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

CVT Nissan Murano (especially models Z50/Z51 with engines VQ35DE or VQ25DD) is one of the most capricious units if you neglect its maintenance. The CVT oil filter plays a key role here: it protects belts, cones and valve body from abrasive particles, but over time it turns into a “time bomb”. According to service center statistics, up to 60% of CVT breakdowns in Murano are associated with untimely filter replacement or the use of low-quality analogues.

In this article we will analyze signs of a clogged filter, let's look in detail at choosing original and alternative filters (including articles), and we will also give step-by-step replacement instructions taking into account the nuances of specific generations Murano. We will discuss separately common mistakeswhich lead to premature wear of the variator - for example, why you can’t wash the filter with gasoline or why some technicians recommend changing it every 40–50 thousand km, despite the regulation of 90 thousand km.

Signs of a clogged CVT filter in a Nissan Murano

Variator filter Nissan Murano does not have wear sensors, so its condition is judged by indirect symptoms. The first “bells” are often attributed to “CVT features”, but ignoring them is dangerous - this is a direct path to oil overheating And belt slippage.

Look out for the following signs:

• 🔴 Jerks during acceleration (especially at speeds of 40–60 km/h) - the filter does not allow enough oil to pass through, the pressure in the valve body drops.
• 🔴 Switching delay (1–2 seconds after pressing the gas) - a signal about critical contamination of the mesh.
• 🔴 Hum or whistle from under the hood when cold - oil does not flow into the pump due to a clogged filter.
• 🔴 Black oil with metal shavings when checking with a dipstick - the filter can no longer cope with cleaning.
• 🔴 Error P0776 (pressure in the solenoid) - often appears when the filter is critically clogged.

If at least one of the symptoms appears, do not delay diagnosis. In CVTs Murano (especially with mileage over 100 thousand km) a dirty filter can cause chain of breakdowns: from bearing wear to belt failure. For example, in services there are often cases where a clogged filter led to oil overheating up to 120°C - at this temperature, it loses its properties within a few hundred kilometers.

⚠️ Attention: If on the variator dipstick Murano the oil smells burning or has metallic shine, the filter will no longer save you - you will need full CVT diagnostics with analysis. In this case, replacing only the filter and oil may worsen the problem, since abrasive particles will remain in the valve body.

Original and similar filters for the Murano variator: articles and comparison

For Nissan Murano Z50/Z51 (2003–2015) with CVTs JF011E or JF016E the original filter has an article number 31726-1XF0A. However, after 2015 (restyled models), the manufacturer began installing a filter 31726-3M50A — it differs in the design of the sealing ring and the mesh material. Important: these filters not interchangeable!

Among analogues, the most reliable are:

Brand	Article	Applicability	Features
JS Asakashi	JS016-31726	Z50/Z51 (before 2015)	Complete analogue of the original, but with a reinforced mesh
ATP	B108	All generations	Budget option, but the quality of the seal is worse
Honda	25430-PLR-003	Z51 (after 2015)	Fits the size, but requires some modification to the mounting
Mann	W914/2	Universal	Incomplete replacement, rough cleaning only

When choosing an analogue, pay attention to mesh material: Cheap filters often use metal, which oxidizes over time and itself becomes a source of pollution. Original filters Nissan have synthetic mesh with anti-corrosion coating. Also check o-ring - in fakes it may be too hard, which leads to oil leakage.

Step-by-step replacement of the variator filter in Nissan Murano: instructions with photos

Replacing the variator filter Murano requires partial oil drain (about 4-5 liters out of 10-12 total). It is not necessary to do a complete oil change, but if the mileage since the last change exceeds 60 thousand km, it is better to combine the procedures. To work you will need:

• 🛠️ Set of sockets and 10 mm wrench (for pallet).
• 🛠️ Sealant Loctite 574 (or equivalent for CVT).
• 🛠️ New filter and pan sealing ring (item no. 31397-1XF0A).
• 🛠️ Oil NS-2 or NS-3 (depending on the year of manufacture).
• 🛠️ Funnel with a long spout and drainage container (minimum 6 l).

Replacement algorithm:

1. Oil drain: Warm up the variator to 50–60°C (drive 5–10 km), then drain the oil through the plug in the pan. Do not unscrew the pan completely! — first loosen the bolts diagonally so that the oil flows evenly.
2. Removing the tray: Carefully remove the pan (~1 liter of oil remains in it). Clean the magnets from chips - if there are a lot of them, this is a signal about increased wear.
3. Filter replacement: The filter is secured with 3 bolts (10 mm head). When removing, oil may leak - place a container. Install the new filter after lubricating the O-ring with oil.
4. Pallet installation: Clean the surface of the pan and the variator housing from old sealant. Apply a thin layer of new sealant (excess may get into the oil!). Tighten the bolts crosswise with a force of 8–10 Nm.
5. Oil filling: Fill in the drained amount of oil + 0.5 l (to compensate for the residue). Check the level on the dipstick running engine (selector in P).

The magnets in the sump are cleared of chips|The filter O-ring is lubricated with oil|The sump bolts are tightened crosswise|The oil level is checked on a warm variator|No leaks from under the sump after a test drive-->

After replacement, be sure to test drive with smooth acceleration up to 80–100 km/h. If jerking persists, it may be dirty. secondary filter (located in the valve body) - it is better to entrust its replacement to a service, since a complete disassembly of the variator is required.

⚠️ Attention: If, when draining the oil, you find large metal particles (more than 1 mm), this is a sign bearing or belt failure. In this case, replacing the filter is useless - the variator requires major renovation.

