Transfer case Nissan Murano Z50: Diagnostics, repair and maintenance

Crossover owners Nissan Murano second generation (Z50 body) often face questions related to the reliability of their all-wheel drive. This car, despite its comfortable nature and smooth ride, has a complex transmission that requires a competent approach to maintenance. The transfer case in this model is not a separate massive unit, but is integrated into the design of the main gear, which makes it vulnerable to operating errors.

Many drivers mistakenly believe that the system ATTESA E-TS It works absolutely flawlessly and does not require attention until the first symptoms appear. In fact, it is ignoring routine maintenance and using low-quality fluids that leads to expensive repairs. In this article we will analyze in detail the device, typical problems and ways to restore the functionality of this node on Murano Z50.

The design and principle of operation of all-wheel drive

At the heart of the transmission Nissan Murano Z50 lies an electronically controlled all-wheel drive system. Unlike classic SUVs, it uses a multi-plate clutch that distributes torque between the front and rear axles. The transfer mechanism in this version is a reduction gearbox built into the rear axle, although technically the distribution function is performed by a clutch.

The key element is the electro-hydraulic clutch, which can be locked depending on the road situation. During normal driving on asphalt, the main torque is transmitted to the front axle, and the rear axle is engaged only when slipping. If you press the gas hard or start driving on a slippery surface, the system will instantly redistribute the force.

It is important to understand that the system ATTESA E-TS extremely sensitive to differences in wheel diameter. If you have tires with varying wear or only change tires on one axle, this can cause overheating and premature failure of the clutch. The electronic control unit constantly monitors wheel speed, and any discrepancies are interpreted as slipping.

The dispensing mechanism housing is made of aluminum alloy and equipped with a cooling system. The internal gears operate in an oil bath, which provides lubrication and heat dissipation. Pump The lubrication system is driven directly from the input shaft, so when the car stops, the oil circulation stops, which is critical during prolonged slippage.

Typical symptoms of transfer case malfunctions

The first signs of breakdown are often disguised as problems with the suspension or braking system. The most common symptom is strange sounds when moving. A grinding, humming, or whining noise that gets worse when accelerating indicates worn bearings or gears inside the housing. The sound may vary depending on the load, which helps in initial diagnosis.

The second warning sign is body vibration, which appears at certain speeds. If you feel the steering wheel or floor shake when accelerating, this may indicate an imbalance in the driveshaft or a broken clutch support. Sometimes vibration is accompanied by jerking when switching all-wheel drive operating modes.

It is especially dangerous when the system goes into emergency mode. In this case, the indicator on the dashboard lights up SLIP or 4WD, and the car loses the ability to effectively overcome slippery areas. The electronics lock the clutch to prevent complete destruction of the unit, but this means you are driving in front or rear wheel drive, which is unsafe.

⚠️ Attention: If you smell a strong burning smell from under the car while driving through mud or snow, stop immediately. This is a sure sign of overheating of the multi-plate clutch, and further operation may lead to its jamming.

• A grinding or humming noise that increases in speed.
• Vibration of the steering wheel and body during acceleration.
• Lighted up indicator SLIP on the instrument panel.
• Oil leakage from under the transfer mechanism housing.
• Jerks and jolts when switching driving modes.

Diagnostics and oil check

The first step in diagnosis should be checking the level and quality of the oil in the transfer case. The fluid plays the role of not only a lubricant, but also a cooling medium for the clutch clutches. Open the hood and locate the inspection hole on the transfer case housing. The oil level should be exactly along the edge of the hole.

The color and smell of the oil will tell you a lot. Fresh liquid has a red or yellowish tint and a specific odor. If you see a black, thick substance with metal shavings or a burning smell, this means that there is active destruction of parts inside the mechanism. In this case, changing the oil will not solve the problem; a major overhaul will be required.

For an accurate diagnosis, it is recommended to use an endoscope to look inside through the drain hole. This will allow you to assess the condition of the gears and the absence of large debris. It is also worth checking the magnets on the drain plug: if there are a lot of metal chips on them, this is a signal of rapid wear.

Repair and replacement of transfer case components

Transfer case repair Murano Z50 is a complex procedure requiring specialized equipment and experience. Often the problem lies in the wear of the clutch friction discs or the breakdown of speed sensors. Replacing discs is possible, but requires careful adjustment of clearances and balancing.

In more severe cases, when bearings or gear teeth are worn out, complete disassembly of the unit is required. It is important to use only original spare parts or high-quality analogues from trusted manufacturers. Cheap replacements often cannot withstand the stress and fail within a few months.

If the unit has received critical damage, it is often more economically feasible to replace it with a contract unit. A contract transfer case is a used unit removed from a car with less mileage. However, when purchasing, you must check the condition of the case and the absence of cracks, and also require a guarantee from the seller.

How long does it take to replace a transfer case?

Typically, the process of replacing a transfer case takes from 4 to 6 hours in a specialized service. This includes dismantling the driveshafts, disconnecting the electrical connectors, removing the unit and installing it in a new location, followed by checking for leaks.

When doing your own repairs, be sure to pay attention to the condition of the seals. The oil seals must always be replaced when disassembling the unit. Use a special pressing tool to avoid damaging the working edge. Improper installation of the seal will result in rapid leakage again.

