Owning a crossover Nissan Murano the second generation (Z51 body) imposes special responsibility on the owner for the condition of the transmission. Many car owners mistakenly believe that all-wheel drive systems do not require maintenance, but this misconception can lead to costly repairs.
The transfer case (transfer case) is a key unit that distributes torque between the axles. Timely replacement of the working fluid in this unit is critical to preserving the service life of the rear axle coupling and gear pairs.
Ignoring routine maintenance often ends in clutch jamming or bearing failure. In this article we will analyze in detail how to perform this procedure yourself, what materials to choose and what nuances to pay attention to.
Why is it important to change the oil in the Z51 transfer case?
Unlike some older designs where the oil could last for decades, modern all-wheel drive systems Nissan work in aggressive conditions. Inside the transfer case, there is constant friction of gears and rotation of shafts, which inevitably leads to heating and oxidation of the lubricant.
Over time, the oil loses its viscosity properties and ceases to form a protective film. As a result, microdamage occurs on the working surfaces, and wear products begin to circulate in the system, acting as an abrasive.
Model feature Z51 consists in the presence of an electromagnetic clutch, which requires an ideal oil condition for correct operation. Dirty fluid can cause the clutch to overheat and cause an error. 4WD System on the dashboard.
Choosing the Right Transmission Fluid
To the choice of oil for the transfer case Nissan Murano must be approached with extreme caution. The manufacturer sets strict requirements for viscosity and additive package. Using the wrong fluid may interfere with the differential and cause vibration when driving.
Original specification from Nissan - this is gear oil NS-2 or CVT Fluid NS-3 (depending on the year of manufacture and modification), but the transfer case most often requires a specific fluid that meets the standard 75W-85 or original KE907-99932.
It is important to consider that similar fluids from other brands may have similar parameters, but differ in the chemical composition of additives, which is unacceptable for sensitive clutches.
- ✅ Original Nissan — guarantee of compatibility with seal materials and gear metals.
- ✅ Specialized oils for all-wheel drive clutches (for example, Liqui Moly or Motul).
- ❌ Cheap analogues labeled “universal” - there is a risk of coupling failure.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use regular motor oil or automatic transmission fluid (ATF) in the transfer case unless specifically stated in the service book. This is guaranteed to lead to the destruction of the unit.
Tools and materials for work
Before lifting your car on a lift or jack, you need to prepare everything you need. The replacement process does not require complex diagnostic equipment, but a specific tool is required to unscrew the filler plug.
You will need a set of heads, a funnel with an extension (hose) for pouring oil into a narrow hole, and also a container for draining the waste. Oil volume in transfer case Z51 small, but measurement accuracy is important.
It is also worth preparing rags, gloves and a product to remove oil stains from the body if you are working outside. Don't forget a new O-ring for the plug, as the old one may leak when reinstalled.
- 🛠️ Set of keys and sockets (including hexagon or socket head)
17or19mm). - 🛠️ A container for draining oil with a volume of at least 1 liter.
- 🛠️ Hose and funnel for carefully pouring new fluid.
Step-by-step instructions for changing the oil
The procedure begins with warming up the engine. The oil must become liquid in order to completely drain from the transfer case. Start the engine and let it run for 10-15 minutes, then turn off and lift the car onto a lift or place it in a pit.
The first step is to unscrew the filler plug. This is a critical step: if you immediately unscrew the drain plug and the filler turns sour, you will not be able to add new fluid, and the process will have to start again.
After unscrewing the filler plug, unscrew the drain plug and allow the oil to drain into the prepared container. The draining time is about 10-15 minutes. Make sure that the old fluid has completely left the housing.
☑️ Tools and preparation
Clean the drain hole of dirt and adhering metal filings. Install a new O-ring and tighten the drain plug to the recommended torque. Then pour new oil through the filler hole until it begins to flow out of the bottom edge.
- 🔧 Screw the drain plug with a new ring, tightening it with a torque wrench.
