Car engine cooling system Nissan Murano the second generation (Z51 body) is a critical component that ensures stable operation of the power unit in any climatic conditions. Operation of a crossover with a mileage of more than 100 thousand kilometers often reveals problems with the tightness of the heat exchanger, which can lead to overheating and expensive engine repairs.
Timely diagnosis and replacement cooling radiator allow you to avoid critical breakdowns, such as deformation of the cylinder head or turbine jamming. Owners Nissan Murano Z51 It is important to understand that the replacement process has its own technical features related to the layout of the engine compartment and the specifics of fastening the pipes.
In this article we will analyze in detail the symptoms of a malfunction, the criteria for choosing a new spare part and a step-by-step algorithm for dismantling and installing a new unit. Knowing these nuances will help you save on service costs or do the work yourself with a quality guarantee.
Symptoms and diagnostics of the Z51 radiator
The first signal of a problem is often a decrease in the level of coolant in the expansion tank without visible external leaks. In the cooling system Nissan Murano a specific antifreeze is used, which, if leaked, can leave barely noticeable traces, especially in hot weather when moisture evaporates quickly.
If you notice that the engine temperature begins to rise above normal in traffic jams or when driving for a long time at high speed, this is a sure sign of a heat transfer disorder. Clogged honeycombs or microcracks in the radiator tanks do not allow the fluid to effectively transfer heat to the air.
- 🚨 The appearance of an oily emulsion under the expansion tank cap (a sign of oil getting into the system).
- 💨 The smell of antifreeze in the car interior or from under the hood while the engine is running.
- 🌡️ Unstable temperature sensor readings on the dashboard.
Sometimes the problem is disguised as a fan or thermostat malfunction, so a visual inspection is required. Carefully examine plastic radiator tanks for cracks, as plastic loses elasticity over time and begins to crumble.
⚠️ Attention: Do not ignore even the slightest traces of antifreeze leaks on the asphalt after parking overnight. The loss of even a small volume of fluid can lead to critical engine overheating VQ35DE at the most inopportune moment.
Selection of spare parts: original versus analogues
Spare parts market for Nissan Murano offers a wide range of options, from expensive original units to budget analogues. Original radiator (catalog number often starts with 21460) guarantees ideal geometry and durability, but its price may be unreasonably high for a budget repair.
Analogues from trusted manufacturers such as Nissens, Koyo or Denso, are often not inferior in quality to the original, and in some cases even surpass it due to the use of thicker copper or aluminum in the core. However, you should avoid cheap Chinese counterfeits, as their plastic tanks often burst after just a year of use.
When choosing, pay attention to the number of rows in the heat exchanger. Standard radiator for Z51 has a certain thickness, and replacing it with a thinner analogue may lead to a decrease in cooling efficiency under load.
| Manufacturer | Material type | Average price (RUB) | Resource (km) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original Nissan | Aluminum + plastic | 35 000 - 45 000 | 200 000+ |
| Koyo | Aluminum | 18 000 - 22 000 | 150 000+ |
| Nissens | Aluminum | 15 000 - 19 000 | 120 000+ |
| Cheap analogues | Aluminum + plastic | 8 000 - 12 000 | 30 000 - 50 000 |
Don't forget to check the contents of the new radiator. In some cases, the kit comes with new fasteners or plugs that may be worn out on the old unit.
- Original quality
- Price
- Analogue brand
- Availability
Preparation for replacement and necessary tools
Before starting work, it is necessary to provide a safe and convenient space for manipulation. To replace the radiator with Nissan Murano Z51 a pit or overpass will be required, since access to the lower fastenings and drain plugs is difficult when working from under the hood.
Gather the necessary tools so as not to interrupt the process of searching for the required head or key. You will need a standard set of wrenches, a screwdriver, a container to drain the old antifreeze, and a rag to clean up spills.
☑️ Preparation for replacement
It is important to prepare new O-rings for the pipes. Old rubber bands often stick to metal tubes and break during dismantling, which can lead to repeated leaks after installing a new radiator.
It is better to carry out work on a cooled engine. It is strictly prohibited to open the cooling system under pressure, as hot antifreeze can cause serious burns to the skin of the hands and face.
⚠️ Attention: Work only with gloves and safety glasses, as the coolant is toxic and can cause a chemical burn to the cornea if it gets into your eyes.
Step-by-step instructions for dismantling an old radiator
Begin the procedure by disconnecting the negative terminal of the battery to eliminate the risk of a short circuit when disconnecting the electrical connectors for the fan or temperature sensors. Next, you need to drain the coolant into a clean container by opening the drain plug at the bottom of the radiator or disconnecting the lower pipe.
Removing the front bumper Nissan Murano Z51 is a mandatory step for high-quality access to the radiator grille and mounting of the heat exchanger itself. Unscrew the screws in the wheel arches, remove the protection from below and disconnect the clamps around the perimeter of the bumper.
