2005 Nissan Xtrail Engine Oil Pan
In this how-to, I'll show you how to replace the engine oil pan on a 05 Xtrail. This oil pan had left a big mess of oil on a customer's garage floor because it had rusted through.
Estimated Time: 45-60 minutes.
Tools Required:
-14mm wrench
-10mm 1/4" drive socket
-1/4" drive extension
-1/4" drive ratchet
-push clip removal tool
-thin pry bar
-hammer
-razer blade
-soft aluminum bristle roloc disc with angle die grinder (optional)
Parts Required:
-new oil pan
-oil+filter
-shop rags
-brake cleaner
-the right stuff! By permatex. (Silicone safe for use with oil)
Step 1: Lift vehicle and drain oil.
Lift&support or use ramps safely to gain enough clearance to be underneath the car comfortably. Position an appropriate sized drain bucket underneath the oil pan. Locate the engine oil drain plug and loosen it with a 14mm wrench.
Step 2: Remove passenger splash guard.
There are a couple of push clips and 2 10mm bolts securing the plastic splash guard in place. Remove these to gain better access to the bolts you'll need to remove for the oil pan.
Step 3: Remove oil pan bolts
Remove the 10 10mm bolts.
Step 4: Seperate oil pan from engine block.
Use a thin pry bar to wedge between the block and oil pan. The silicone from the factory is really, really strong stuff. Some effort may be required to break the oil pan free. Once is starts to break free, the oil pan will be easy to remove.
Step 5: Clean mating surface on engine block.
Tie a shop rag around the oil pick up tube to prevent debris from getting inside of it. Use a razor blade and or a die grinder with a soft bristle disc appropriate for aluminum. DO NOT use a coarse pad, you will take material off the block and cause problems! Try to get this surface as clean as possible.
Step 6: Apply silicone
Use the appropriate silicone safe for use with engine oils. I recommend The Right Stuff! by Permatex. I've done dozens of oil pans without issue using this silicone when a gasket is not available. Lay a good bead about 1/8" thick around the oil pan, and on the inside of the holes for the bolts.
Step 7: Install new oil pan
Wipe off the mating surface on the engine block with a shop rag with a shot of brake cleaner. Having a helper start a bolt in each corner of the pan while you hold the oil pan in place will help to not smudge around the silicone. Tighten the bolts in a criss-cross sequence. These bolts don't need to be reefed on, snug with your 1/4" ratchet is fine. Ensure the drain plug on your new oil pan is tight.
Step 8: Replace oil filter
Replace the oil filter and re fill the engine oil. Be sure to start the engine to prime the oil filter and then shut off the engine and re check the oil level. Top up if necessary. Run the engine for a few minutes afterwards to ensure there are no leaks.
If your leaking oil pan had made a mess on the under carriage of the car, you can use brake cleaner to clean up the oil.
Always remember to dispose of used engine oil and filters according to your local environmental regulations.
