Replacing the rear crankshaft oil seal on a Nissan Murano: instructions with photos and nuances

Rear crankshaft oil seal Nissan Murano (especially for models with motors VQ35DE And VQ25DE) is a part that often fails after 150–200 thousand kilometers. Its leakage leads to oil getting onto the clutch, flywheel and basket, which can lead to clutch slipping, vibrations and even failure of the dual-mass flywheel. Car services charge from 12 to 25 thousand rubles for a replacement, but if you have the tools and patience, you can do the job yourself.

In this article - step-by-step analysis of the process taking into account the specifics Murano (including nuances for all-wheel drive versions 4WD), a list of necessary tools, signs of oil seal wear and typical mistakes made when replacing. We will also look at why the oil seal lasts less than 100 thousand km on some examples, and how to extend its service life after installation.

Signs of wear on the rear crankshaft oil seal on a Nissan Murano

The main symptom is oil smudges in the area where the engine and gearbox meet. However, there are also indirect signs that help diagnose the problem at an early stage:

• 🔴 Oil on the box body (especially in the lower part, near the pallet). It is often confused with a leaking gearbox input shaft oil seal, but in the case of the crankshaft, the oil spots are located higher and closer to the engine.
• 🔴 Clutch oiling: the pedal becomes “soft”, jerking appears when starting, and there is a burning smell from the disc. On Murano with AWD This may appear as a "kick" when downshifting.
• 🔴 Oil level drop no visible leaks under the hood. If the level on the dipstick drops and it’s dry under the car, check the crankshaft oil seal.
• 🔴 Vibrations at idle, which disappear after warming up. Associated with oil getting on the flywheel and imbalance.

On Nissan Murano Z51 (2008–2014) with motor VQ35DE The oil seal often begins to “sweat” after replacing the clutch - this is due to careless installation of the flywheel or basket. If you ignore the problem, the oil corrodes the springs of the diaphragm basket, and the clutch fails completely.

⚠️ Attention: On cars with mileage of more than 200 thousand km, replacing the oil seal can reveal a wear problem rear engine mount. If vibrations appear after assembly, check the cushion - its deformation accelerates the destruction of the new oil seal.

Tools and replacement parts

To work you will need specialized tool, since the oil seal is located behind the flywheel, and it is impossible to get to it without removing the gearbox. Minimum set:

If you plan to replace the oil seal without removing the gearbox (which is possible on front-wheel drive Murano), you will also need:

• 🔧 Special mandrel for pressing in the oil seal (can be made from an old bushing).
• 🔧 Mirror on the bar - to control the position of the oil seal during installation.
• 🔧 Construction hairdryer — to warm up the seat (facilitates the dismantling of the old oil seal).

Preparing the car: draining the oil and dismantling the gearbox

First stage - providing access to the oil seal. On Nissan Murano for this you need:

1. Drain the oil from the gearbox (about 4–5 liters). Use a new pan gasket Nissan 31397-31X02 during reassembly.
2. Disconnect starter and wiring from the gearbox. On models with AWD Additionally, the transfer case is removed.
3. Unscrew the engine mounts and boxes. Hang the power unit on a hoist or jack.
4. Remove the gearbox, having previously marked the position of the shift forks (to facilitate reassembly).

On all-wheel drive Murano the process is complicated by the need to dismantle cardan shaft and transfer case. If you have little experience, it is better to prepare marks on the flanges in advance or photograph their position.

⚠️ Attention: When removing gearboxes on cars with mileage of more than 150 thousand km, they often break down. plastic guide bushings primary shaft. Buy spares in advance (Nissan 32526-31X00)!

Drain the oil from the box|Mark the position of the shift forks|Hang the engine on a crossbeam|Disconnect the ground wires|Remove the starter and speed sensor-->

Removing the flywheel and dismantling the old oil seal

After removing the gearbox, access to flywheel. On Nissan Murano it is secured with 6 bolts that can be unscrewed criss-cross to avoid deformation. Procedure:

1. Block the crankshaft from turning (you can insert a screwdriver into the flywheel teeth).
2. Unscrew the flywheel bolts with a torque wrench (the tightening torque for reassembly is 100 Nm + additional rotation by 90°).
3. Remove the flywheel. If it is stuck, carefully pry it off with a mounting spatula, but do not apply force to the ring gear.
4. After dismantling the flywheel, it will become visible crankshaft flange with oil seal seat.

To remove the old oil seal, use screw or hook:

1. Drill a hole in the oil seal flange (closer to the edge).
2. Screw in the self-tapping screw and pull out the oil seal using pliers.
3. Clean the seat from any remaining sealant and oil. Use WD-40 or kerosene.

On some Murano the seal fits so tightly that it has to be cut with a knifeto avoid damaging the crankshaft flange. Be careful - the aluminum alloy of the flange is soft and scratches easily.

What to do if the oil seal is stuck?

If the oil seal cannot be removed with a self-tapping screw, try the following method:

1. Heat the crankshaft flange with a heat gun (temperature ~100°C).

2. Carefully pry out the oil seal on both sides with a thin screwdriver.

3. Use a bearing puller (if available).

Important: Do not apply force to the crankshaft itself - this may displace its axial play!

Installing a new oil seal: nuances and errors

New oil seal is installed only after the seat has been completely cleaned. Algorithm:

1. Apply a thin layer of sealant Loctite 574 to the crankshaft flange.
2. Carefully press in the oil seal evenlyusing a mandrel or an old bushing. Apply force only to the outer ring!
3. Check that the seal lip is facing inside the engine (to the crankshaft).
4. Install the flywheel, observing the tightening torque of the bolts.