After removing the bumper and grille, you will have access to the upper mounts and pipes. Carefully disconnect the cooling fan electrical connectors without applying excessive force to avoid breaking the plastic clips.
Unscrew the fastenings of the upper and lower pipes using a suitable socket or wrench. Be careful with plastic clamps if they are not reusable - it is better to immediately replace them with new screw clamps for reliability.
- 🔧 Disconnect the automatic transmission cooling system pipes (if they are connected to the radiator).
- 🔧 Remove the upper radiator mounting brackets.
- 🔧 Carefully remove the radiator up so as not to damage the honeycombs on the body ribs.
Features of removing the bumper on the Z51
On the second generation Nissan Murano, the bumper is held on by plastic clips and screws. Be extremely careful when unsnapping the clips in the area of the wheel arches, as they often break when carelessly prying with a screwdriver. It is recommended to use a special clip removal tool.
Installation of a new radiator and assembly
Before installing a new radiator, thoroughly clean the seat from dirt, old antifreeze residues and debris. Make sure that the rubber mounting dampers are in place and not damaged.
Lower the new radiator into the seat, making sure that the lower pins fit into the rubber pads exactly in the center. Warping can lead to damage to the plastic reservoirs due to engine vibration.
Connect all pipes, having previously lubricated the O-rings with silicone grease or a small amount of antifreeze for better sliding. Tighten the clamps with moderate force to avoid over-tightening the plastic and deforming the tubes.
Replace the bumper and grille, making sure that all the clips click into place. Check that the electrical connectors on the fans are securely fastened, as vibration can loosen connections over time.
Correct alignment of the radiator during installation is critical to preventing cracks in the plastic reservoirs when the engine is idling.
Filling the system and checking functionality
Fill the cooling system with new antifreeze through the expansion tank. For Nissan Murano It is recommended to use the original fluid NISSAN LONG LIFE COOLANT or a high-quality analogue with appropriate tolerances.
Start the engine and let it warm up to operating temperature. During the warming up process, air will escape from the system, so periodically add antifreeze so that the level does not fall below the minimum mark.
Turn the heater on to maximum and check if warm air enters the cabin. This will confirm that the thermostat has opened and fluid is circulating in a large circle, including the cabin heater.
Inspect all connections for leaks. If everything is dry and the engine temperature is normal, you can close the hood and operate the car as normal.
⚠️ Attention: After replacing the radiator, be sure to check the antifreeze level after a week of operation, as there may be air left in the system that will be forced out during the first trips.
When filling the system, use a funnel with a long spout to avoid spilling antifreeze on the body paint, which can be damaged by aggressive chemicals.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
One of the most common mistakes is using low-quality antifreeze or mixing liquids of different colors and types. This leads to sediment that clogs the thin channels of the new radiator, reducing its efficiency.
Another mistake is skimping on O-rings. Old rubber bands may seem intact, but their tightness has already been compromised by microcracks, which will lead to a loss of pressure in the system.
Some technicians ignore checking fans after installation. If the fan does not turn on or rotates in the wrong direction, the new radiator will overheat in a matter of minutes.
It is also worth paying attention to the condition of the expansion tank and its cap. The valve in the cap is responsible for maintaining pressure, and if it is stuck, the system may simply burst with a new radiator when heated.
- 🚫 Do not mix antifreeze from different manufacturers without first completely flushing the system.
- 🚫 Do not tighten the pipe clamps with excessive force, the plastic is fragile.
- 🚫 Don't forget to check the operation of the fans before installing the bumper.
FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions
Below are answers to the most common questions from owners. Nissan Murano Z51regarding the replacement of the cooling radiator.
How long does it take to replace a radiator at a service center?
On average, replacing a cooling radiator on a Nissan Murano Z51 takes from 3 to 5 hours of work, depending on the qualifications of the technician and the condition of the fasteners.
Is it possible to replace only the plastic radiator tank?
Theoretically it is possible, but in practice it is economically impractical and unreliable. The tightness of the connection between the tank and the core is broken, and the risk of repeated leakage is extremely high. It is better to replace the entire assembly.
What antifreeze should I use in Murano Z51?
It is recommended to use original Nissan Long Life Coolant antifreeze (usually purple) or high-quality analogues that meet the NISSAN ELR50000 specification.
Do I need to remove the air conditioner radiator to replace the cooling radiator?
On the Nissan Murano Z51, the air conditioning radiator (condenser) is often located in front of the cooling system radiator. In most cases, to access the main radiator you have to either unscrew and move it, or remove it completely.
What happens if you drive with a faulty radiator?
This will lead to overheating of the engine, which can cause deformation of the cylinder head, burnout of the cylinder head gasket and failure of the turbine, which will require a major engine overhaul.