Fault type	Probable Cause	Difficulty of repair	Estimated cost (details)
Grinding noise when moving	Bearing wear	High	15,000 - 30,000 rub.
Rumble at speed	Gear wear	Very high	25,000 - 45,000 rub.
Body vibration	Destruction of the coupling support	Average	5,000 - 12,000 rub.
Clutch overheating	Friction wear	High	20,000 - 40,000 rub.

Choosing the right oil and replacement schedule

The quality of the transmission fluid directly affects the service life of the transfer case. For Nissan Murano Z50 the manufacturer recommends using original oil KE909-99932 or its analogues that meet the specifications GL-4 or GL-5 with viscosity 75W-85. The use of unsuitable oils can lead to oxidation of the clutches and loss of their properties.

Many owners neglect to change the oil, believing that it is filled for its entire service life. This is a misconception. Oil loses its properties due to thermal effects and wear products. The recommended replacement interval is every 60,000 kilometers, and when used in difficult conditions (off-road, slipping) - every 40,000 kilometers.

The oil volume in the transfer case is approximately 0.7-0.8 liters. When replacing, it is important not to overfill or underfill the liquid, as this affects the operation of the pump and the pressure level in the system. Use a measuring cup and check the level through the inspection hole on a cold engine.

⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to mix oils of different manufacturers and types. This can cause a chemical reaction, sediment formation and complete jamming of the mechanism.

• Original oil Nissan Matic S or KE909-99932.
• Analogues: Idemitsu Transmatic, Liqui Moly (GL-4/GL-5).
• Viscosity: 75W-85 for year-round use.
• Refill volume: 0.75 liters.

Software glitches and adaptation

Sometimes the problem with all-wheel drive is not mechanical, but software. The transmission control unit may generate errors that block the clutch from operating. In this case, you need to connect the car to a diagnostic scanner and read the error codes. Often it is necessary to reset adaptations and reflash the control unit.

After replacing components or repairing a mechanical part, an adaptation procedure must be carried out. This is necessary so that the electronics “understands” the new parameters of the mechanism. Without adaptation, the system may not work correctly, causing jerks or false alarms of the indicator SLIP.

Technicians use dealer equipment to fine-tune clearances and pressures. Independent attempts to reset errors via connection to OBDII may not yield results, since access to protected memory areas of the control unit is required.

What should I do if the 4WD indicator light comes on?

If the indicator lights up, try resetting the error by disconnecting the negative terminal of the battery for 15-20 minutes. If the indicator lights up again, this indicates a real problem that requires diagnosis.

Repair costs and alternative solutions

Transfer case repair price Murano Z50 varies greatly depending on the region and the service chosen. A major overhaul with the replacement of all worn-out components can cost from 30,000 to 60,000 rubles. If the entire unit needs to be replaced, the amount may exceed 100,000 rubles, including dismantling and installation work.

An alternative to repair may be to install a fake (emulator) of speed sensors if the problem lies in one of the sensors, but this is a temporary solution. Also, some owners decide to disable all-wheel drive by installing plugs and switching the system to front-wheel drive mode. This is possible, but it reduces the vehicle's cross-country ability.

When choosing a service, pay attention to the availability of specialized equipment for working with Nissan transmissions. Conventional service stations often do not have the necessary stands for checking the coupling and adjusting the gaps, which can lead to repeated breakdowns.

• Major repairs: 30,000 - 60,000 rubles.
• Unit replacement: from RUB 80,000.
• Diagnostics: 3,000 - 5,000 rub.
• Oil and filter replacement: 5,000 - 8,000 rubles.

Prevention and operating tips

To avoid problems with the transfer case, try to avoid prolonged slipping in place. If the car is stuck, do not accelerate wildly, this will only overheat the clutch. It is better to use a jack or towing. Also keep an eye on your tire pressure and condition.

Regularly check the condition of the cardan shafts and their fastenings. Any play in the system can lead to destruction of the transfer case gears. When changing oil, always use high-quality filters if they are provided for in the design of your unit.

If you plan to use the vehicle for serious off-roading, consider installing additional cooling for the transfer case. This will reduce the oil temperature and increase the life of the clutches. However, for urban use this is unnecessary.

⚠️ Warning: Do not attempt to use four-wheel drive to tow other heavy vehicles or trailers over long distances without checking the condition of the transmission. This places extreme stress on the nodes.

In conclusion, I would like to note that the distribution Nissan Murano Z50 - This is a reliable, but demanding unit. With proper care it will last for many years. The main thing is not to ignore the first signs of a malfunction and respond promptly to changes in the car’s behavior.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to drive front-wheel drive if the transfer case is broken?

Technically possible, but not recommended without prior diagnosis. If a mechanical part is broken, movement may cause the unit to jam and damage the driveshaft.

How much oil is needed to completely change the transfer case?

A complete change requires about 0.75 liters of oil. It is recommended to use original Nissan oil or a high-quality analogue GL-4/GL-5.

How often do you need to change the oil in the transfer case?

It is recommended to change the oil every 60,000 km. When operating in difficult conditions, the interval should be reduced to 40,000 km.

Why does the 4WD light come on after an oil change?

This may be due to the need to adapt the system or the presence of air in the hydraulic system. Requires diagnostics and error reset.

Is it possible to change the oil in the transfer case yourself?

Yes, if you have access to the car from below and the necessary tools. However, to check the level and quality of the oil, it is better to contact specialists.