush the system 2–3 times new oil
Re-tightening of pallet bolts	Pan deformation, leakage	Tighten with torque 8–10 Nm torque wrench
Ignoring CVT adaptation	Jerking, incorrect operation when cold	Perform the adaptation procedure (see instructions above)

⚠️ Attention: If, after replacing the filter, noise in the box in neutral gear, check the oil level - too much is just as harmful as too little. If there is an overflow, drain the excess through the inspection hole.

What happens if you don't change the filter at all?

If the automatic transmission filter is completely clogged Murano Z51 an “oil starvation” effect occurs: the pump cannot pump liquid through the filter, the pressure drops to critical levels 0.5–1 bar (norm: 2.5–4 bar). This leads to slipping of the clutches, overheating and failure of the solenoids. In the variator JF017E The belt is additionally destroyed, and replacing it costs 80 000–120 000 ₽.

How to choose automatic transmission oil: filter compatibility

Filter and oil are system tandem. For example, in a variator JF017E oil NS-3 has special additives that extend the life of the filter element. If you fill in a cheap analogue (for example, ATF SP-III), additives will be washed out through 20,000 km, and the filter will begin to pass particles larger than 30 µm.

Recommended oils for Murano Z51:

• 🔹 For CVT JF017E: Nissan NS-3 (original) or Ravenol CVT Fluid. Volume for a complete replacement - 9.5 l.
• 🔹 For automatic transmission RE7R01A: Nissan Matic-S or Idemitsu ATF Type-J. Volume - 8.3 l.

Important: Do not mix oils from different manufacturers! For example, NS-3 And NS-2 have different viscosities at high temperatures. When mixed, flakes are formed that clog the filter behind 5,000–10,000 km.

Cost of work: dealer vs independent service

Prices for replacing an automatic transmission filter in Murano Z51 vary depending on region and type of service:

Service type	Cost of work (₽)	Cost of spare parts (₽)	Total (₽)
Official dealer Nissan	8 000–12 000	15,000–20,000 (original)	23 000–32 000
Independent service (specialized)	4 000–6 000	8,000–12,000 (analogues)	12 000–18 000
Self-replacement	0	5,000–10,000 (analogues + oil)	5 000–10 000

Savings at the dealer are justified if you are confident in the qualifications of the technician. However work guarantee Only official service stations provide. When replacing yourself, the risks are higher: for example, incorrect installation of the filter can lead to jamming of the pump section variator

⚠️ Attention: If after replacement the panel lights up check "AT" (transmission error), do not reset it yourself! This may be a sign of incorrect assembly or a defective filter. Seek diagnostics immediately.

Owner reviews: real experience

After analyzing the forums (Drive2, MuranoClub) and reviews, we have highlighted typical stories:

• ✅ Positive experience: "I replaced the filter and oil with 70,000 km — the jerking disappeared, the box became softer. Used Mann And Ravenol CVT." (Murano Z51, 2.5L, 2017)
• ❌ Negative experience: "I installed a cheap filter from NoName - through 10,000 km a whistle appeared. I had to redo it with the original." (Murano Z51, 3.5L, 2019)
• ⚠️ Warning: "Don't skimp on oil! Filled ATF SP-III instead of NS-3 - through 30,000 km The variator began to twitch." (Murano Z51, 2.5L, 2016)

Conclusion: 90% of problems associated with the use of low-quality spare parts or violation of the replacement procedure. Owners who followed the regulations and used original parts note an increase in the service life of the box up to 200,000 km+.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the automatic transmission filter Murano Z51

Is it possible to wash the old filter instead of replacing it?

No. The automatic transmission filter has a paper or mesh element that loses its capacity over time. Washing will only remove surface dirt, but will not restore the structure of the material. In addition, microparticles remain in the filter, which will immediately contaminate the new oil.

Which filter is better: original or Mann?

Original filter (31726-3M50A or 31726-31X0A) has better throughput and resource, but is more expensive. Mann (article W 914/2 for automatic transmission) is a worthy analogue if you buy from official distributors. The main thing is to avoid fakes that look similar but are made from low-quality materials.

Do I need to change the pan gasket when replacing the filter?

Yes, definitely. The gasket (or sealant) loses its elasticity over time, which leads to oil leakage. B Murano Z51 rubber gasket is used 31397-31X00 (for automatic transmission) or sealant (for variator). Reusing an old gasket may cause leakage.

What should I do if, after replacing the filter, the box begins to work worse?

Probable reasons:

1. Incorrect installation of the filter (the sealing ring is skewed).
2. Insufficient oil level or overfilling.
3. Filter defect (factory defect of the bypass valve).
4. CVT adaptation/oil meter reset failed.

Solution: repeat the replacement with diagnostics of pressure in the system (norm: 2.8–4.2 bar for RE7R01A).

Is it possible to drive with a clogged filter if there is no money to replace it?

Short term (up to 1,000–2,000 km) - yes, but with mandatory monitoring of the oil level and box temperature. Driving for a long time with a clogged filter leads to:

• Accelerated wear of solenoids (replacement cost - from 30 000 ₽).
• Overheating and deformation of clutches.
• In the variator - belt breakage (repair from 100 000 ₽).

If your budget is limited, at least change the oil and flush the system, but only replace the filter with a new one!