Nissan Murano Z50 CVT filter: when to change, which one to choose and how to replace it yourself

Nissan Murano Z50 with variator Jatco JF011E is a reliable crossover, but its continuously variable transmission requires special attention. The variator filter is a critical element on which the resource depends CVT and smooth shifting. In this article, we’ll look at why replacing it is urgent, what symptoms indicate the need for maintenance, and how to choose the right spare part so as not to run into a fake.

Many owners Murano Z50 (2015–2022) experience jerks during acceleration or delayed response to the gas pedal - often a clogged filter is to blame. The manufacturer recommends changing it every 60–90 thousand km, but in Russian realities (dust, traffic jams, aggressive driving) the interval should be reduced to 40–50 thousand km. Ignoring this procedure leads to overheating of the oil, accelerated wear of the belt and cones, and in the worst case - to complete failure of the variator with a repair bill of 200,000 rubles.

Signs of a clogged variator filter: when to sound the alarm

Filter in Nissan Murano Z50 performs two key functions: catches metal shavings from wear parts and cleans the oil from oxidation products. When it becomes clogged, the symptoms appear gradually, but they are easily confused with other faults. Please note:

• 🔴 Jerks during acceleration (especially at speeds of 40–60 km/h) - oil does not flow in sufficient volume, the pressure drops.
• 🔴 Reaction delay pressing the gas pedal (1-2 seconds) is a sign that the valve body is not receiving clean oil.
• 🔴 Hum or whistle from under the hood while driving - may indicate oil starvation of the pumps.
• 🔴 CVT overheating (a warning light comes on on the dashboard AT TEMP) - a clogged filter interferes with oil circulation.

If you notice at least two of these symptoms, check the condition of the oil: it should be light brown, without a burning odor or metallic particles. Black oil with splashes is a direct signal to replace the filter and fluid. Don't wait for critical wear and tear: on Murano Z50 The variator is sensitive to the quality of service, and saving on the filter will result in expensive repairs.

⚠️ Attention: If after changing the oil in the variator the jerking does not disappear, the problem may lie in worn valve body solenoids or a belt. In this case, diagnostics on the scanner is required (for example, Launch X431) to read errors P0700, P0776 or P0841.

Original filters and analogues: what to choose for Murano Z50

Original variator filter for Nissan Murano Z50 (with engines VQ35DE or QR25DE) has an article number 31726-3MX0A. This is a coarse mesh filter that is installed in the variator pan. However, the system also has magnetic fine filter (article 31728-3MX0A), which is often overlooked when replacing. It is recommended to change both filters together.

The cost of original spare parts is high (from 3,500 to 5,000 rubles per set), so many owners choose analogues. The table below contains proven brands that are not inferior in quality Nissan:

Brand	Article	Filter type	Notes
JS Asakashi	JSATF001	Mesh (coarse)	Complete analogue of the original, often supplied to dealerships
K&N	TN-7700	Magnetic (fine cleaning)	Improved filtering, but requires checking compatibility with CVT firmware
Mann	W 914/2	Combined (mesh + magnet)	Suitable for aggressive riding, holds small particles
Hengst	E 200 H	Mesh	Budget option, but the filtration quality is lower than the original

When choosing an analogue, pay attention to mesh material: with cheap filters it often breaks during dismantling. Also check availability o-ring included - its absence will lead to oil leaks. If you buy a filter separately from the oil, make sure it is compatible with the fluid NS-3 (original specification for Murano Z50).

Step-by-step instructions for replacing the variator filter

Replacing the variator filter with Nissan Murano Z50 - a procedure of medium complexity that requires accuracy and special tools. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to contact the service. However, if you want to save money (the cost of work at a dealership starts from 8,000 rubles), you can do it yourself. You will need:

• 🔧 A set of sockets and a ratchet (especially the head on 10 mm for the drain plug).
• 🔧 Torque wrench (pan tightening torque - 8–10 Nm).
• 🔧 Sealant Loctite 574 (for pallet processing).
• 🔧 New filter (item no. 31726-3MX0A) and oil NS-3 (about 12 liters for a complete replacement).
• 🔧 Funnel with a long spout and a container for draining oil (at least 6 liters).

The replacement process takes 3–4 hours. Follow the algorithm:

1. Drain the old oil:
   • Warm up the engine to operating temperature (60–70°C).
   • Lift the car on a lift or place it on an overpass.
   • Unscrew the drain plug (key on 10 mm) and drain the oil into a container.
2. Remove the variator pan:
   • Unscrew the 18 pan bolts in a cross pattern to avoid deformation.
   • Carefully lower the tray - there will be about 1 liter of oil.
3. Replace the filter:
   • Disconnect the oil temperature sensor connector (carefully so as not to damage the chip!).
   • Remove the old filter by pulling it down. If it gets stuck, use a flathead screwdriver.
   • Install the new filter after lubricating the O-ring with oil.
4. Clean the tray and magnets:
   • Wash the tray and magnets with kerosene or a special cleaner (Liqui Moly Schnell-Reiniger).
   • Remove metal shavings from the magnets - their presence indicates wear of the variator.
5. Replace the tray:
   • Apply a thin layer of sealant to the edge of the pan (not in excess, so as not to clog the oil receiver!).
   • Tighten the bolts with a torque wrench to 8–10 Nm.
6. Fill with new oil:
   • Through the filler hole (under the hood, next to the battery), add 4–5 liters of oil.
   • Start the engine, warm it up and add oil to the level (check with a dipstick with the engine running!).

