Transfer case in Nissan Murano Z52 - a node that is often left unattended until it begins to “signal” problems. Meanwhile, the correct choice and timely change of oil in the transfer case directly affect the reliability of all-wheel drive, the smoothness of mode switching and the service life of the mechanism. In this article we will look at what oil is suitable for the transfer case Murano Z52, how to replace it yourself, and what nuances you should pay attention to in order to avoid costly repairs.

Many owners mistakenly believe that the oil in the transfer case is “eternal” or requires replacement only when a hum/vibration appears. In practice, even factory fluid loses its properties through 60–90 thousand km, and in difficult conditions (towing, off-road, frequent traffic jams) - even earlier. We analyzed the recommendations Nissan, reviews from owners and opinions of service technicians to create a checklist for caring for the transfer case Z52.

Why is there oil in the transfer case? Murano Z52 requires attention

Transfer case in Nissan Murano second generation (Z52, 2008–2014) integrated with all-wheel drive system All-Mode 4×4-i. Its key functions:

  • 🔄 Torque distribution between axles (automatically or manually).
  • 🚗 Center differential lock for off-road use.
  • ⚙️ Switch between modes 2WD, AUTO And LOCK.

The oil here performs three tasks at once: lubrication of gears and bearings, heat removal and protection against corrosion. Over time, liquid oxidizes, accumulates metal shavings and loses its viscous properties. Consequences of ignoring replacement:

  • ⚠️ Accelerated wear planetary gearbox and chain drive.
  • 🔊 Hum/vibration when driving, especially at speeds of 60–80 km/h.
  • 🚨 Jamming differential lock clutches.
⚠️ Attention: If after changing the oil in the transfer case Murano Z52 There was a metallic clanging sound when switching to LOCK, this is a sign of critical gear wear. In this case, diagnostics on the lift is required - further operation without repair will lead to destruction of the mechanism.
📊 How often do you check the oil in the distributor?
  • Never checked
  • Every 30 thousand km
  • Only when noise occurs
  • I replace it according to regulations (60–90 thousand km)

What kind of oil should I put in the transfer case? Nissan Murano Z52

Official manual Nissan for Murano Z52 prescribes the use of standard oil API GL-5 with viscosity 75W-90 or 80W-90. However, this is a general recommendation - in practice, the choice depends on the climate and operating conditions.

Operating conditions Recommended viscosity Examples of oils
Temperate climate (−20°C to +30°C) 75W-90 Nissan KE908-99932, Mobil Mobilube GX 80W-90, Castrol Syntrax Universal Plus
Cold climate (below −25°C) 75W-85 or 75W-90 (synthetic) Motul Gear 300 75W-90, Liqui Moly Hochleistungs-Getriebeoil
Hot climate (above +35°C) or heavy loads 80W-90 or 85W-140 Shell Spirax S6 AXME, Total Transmission BV 75W-80
Extreme conditions (off-road, towing) 75W-140 (with anti-wear additives) Red Line 75W140 NS, Amsoil Severe Gear

Important: To handout Murano Z52 It is strictly forbidden to fill in GL-4 standard oils or universal transmission fluids (for example, ATF). This will lead to the destruction of synchronizers and bearings due to insufficient protection from high loads.

Two approaches are popular among owners:

  1. Original oil Nissan. Article KE908-99932 (1 l) is the optimal choice for warranty service, but expensive (about 1,500 rubles per liter).
  2. Premium analogues. For example, Motul Gear 300 or Liqui Moly - 30–40% cheaper, but not inferior in properties.
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If you often drive off-road, choose oil marked LS (Limited Slip) - it contains additives to protect the differential lock clutch.

When to change the oil in the transfer case: regulations and signs of wear

Official regulations Nissan for Murano Z52 prescribes the first oil change in the transfer case to 90 thousand km, and subsequent ones - every 60 thousand km. However, these figures apply to “ideal” conditions: moderate climate, smooth roads, no towing. In reality, the intervals should be shortened:

  • 🏙️ Urban cycle (frequent traffic jams, short trips) - replacement every 45–50 thousand km.
  • 🏔️ Off-road/sand - every 30–40 thousand km.
  • 🚛 Towing a trailer — reduce the interval by 30%.

In addition to mileage, the following symptoms indicate the need for replacement:

  • 🔊 Hum or howl when driving at a speed of 60–80 km/h (especially in LOCK).
  • ⚙️ Difficulty switching between all-wheel drive modes.
  • 💧 Oil leaks on the transfer case (a sign of wear on the seals).
  • 🔥 Transfer case overheating (the case is hot to the touch after a trip).
⚠️ Attention: If after changing the oil in the transfer case Murano Z52 vibration appears during acceleration, this may indicate incorrect oil level (over/underfill) or air entry into the system. In this case, you need to drain the oil and refill it, strictly observing the volume (0.7–0.8 l).

Drain the old oil (after warming up the car)

Clean the magnet of the drain plug from metal shavings

Check the condition of seals and gaskets

Fill with new oil to the level of the inspection hole

Check the operation of all four-wheel drive modes -->

Step-by-step instructions for changing the oil in the transfer case Murano Z52

To change the oil in the transfer case Nissan Murano Z52 you will need:

  • 🔧 Key on 10 mm (for drain plug).
  • 🔧 Key on 24 mm (for filler plug).
  • 🛢️ Oil 0.8 l (with reserve for topping up).
  • 🧲 Magnet for collecting shavings.
  • 🧻 Rags and container for working out.

