diff --git a/src/markerclusterer.js b/src/markerclusterer.js
index 466c41d..08236cc 100644
--- a/src/markerclusterer.js
+++ b/src/markerclusterer.js
@@ -924,7 +924,7 @@
  * Removes the cluster
  */
 Cluster.prototype.remove = function() {
-  this.clusterIcon_.remove();
+  this.clusterIcon_.removeClusterIcon();
   this.markers_.length = 0;
   delete this.markers_;
 };
@@ -1148,7 +1148,9 @@
 /**
  * Remove the icon from the map
  */
-ClusterIcon.prototype.remove = function() {
+// b/493541353: rename 'remove' to 'removeClusterIcon' to dodge Google Maps' 
+// new OverlayView.remove API collision without breaking maps internals
+ClusterIcon.prototype.removeClusterIcon = function() {
   this.setMap(null);
 };