Check the oil level in the variator|Buy an original filter or a proven analogue|Prepare sealant and a torque wrench|Clean the sump magnets from chips-->

⚠️ Attention: After changing the filter and oil, be sure to variator adaptation! To do this:

1. Warm up the oil to 50–70°C (drive 10–15 km).
2. Stop on a flat surface, move the selector to position P.
3. Press the brake pedal and hold for 5 seconds.
4. Switch to all modes one by one (P → R → N → D), holding each for 3 seconds.

This will allow the valve body to “learn” new oil parameters.

Common mistakes when replacing a filter and how to avoid them

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes that ruin all the work. Here are the most common mistakes when servicing a CVT Murano Z50:

• 🚫 Using incompatible oil. Liquid NS-2 or DEXTRON VI not suitable for this variator - only NS-3! Otherwise, you risk the belt slipping.
• 🚫 Incomplete oil change. With a partial replacement (drain-fill), only 40–50% of the liquid is renewed. For a complete replacement, use the method "pumping" through the coolant hose.
• 🚫 Re-tightening of pallet bolts. This leads to deformation and leaks. Always use a torque wrench!
• 🚫 Ignoring magnetic filter. Its replacement is no less important than the mesh one - it catches small chips that the mesh does not retain.
• 🚫 Lack of adaptation after replacement. Without this, the variator will operate in emergency mode, which will accelerate its wear.

Another common mistake is washing the old filter. Some owners try to save money by cleaning it with kerosene or a compressor. This is useless: microscopic particles will still remain in the pores, and the mesh loses strength. The variator filter is a consumable, it can only be changed, but not restored.

What happens if you don't change the variator filter?

Without regular filter replacement, metal shavings and wear debris accumulate in the oil, resulting in:

- Scratches on the variator cones (repair cost - from 150,000 rubles).

- Blockage of the valve body (symptoms: loss of traction, jerking when switching).

- Overheating of the oil and its premature oxidation (the liquid turns into “sludge”).

In critical cases, the variator may go into “emergency mode” (P17F0 or P17F1), and it will have to be completely rebuilt or replaced with a contract one (price - from 250,000 rubles).

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

Cost of replacing a variator filter Nissan Murano Z50 varies by region and type of service. The table below shows average prices in Russia for 2026:

Service type	Cost of work (rub.)	Cost of spare parts (RUB)	Total (RUB)
Official dealer Nissan	8 000 – 12 000	5,000 – 7,000 (original)	13 000 – 19 000
Specialized CVT service	5 000 – 8 000	3,500 – 5,000 (analogues)	8 500 – 13 000
Multi-brand car service	4 000 – 6 000	2,500 – 4,000 (budget analogues)	6 500 – 10 000
Self-replacement	0	3 000 – 6 000	3 000 – 6 000

Dealers often impose complete oil change using bleeding method (cost up to 20,000 rubles), although for Murano Z50 A partial replacement with flushing the pan is sufficient. If you are offered to “clean the variator with chemicals”, refuse: aggressive flushing (Hi-Gear, Wynns) corrode oil seals and seals, which leads to leaks.

How to extend the life of a variator after replacing the filter

Replacing the filter is only part of caring for the variator Murano Z50. To help your transmission last longer, follow these recommendations:

• 🔄 Monitor the oil level every 10,000 km. Underfilling or overfilling are equally harmful.
• 🚗 Avoid abrupt starts and towing heavy trailers - this increases the load on the belt.
• ❄️ Warm up the variator in winter before driving: after starting the engine, hold the selector lever in position D 10–15 seconds while holding the brake.
• 🛑 Do not drive the vehicle on a "D" grade. - use the handbrake or mode N.
• 🔧 Change oil every 40,000 km, even if there are no signs of wear.

If you frequently drive off-road or in traffic jams, reduce the oil change interval to 30,000 km. Dust and high temperatures accelerate the oxidation of the liquid. Also note driving style: CVT JF011E does not like prolonged loads at high speeds (for example, overtaking with the pedal to the floor). The optimal mode is smooth acceleration up to 2,500–3,000 rpm.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions about the Murano Z50 CVT filter

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

No. The variator filter is made of a special material that loses its properties after cleaning. Flushing removes only large particles, while microscopic chips remain in the pores and continue to circulate through the system. This leads to accelerated wear of the cones and belt. The filter can only be replaced.

Which filter is better: original or analogue?

Original filter (31726-3MX0A) is guaranteed to fit in size and materials, but it is often counterfeited. If you choose an analogue, give preference to brands JS Asakashi or Mann — they supply spare parts to conveyors Nissan. Cheap filters (eg Hengst E 200 H) may have a less dense mesh, which reduces the quality of filtration.

Do I need to change the magnetic fine filter?

Yes, definitely. Magnetic filter (31728-3MX0A) catches small metal particles that the mesh filter does not retain. If it is not changed, chips will circulate through the system, accelerating wear on the bearings and solenoids. Services often forget about this filter, so check in advance whether its replacement is included in the cost of the work.

What should I do if jerking occurs after replacing the filter?

There may be several reasons:

1. Incorrect adaptation variator Follow the learning procedure (described above).
2. Low oil level. Check with a dipstick on a warm engine.
3. Air leak through a loosely installed pallet. Check the sealant and bolt torque.
4. Solenoid wear valve body Diagnostics on a scanner is required.

If the jerking does not disappear, contact a service center to check the pressure in the variator lines.

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

Short-term (1–2 thousand km) - yes, but this significantly reduces the life of the variator. If you ignore the problem for longer, the consequences will be serious:

• Overheating of the oil and its degradation (loss of lubricating properties).
• Accelerated wear of the belt and cones (repair cost - from 100,000 rubles).
• Valve block blockage leading to loss of transmission control.

If your budget is limited, change at least the oil (partially) and set aside funds for the filter. But there is no point in delaying repairs.