Nissan Pathfinder R51 (2005–2012) with automatic transmission RE5R05A is a reliable SUV, but its transmission requires regular maintenance. One of the critical elements is automatic transmission filter, which many owners forget to change until the box starts to “kick” or burn. In this article we will look at which filter is suitable for Pathfinder R51, how to replace it correctly, and why saving on this component costs several times more than repairs.

The manufacturer recommends changing the automatic transmission filter every 60–90 thousand km, but in practice the interval depends on operating conditions. If you frequently tow a trailer, drive off-road, or sit in traffic jams, the filter life will be reduced to 40–50 thousand km. At the same time, a clogged filter not only deteriorates the quality of the oil, but also leads to increased pressure in the valve body, which can lead to breakdown of solenoids and clutches within 10–15 thousand km after ignoring the symptoms.

Which automatic transmission filters are suitable for Nissan Pathfinder R51

In a box RE5R05A two types of filters are used:

  • 🔧 Metal mesh filter (fine purification) - installed inside the pan and is responsible for coarse filtration of particles ranging in size from 20–50 µm.
  • 🧹 Paper filter (fine cleaning) - located in a separate housing next to the radiator and retains the smallest wear products (up to 5–10 µm).

Original articles and analogues:

Filter type Original article Popular analogues Note
Mesh (in pallet) 31726-31X01 JS Asakashi JS3172631X01, Febi 24386 Often comes complete with a pan gasket
Paper (external) 31728-31X00 Mann W 914/2, Mahle OC 384 Requires replacement along with O-rings
Set (mesh + paper) 31726-31X05 ATP B-103, Denso 150-1001 Includes all necessary gaskets

⚠️ Attention: When purchasing analogues, check availability o-rings for paper filter. Their absence leads to air leaks and oil foaming, which causes jerks when switching And gear delays.

If you are choosing between the original and the analogue, consider:

  • 💰 Original filters (Nissan) are 30–50% more expensive, but are guaranteed to fit in size and materials.
  • ⚙️ Analogues (Mann, Mahle) often surpass the original in filtering ability, but may have inaccuracies in the seats.
  • ⚠️ Cheap non-tame filters (without a brand) they risk delamination after 10–20 thousand km, clogging the valve body.
📊 Which automatic transmission filter do you prefer to install?
  • Original Nissan
  • Analogue (Mann, Mahle, Denso)
  • ATP kit
  • I don't know what to choose

Signs of a clogged automatic transmission filter: when is it time to change it

Automatic transmission filter Pathfinder R51 does not have wear sensors, so you have to rely on indirect symptoms. The first signs appear when the filter capacity drops by 30–40%:

  • ⚡ Jerks when switching (especially from 1st to 2nd gear) - caused by insufficient oil pressure due to a clogged mesh.
  • ⏳ Gear delays (more than 1–1.5 seconds) - indicate problems with hydraulics.
  • 🔥 Automatic transmission overheating (oil temperature is higher 100°C) - a clogged filter impairs circulation, the oil degrades faster.
  • 🛢️ Dark oil with metal shavings - even after replacing the fluid, if the filter is not changed, particles continue to circulate.

🚨 Critical symptom: If when driving 4th or 5th gear the box suddenly “resets” to a lower gear - this is a sign critical pressure drop due to a completely clogged filter. In this case, further operation without repair leads to burnout of clutches and the need for major repairs of automatic transmissions (from 80–120 thousand rubles).

There are two ways to check the filter status:

  1. Visual inspection: Remove the pan and assess the degree of contamination of the mesh. If the cells are full 50% or more - The filter needs to be replaced.
  2. Pressure test: Connect the pressure gauge to the hydraulic unit. If the filter is clogged, the idle pressure will be lower. 1.5–2.0 bar (norm: 2.5–3.5 bar).
💡

If, when changing the oil, large metal particles (more than 1 mm) are found in the pan, this is a sign of wear on the planetary gear or clutches. In this case, the filter is only a temporary solution; the box requires diagnostics.

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

Replacing the filter with Pathfinder R51 requires removal of the automatic transmission pan and, ideally, a complete oil change. If you decide to do this yourself, prepare:

  • 🛠️ Set of sockets and wrench on 10 mm (for pallet bolts).
  • 🧴Sealant Loctite 574 or equivalent (for laying a pallet).
  • 🛢️ Oil Nissan Matic S or Idemitsu ATF Type-J (8–10 liters for a complete replacement).
  • 🧼 Carburetor cleaner or kerosene (for flushing the pan).

