Genuine Nissan Xterra Oil Pan

Nissan Xterra Oil Pan Parts Questions & Answers

• Pan Oil
  31390-41X07
  Q: How to remove an oil pan on 3.5L V6 Nissan Xterra?

  A: To start the removal process first remove the battery cable, pull on the emergency brakes and secure the rear wheels. Lift up the front of the vehicle and support it with jackstands in order to get rid of all engine splash shields if any. Proceed to drain the engine oil and remove the oil filter. Unplug the exhaust pipe in front, cut out catalytic converter heat shields and take off starter motor. Get rid of suspension crossmember brace and on 4WD models, detach front differential by unbolting front driveaxles without disconnecting them from steering knuckles. Then remove engine drivebelts and lower idler pulley bracket followed by alternator and power steering pump. Make sure that power steering pump bracket is also removed. Remove crankshaft position sensors from front timing chain cover and transmission bellhousing. For vehicles with automatic transmissions, disconnect transmission lines at oil pan and hoses from engine oil cooler. Disconnect electrical connector from oil pressure switch, loosen lower pinch bolt at steering gear box assembly under dash support (console) tower mounting location. Support engine/transmission from above using a hoist or engine support fixture then remove lower engine mount retaining nuts. Lower suspension crossmember brace and steering gear to provide clearance for oil pan removal.Also move automatic transmission's lines aside- if any.In addition remove upper steel pan from lower aluminum half of oil pan being careful not to gouge sealing surfaces.Remove transmission mounting bolts from upper aluminum half of oil pan as well as bolts attaching upper aluminum half to block working from ends toward center in reverse order of tightening sequence to avoid warping.Carefully insert flathead screwdriver or pry bar into provided notch on side of oil pan so as not to damage sealing surfaces thus loosening aluminum section of oil pan.Use scraper to remove any old gasket material/sealant remains on upper aluminum half of oil pan, lower steel half of it, and engine block; clean mating surfaces with lacquer thinner or acetone. Ensure that the block and aluminum section of the oil pan's threaded bolt holes are clean.Apply bead of ATV around ends of front timing cover gasket & rear oil seal retainer gasket then place these gaskets in position on oil pan.Apply a bead of ATV sealant around upper aluminum oil pan flange.The oil pan must be installed within 15 minutes after applying the sealant.Place upper aluminum section of oil pan on engine block and install bolts, tightening them in three to four steps following recommended sequence to specified torque. Install transmission mounting bolts.Examine lower steel oil pan flange for any distortion especially around bolt holes and if necessary flatten it.Apply bead of RTV around steel oil pan flange then install steel oil pan.Like before, the oil pan must be installed within 15 minutes after applying the sealant.Tighten fasteners in several steps following recommended sequence to specified torque.Reverse removal steps remembering to install a new filter and waiting at least one hour before adding any oil.