Top 5 mistakes when replacing the Murano CVT filter

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes that reduce the life of the variator. Here are the most common:

1. Using a flush instead of an oil change. Washing (for example, Liqui Moly CVT Reiniger) dissolve deposits, but do not remove them completely. As a result, dirt settles on the filter and solenoids, exacerbating the problem.
2. Saving on sealant. Cheap sealants (for example, ABRO) do not withstand the temperature loads of the CVT and begin to crumble, clogging the oil.
3. Re-tightening the pallet bolts. This deforms the aluminum pan and leads to oil leakage. Maximum effort - 10 Nm.
4. Replace the filter only without oil. If the oil has not been changed for more than 80 thousand km, wear products accumulate in it, which will immediately clog the new filter.
5. Ignoring errors after replacement. If after replacing the filter the light comes on Check Engine (for example, error P0746), you need to reset the variator adaptations via Consult III+ or Launch X431.

Another common mistake is using the wrong type of oil. For example, in variators Murano filled until 2010 NS-2, and after - NS-3. These oils not interchangeable! NS-3 has a different additive package and can cause belt slipping in older CVTs.

What happens if you fill in ATF instead of CVT oil?

ATF (eg. Dexron VI) is not intended to work with a variator belt. Its low viscosity at high temperatures leads to belt slippage and accelerated wear of cones. In 80% of cases this error ends CVT overhaul after 10–20 thousand km.

How to extend the life of a Murano variator: prevention and tips

CVT resource Nissan Murano directly depends on quality of service. Here are the key recommendations:

• 🔧 Change the oil and filter every 50–60 thousand km (despite the 90 thousand km limit). This is especially important for cars operated in the city or with frequent traffic jams.
• 🔧 Use only original oil (NS-2 or NS-3). Analogs (for example, Idemitsu CVTF) can only be used after a complete oil change.
• 🔧 Avoid sudden starts and towing. CVT Murano not designed for high loads - overheating the oil to 110°C reduces its service life by 2 times.
• 🔧 Check the oil level every 10 thousand km. Low levels lead to oil starvation, and high - to foaming and loss of properties.
• 🔧 Reset CVT adaptations after changing the oil/filter. This can be done through a diagnostic scanner or by disconnecting the battery terminal for 10 minutes.

If you frequently drive off-road or in dusty conditions, it is recommended install an additional magnetic filter to the drain plug. It catches small metal shavings that the main filter might miss. For example, magnetic plugs from Magnafine reduce CVT wear by 15–20% (according to independent tests).

Cost of work and spare parts: where is it cheaper to service a variator?

Prices for replacing a variator filter Nissan Murano vary depending on region and type of service:

Service/Spare part	Official dealer	Independent service	On your own
Filter replacement + oil	25,000–35,000 rub.	12,000–20,000 rub.	RUB 5,000–8,000*
Original filter 31726-1XF0A	4,500–6,000 rub.	3,500–4,500 rub.	RUB 3,000–4,000**
Oil NS-3 (12 l)	12,000–15,000 rub.	9,000–12,000 rub.	8,000–10,000 rub.
Sealant + pan gasket	Included in work	500–1,000 rub.	500–800 rub.

* Excluding the cost of tools and oil.

** Price when purchasing through online stores (for example, Exist.ru or Autodoc).

Dealers often impose complete oil change (12 l) even when replacing the filter, although adding 4–5 l is sufficient. You can save money in independent services, but it is important to choose a trusted place - an unqualified replacement can result in oil leak or incorrect assembly.

If you decide to service the variator yourself, buy spare parts only from official distributors (For example, Nissan Parts or Partsouq). There are many fakes on the market, especially among filters and oils. For example, fake oil NS-3 often diluted with a mineral base, which leads to rapid belt wear.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the Nissan Murano CVT filter

Is it possible to wash the Murano CVT filter instead of replacing it?

No. Variator filter Murano has paper or synthetic filter element, which after washing loses its properties. Even if it looks clean on the outside, the microscopic pores remain clogged. Washing with gasoline or kerosene only aggravates the problem, as it dissolves the glue that holds the filter layers together.

How much oil does it take to change the filter (without a complete change)?

When replacing only the filter, about 4–5 liters of oil (out of 10–12 total). However, after adding new oil, its level may be higher than normal due to residues in the valve body. Always check the level on the dipstick warmed up variator (selector in position P).

Which filter is better - the original or JS Asakashi?

Original filter (31726-1XF0A or 31726-3M50A) is more reliable, since it has reinforced synthetic mesh and exact fit in size. JS Asakashi - a worthy analogue, but in some batches there are filters with insufficiently tight o-ring, which may lead to leakage. If you choose an analogue, buy only from trusted suppliers.

Do I need to reset the CVT adaptations after replacing the filter?

Yes, especially if the replacement was accompanied draining the oil or disconnecting the battery. CVT Murano “remembers” driving style and wear of parts. After replacing the filter, old adaptations may cause jerking when accelerating or switching delays. The reset is done via a diagnostic scanner (for example, Launch X431) or by removing the battery terminal for 10–15 minutes.

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

Possible reasons:

1. Incorrect oil level (too high or low).
2. Air entry into the system (you need to circulate the oil in a circle: start the engine, switch the selector to all positions with a delay of 5 seconds).
3. Filter defect (for example, the mesh is clogged or the sealing ring is deformed).
4. Adaptations not reset (see previous question).

If the problem persists, check pressure in the variator lines (diagnostics required).