🔧 Work order:

  1. Drain oil: Warm up the automatic transmission until 50–60°C, unscrew the drain plug (lowest point of the pan) and drain the liquid. ~1.5–2 liters of oil remains in the pan - this also needs to be removed.
  2. Remove the tray: Unscrew all bolts (start from the corners so as not to deform the pallet). Carefully separate the tray with a knife or pick, as the old gasket will stick.
  3. Replace filters:
    • The strainer is secured with 3 bolts - unscrew and install a new one.
    • The paper filter is located in the housing to the right of the pan - remove the clamps, replace the filter and o-rings.
  • Clean the tray: Remove the old gasket, wash the pan with cleaner and wipe dry. Pay special attention to magnets - they collect metal shavings.
  • Install the tray: Apply sealant to the new gasket, screw the pan, tightening the bolts crosswise with force 8–10 Nm.
  • Add oil: Fill in new oil through the dipstick hole (see volume below), warm up the automatic transmission and check the level with the engine running.

    • The strainer is installed without distortion|

    The paper filter is undamaged|

    O-rings in place|

    The pan is cleared of old sealant|

    The magnets are returned to their place-->

    ⚠️ Attention: If, after replacing the filter, the box begins to become “dull” or jerks appear, the likely reason is insufficient oil level or air entering the system. In this case:

    1. Warm up the automatic transmission until 60–70°C.
    2. Check the oil level with the engine running (selector lever in P).
    3. If the level is low, add oil and check again.

    Oil volume and nuances of partial/full replacement

    In automatic transmission RE5R05A refilled 9.5–10.5 liters oil, but the amount of replacement depends on the method:

    Replacement method Oil volume, l Benefits Disadvantages
    Partial (drain through plug) 3.5–4.0 Fast, does not require special equipment ~60% of old oil remains
    Full (with flushing) 9.0–10.0 100% oil renewal, deposit removal Requires a device for replacement or repeated draining/filling
    Hardware room (at a service station) 10.0–12.0 Maximum cleaning, pressure control Expensive, risk of oil overflow

    🔹 Important: When partially replacing the filter (without a complete oil change) efficiency decreases by 40%, since old oil with wear products remains in the torque converter and radiator. If the filter is changed due to jerks or kicks, a complete oil change is recommended.

    📌 What kind of oil should I use? Manufacturer recommends Nissan Matic S (article KE908-99931), but analogues are allowed:

    • 💧 Idemitsu ATF Type-J - the best analogue in terms of viscosity characteristics.
    • 💧 Mobil ATF 3309 - suitable for cold climates (up to -40°C).
    • 💧 Ravenol ATF J1A1700 — premium version with improved antioxidant additives.
    💡

    Mixing oils from different manufacturers in automatic transmissions Pathfinder R51 It is strictly forbidden - this leads to foaming and loss of lubricating properties.

    Common mistakes when replacing an automatic transmission filter

    Even experienced craftsmen make mistakes, which then cost thousands of rubles in repairs. Here are the most critical ones:

    • 🔧 Using an old pan gasket - leads to oil leaks and air leaks. The pad is disposable, its cost (~300 rubles) is not commensurate with the risks.
    • 🧲 Forgetting to clean magnets — accumulated chips continue to circulate, accelerating wear of the clutches.
    • 🛠️ Tightening the pan bolts — the aluminum pan becomes deformed, which leads to leakage. Tightening torque: 8–10 Nm.
    • 🔄 Do not flush the automatic transmission radiator — if the oil has not been changed for a long time, deposits accumulate in the radiator, which clog the new filter within 5-10 thousand km.
    • 🚗 They don't check the oil level after changing it - low levels cause oil starvation, high levels cause foaming.

    ⚠️ Attention: If after replacing the filter there is noise in the box or vibration at idle, possible reasons:

    • Dirt gets into the valve body (the solenoids need to be washed).
    • Incorrect installation of the paper filter (pinched hose or ring).
    • Using incompatible oil (eg Dexron III instead of Matic S).
    What to do if after replacing the filter the box does not move?