Step 1. Warm up the car.

Start the engine and let it run for 5-10 minutes so that the oil in the transfer case becomes less viscous. This will make it easier to drain the waste. Then turn off the engine and raise the car on a lift or jacks (be sure to secure it!)

Step 2. Drain the old oil.

Place a container under the drain hole (located on the back of the transfer case). Key on 10 mm unscrew the plug and wait until the oil is completely drained. Pay attention to the color and consistency of the waste:

  • ⚫ Black with metallic particles — critical wear of gears.
  • 🟤 Dark brown — the norm for oil with a mileage of 50+ thousand km.
  • 🔴 Reddish tint - a sign of ATF leaking from the gearbox (diagnostics required!).

Step 3. Washing and replacing plugs.

Clean the magnet of the drain plug from chips (their presence is normal, but a large number indicates wear). If necessary, replace the copper sealing washer (part no. 11026-01M02). Tighten the drain plug 35–40 Nm.

Step 4. Filling with new oil.

Through the filler hole (plug on 24 mm) add new oil until it begins to flow out of the inspection hole. Volume for Murano Z52 — 0.7–0.8 l. Tighten the plug and check the level after warming up the car to operating temperature.

What to do if the oil does not drain?

If the oil does not flow out after unscrewing the plug, the reasons may be the following:

1. **Drain hole is clogged** - clean it with wire.

2. **Thick oil** - Warm up the car longer (15-20 minutes).

3. **Incorrect position of the car** - the transfer case must be strictly horizontal.

Typical mistakes when changing the oil in the transfer case

Even experienced car owners make mistakes that reduce the life of the transfer case. Here are the most common:

  1. Using the wrong oil.

    Replacement GL-5 on GL-4 or universal ATF leads to destruction of synchronizers and accelerated chain wear. Always check the labeling on the canister!

  2. Underfilling or overfilling of oil.

    Underfilling leads to oil starvation bearings, and overflow - to foaming and loss of lubricating properties. The optimal level is when oil begins to flow out of the inspection hole.

  3. Ignores metal shavings.

    If there are a lot of chips on the drain plug magnet, this is a sign gear wear. In this case, the transfer case must be flushed with a special compound (for example, Liqui Moly Getriebe-Reiniger) or diagnostics.

  4. Replacement without warming up.

    The cold oil is not completely drained and remains in the transfer case until 20% working time, which reduces the replacement efficiency.

⚠️ Attention: If after changing the oil in the transfer case Murano Z52 appeared crunching sound when turning on the mode LOCK, this may indicate differential lock clutch wear. In this case, it is necessary to replace the coupling or the entire transfer case assembly (part number 32105-JK00A).
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The most common mistake is saving on oil. Cheap analogues without additive package GL-5 LS lead to scuffing on the gears after 20–30 thousand km.

How to check the oil level in the transfer case Murano Z52

Checking the oil level in the transfer case Nissan Murano Z52 differs from the standard procedure for a gearbox or engine. There is no dipstick here - the level is controlled through filler hole.

Verification algorithm:

  1. Place the car on flat surface (no slope!).
  2. Warm up the engine to operating temperature (5-10 minutes drive).
  3. Unscrew filler plug (key to 24 mm).
  4. The oil level should be at the level of the bottom edge of the hole. If the oil does not flow out, add more.
  5. Torque the plug 45 Nm.

If oil foamy or with bubbles, this is a sign:

  • 🔄 Water ingress (for example, when washing under pressure).
  • 🚗 Oil overflow (excess foams during operation).
  • ⚙️ Wear of oil seals (needs replacement).
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To check the level accurately, use syringe with tube — carefully pump out some oil and assess its condition. If metal particles are visible in the sampled liquid, the distributor needs to be flushed.

Frequently asked questions about oil in the transfer case Murano Z52

Is it possible to mix oils of different brands in a dispenser?

Mix oils not recommended, especially if they differ in base (mineral/synthetic) or additive package. In emergency cases, topping up is allowed same standard (GL-5) and viscosity, but the oil should be completely replaced as soon as possible.

What happens if you don’t change the oil in the transfer case?

The consequences depend on the mileage:

  • 50–80 thousand km: increased wear of gears, noise when driving.
  • 100+ thousand km: destruction of bearings, jamming of the locking clutch, failure of the chain drive.
  • 150+ thousand km: complete failure of the transfer case (repair will cost 80–120 thousand rubles).
Do I need to flush the transfer case when changing the oil?

Flushing is required if:

  • The drained oil contains a lot of metal shavings.
  • The oil is black and has a burning smell.
  • The car was used in difficult conditions (off-road, towing).

For washing, use special compounds (for example, Liqui Moly Getriebe-Reiniger) or oil of the same viscosity as the one poured.

What kind of oil is poured into the transfer case? Murano Z52 from the factory?

From factory to distributor Nissan Murano Z52 original oil is added Nissan Transfer Gear Oil (article KE908-99932) with viscosity 75W-90 and standard API GL-5. This is a semi-synthetic oil with a package of additives to protect against wear and corrosion.

Is it possible to use rear axle oil in the transfer case?

Theoretically yes, since axle and transfer case oils often have the same standard GL-5. However, in the distribution Murano Z52 There are specific parts (such as the lock-up clutch) that require special additives. Therefore, it is better to use oil recommended by the manufacturer.