Typical installation errors:

• ❌ Oil seal misalignment - leads to instant leakage. Check with a mandrel or mirror.
• ❌ Damage to the working edge when pressing. Use only soft mandrels (copper, plastic).
• ❌ Lack of sealant on the flange. On Murano this is fraught with air leaks and oil leakage through micro-gaps.
• ❌ Tightening the flywheel bolts without a torque wrench — leads to flange deformation.

After installing the seal check crankshaft end play. If it exceeds 0.3 mm, replacement of the thrust half-rings is required (part Nissan 12325-4M200). On worn engines, this play is the main reason for the rapid failure of the oil seal.

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Before installing a new oil seal, lubricate its working edge with clean engine oil. This will extend the life of the rubber and protect against “dry” starting.

Assembly and inspection after replacement

Reassembly is performed in the reverse order of disassembly. Pay special attention to:

• 🔧 Clutch disc alignment. Use a mandrel Nissan KV10118000 or its equivalent.
• 🔧 Tightening torques:
  • Flywheel bolts - 100 Nm + 90°.
  • Transmission bolts to the engine - 45–55 Nm.
  • Gearbox pan bolts - 10–12 Nm.
• 🔧 Filling the gearbox with oil. On Murano with AWD ~7.5 liters required Nissan Matic-S.

After assembly be sure to check:

1. No oil leakage at the junction of the engine and gearbox (start the engine and let it run for 5–10 minutes).
2. Smooth movement of the clutch pedal. If it is “tight,” air may have gotten into the hydraulic drive.
3. No vibrations at idle. If they appear, check the flywheel balancing or the condition of the engine mounts.

⚠️ Attention: For the first 500 km after replacing the oil seal, avoid sudden starts and high speeds. The oil seal rubber should “grind in” to the crankshaft.

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If after replacing the oil seal the oil leak resumes within a month, the reason lies in crankshaft wear (furrows on the seat) or increased pressure of crankcase gases (the ventilation system is clogged).

Oil seal service life and leak prevention

On Nissan Murano The service life of the crankshaft rear oil seal depends on several factors:

Factor	Oil seal service life	How to extend the resource
Part quality	Original - 150–200 thousand km Analogue - 80–120 thousand km	Use seals Corteco or SKF
Riding style	Aggressive driving - 50–80 thousand km	Avoid over-throttle and sudden starts
Engine condition	Crankshaft wear - 30–50 thousand km	Check backlash and oil pressure
Oil quality	Cheap oil - 60–100 thousand km	Use 5W-30 or 5W-40 with permission Nissan

To extend the life of the seal:

• 🛠️ Monitor the oil level — its excess increases the pressure on the seal.
• 🛠️ Change the oil every 10 thousand km (on Murano with mileage >150 thousand km).
• 🛠️ Check the crankcase ventilation system — clogged valves increase gas pressure.
• 🛠️ Avoid prolonged idling — this accelerates wear of the oil seal rubber.

If the oil seal leaks again after 20–30 thousand km, the problem lies in crankshaft wear or flange deformation. In this case, engine repair will be required by replacing half rings or grinding the seat.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about replacing the oil seal on a Nissan Murano

Is it possible to replace the oil seal without removing the gearbox?

On front wheel drive Murano (without AWD) this is possible, but requires skill. You will need:

1. Remove the starter and transmission pan.
2. Unscrew the flywheel without removing the box (you need access through the window in the bell).
3. Use a special oil seal puller.

On all-wheel drive versions, it is impossible to do without removing the gearbox and transfer case.

Which oil seal is better - original or analogue?

Original oil seal Nissan 12343-JA00A lasts longer, but costs 2–3 times more than analogues. Good alternatives:

• Corteco 01002300B — soft rubber, fits well.
• SKF VKDA 35635 - reinforced design for turbo engines.
• Elring 547.520 — budget option (resource ~100 thousand km).

Avoid cheap seals without a brand - their rubber becomes dull after 30-50 thousand km.

Why did vibrations appear after replacing the oil seal?

The reasons may be as follows:

• 🔹 Incorrectly tightened flywheel bolts (you need a torque wrench!).
• 🔹 Flywheel deformation during dismantling (check the runout with an indicator).
• 🔹 Engine mount wear (especially the rear cushion).
• 🔹 Crankshaft imbalance due to wear of the half rings.

If vibrations appear immediately after assembly, first check the tightening torques and condition of the supports.

Is it necessary to change the clutch along with the oil seal?

If mileage Murano exceeds 150 thousand km, recommended replace:

• 🔧 Clutch disc (wear of friction clutches).
• 🔧 Release bearing (resource ~100 thousand km).
• 🔧 Basket (if there are cracks on the petals).

If the clutch is in good condition, it is enough to clean it of oil (rinse it with kerosene) and check for runout.

What kind of oil should be poured into the gearbox after assembly?

For Nissan Murano (depending on the year and type of gearbox):

• Automatic (RE5R05A) — Nissan Matic-S (article KE908-99932).
• Mechanical (FS6R31A) — Nissan MT-XZ (article KE916-99931).
• Transfer case (AWD) — Nissan Differential Oil Hypoid Super GL-5 80W-90.

Oil volume for manual transmission is 7.5 l, for automatic transmission - 9.5 l (with filter replacement).