    If, after replacing the filter and oil, the transmission stops responding to the selector or does not engage gears, the reasons may be the following:

    1. **Open circuit of solenoids** - check the connectors on the valve body.

    2. **Airing the system** - you need to switch the selector several times with the engine running to pump the oil.

    3. **Incorrect assembly** - for example, they forgot to connect the radiator hose.

    4. **Defective filter** - the paper filter may have delaminated and blocked the channels.

    In this case, it is necessary to repeat disassembly and diagnostics.

    Cost of replacing an automatic transmission filter: service station vs independently

    The price of filter replacement depends on the method and region. Average prices for 2026:

    Service Cost, rub. Working hours
    Filter replacement + partial oil change (STO) 3 500–5 000 1.5–2 hours
    Filter replacement + complete oil change (STO) 6 000–9 000 3–4 hours
    Self-replacement (filter + oil) 2 000–3 500 4–6 hours

    💡 Advice: If you are changing the filter yourself for the first time, save time - buy replacement kit (filter + gasket + oil). For example:

    • ATP B-103 (filter set) + Idemitsu ATF Type-J (10 l) + gasket Fel-Pro TOS18676 — will cost ~5,000 rubles.
    • Original set 31726-31X05 + Nissan Matic S (4 l x 2 canisters) - ~7,500 rub.

    ⚠️ Attention: Some service stations offer an “economical” filter replacement without removing the pan (through the dipstick hole). This unacceptable for Pathfinder R51, because:

    • It is impossible to properly clean magnets.
    • The strainer remains in place and is not replaced.
    • There is a high risk of damaging the valve body when manipulating through the probe hole.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the automatic transmission filter Nissan Pathfinder R51

    Is it possible to drive without changing the filter if the oil is clean?

    No. Even if the oil looks clean, the filter retains microparticles (size 5–20 µm), which are invisible to the naked eye. These particles act as an abrasive, accelerating wear on clutches and solenoids. When running over 100 thousand km Without replacing the filter, the risk of overhauling the automatic transmission increases 3–4 times.

    How often should the filter be changed if the machine is used in harsh conditions?

    When used in conditions:

    • 🏔️ Off-road or towing a trailer - every 40–50 thousand km.
    • 🚗 Taxi or commercial operation - every 50–60 thousand km.
    • 🌡️ Extreme temperatures (from -30°C to +40°C) - every 60 thousand km.

    In these cases it is also recommended reduce oil change interval up to 30–40 thousand km.

    What happens if you install a filter from another Nissan model?

    Filters from other models (for example, X-Trail T31 or Navara D40) may not be suitable for the following parameters:

    • 📏 Seat size - even a difference of 1–2 mm will lead to a leak.
    • 🔄 Oil flow direction — incorrect installation will cause oil starvation.
    • 🧹 Filtration capacity - for example, a filter from Murano Z51 has a smaller area, which reduces its resource.

    Exception - Pathfinder R52 (2013+), it has a filter 31726-31X02 interchangeable with R51, but requires modification of the fastenings.

    Do I need to flush the automatic transmission when replacing the filter?

    Flushing is required if:

    • Oil has dark color or burning smell.
    • Found in the pallet a lot of metal shavings.
    • Box kicks or thumps when switching.

    Washing methods:

    1. Soft rinsing - fill in a special additive (for example, Liqui Moly ATF Cleaner) and drive 200–300 km, then change the oil.
    2. Hardware flushing - at a service station using a complete oil change unit.
    3. Manual flushing — disassemble the box, wash the tray, magnets and radiator manually.

    ⚠️ Do not use solvent based washes (e.g. Hi-Gear) - they destroy seals and gaskets in RE5R05A.

    What tools are needed to replace the filter yourself?

    Minimum set:

    • 🔧 Head on 10 mm (for pallet bolts).
    • 🔧 Torx T30 (for some filter mounts).
    • 🧰 Torque wrench (for tightening the pan with a torque 8–10 Nm).
    • 🧴Sealant Loctite 574 or Permatex 81160.
    • 🛠️ Plastic scraper (for removing old gasket).
    • 🧲 Magnet on the telescopic handle (for removing bolts from the pallet).

    Additionally you may need:

    • 🔦 Endoscope (for inspecting the hydraulic unit without disassembling).
    • 🛜 Pressure gauge for checking oil pressure.