- 🔧 Fill the oil with a hose to the level of the lower edge of the filler hole.
- 🔧 Check the level after several trips and top up if necessary.
⚠️ Attention: If the filler plug does not come off, do not use excessive force to avoid stripping the threads. Use penetrating lubricant and heat on the metal part of the plug.
⚠️ Attention: The oil level should be exactly at the bottom edge of the filler hole. Overfilling or underfilling is equally harmful to the operation of the unit.
Table of characteristics and volumes
For convenience, below is a table with basic technical data that will be useful during maintenance. Always check your vehicle's VIN as changes may have been made during different production years.
| Parameter | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Oil volume in transfer case | 0.8 – 0.9 liters |
| Recommended viscosity | 75W-85 or NS-2 specification |
| Replacement interval | Every 60,000 km |
| Plug seal type | Copper or aluminum ring |
| Plug tightening torque | 30 – 40 Nm |
- Every 30,000 km
- Every 60,000 km
- Every 100,000 km
- Upon occurrence of problems
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
The most common mistake is trying to change the oil “to cold”. In this case, the thick liquid does not flow out completely, and you mix old waste with new, reducing the effectiveness of the lubricant.
Another common problem is using the wrong O-ring. Copper washers deform over time and lose their elasticity. Reusing an old ring often results in pressure leaks.
Also the owners Murano Z51 Sometimes they forget to check the magnet on the drain plug. If there are a lot of metal shavings on it, this is a signal of internal wear, which requires a more in-depth diagnosis.
What to do if there are a lot of chips on the magnet?
If there is a significant amount of metal shavings or "crumbs" on the magnet, this may indicate wear on the gears or bearings. In this case, it is recommended to remove the transfer case, wash it and check the condition of the clutch. Do not ignore this sign, as it may portend complete failure of the unit.
⚠️ Attention: If you find large metal fragments on the plug magnet, do not rush to add oil. It is better to contact a service for diagnostics to avoid catastrophic destruction of the gearbox.
Symptoms of the need for replacement
Even if the scheduled mileage has not yet arrived, listen to the behavior of the car. The appearance of a hum or vibration in the steering wheel or rear of the cabin when driving at a constant speed is a sure sign of problems with the transmission.
Pay special attention to the operation of all-wheel drive when suddenly starting or cornering. If a crunching noise is heard or a jerk is felt, the clutch may be locking due to oil degradation.
The icon may light up on the dashboard 4WD with an exclamation point. This does not always mean a breakdown of the electronics; often the problem lies precisely in the quality of the lubricating fluid inside the transfer case.
- 🔊 A knocking or humming noise that changes with speed.
- 🔊 Vibration transmitted to the body when moving.
- 🔊 All-wheel drive system error on the display.
Before changing the oil, take photographs of the position of all marks and bolts on the transfer case. This will help during assembly if you are doing this for the first time and have forgotten the installation details.
Regularly changing the transfer case oil is the cheapest way to extend the life of the all-wheel drive system and avoid costly clutch repairs.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
How much oil should I buy for the Murano Z51 transfer case?
A complete replacement requires about 0.8–0.9 liters. It is recommended to buy a 1 liter canister, as some of the liquid may remain in the package or be used for refilling.
Is it possible to mix oil from different manufacturers?
Strongly not recommended. Even if the viscosities are the same, the additive package may react, leading to sedimentation and loss of lubricant properties.
Do I need to warm up the transfer case before replacing it?
Yes, definitely. Cold oil is very thick and will not flow completely out of the hard-to-reach cavities of the housing, which will reduce the replacement efficiency.
How often do you need to change the oil in the transfer case?
Official regulations Nissan may indicate a replacement “according to condition,” but experts advise doing this every 60,000 km or once every 3-4 years, even with low mileage.
What happens if you don’t change the oil in the transfer case?
This will lead to gear wear, bearing destruction and failure of the electromagnetic clutch. Repairing a transfer case is often comparable in price to purchasing a new unit.