Changing Oil Pan: Step-By-Step Guide For 07 Suburbans

Changing the oil pan on a 2007 Chevrolet Suburban is a complex task, but with the right tools and know-how, it can be accomplished. While some newer Chevrolet models have improved access points to the drain plug and filters, older models such as the Suburban may require more effort and time. It is important to note that the Suburban's oil pan is located in a different position compared to other Chevrolet models, and accessing it may require removing multiple components. Online forums and step-by-step guides can provide valuable insights and instructions for this procedure.

How to Change 07 Suburban Oil Pan

Warm engine vs. cold engine

To change the oil pan on a 2007 Chevrolet Suburban, you will need to place an oil drain pan underneath the engine. It is recommended to do this when the engine is warm, as the oil will be thinner and will drain out faster, along with any contaminants.

First, use a filter wrench to remove the oil filter, using a 13mm wrench. Next, remove the drain plug, wiping the magnetic tip clean with a lint-free cloth. Allow the oil to drain until there is at least 10 seconds between drips.

Now, take your new oil filter (AC Delco PF-48 for the 2007 model) and wet the rubber seal ring with fresh oil. Hand-tighten the new filter as much as possible, then replace the drain plug. Pour in 5.5 quarts of oil, wait at least one minute, and check the level. Continue to add oil until you reach the top marks on the dipstick.

Dispose of the used motor oil properly—many auto parts stores accept it for free.

Warm vs. Cold Engine Oil Change

When it comes to changing your oil, it is generally recommended to do so when the engine is warm. This is because warm oil is thinner and flows more easily, draining out faster and more completely. Warm oil also keeps contaminants suspended, increasing the chances that they will be expelled during the draining process.

Today's high-tech OHC engines hold oil in many more places than older engines, so it is important to have warm, thin oil to ensure it escapes from all the upper-end crevices. Warm oil changes are especially important if your oil pan is made of aluminum, as aluminum loses strength with heat and is easier to strip when warm.

However, if your engine has aluminum components and the oil is extremely hot, it may be safer to let it cool down a bit before draining, as aluminum loses strength more quickly than steel at high temperatures. Additionally, if your engine has been sitting for a long time (several weeks or more), it may be better to drain the oil cold, as this will allow more time for the oil and any contaminants to settle at the bottom of the oil pan.

In general, though, warm oil changes are preferred, as they are more effective at removing old oil and contaminants and are safer for engines with many oil-holding crevices. Warm oil changes are also more convenient in cold weather, as the oil is easier to work with and less likely to cause messes.

Drain oil first or remove oil filter first?

When it comes to changing the oil pan on your 2007 Suburban, there are a few different approaches you can take regarding the order in which you drain the oil and remove the oil filter. Some people prefer to drain the oil first, while others remove the oil filter first. Here is a detailed discussion on the topic to help guide you through the process:

Draining Oil First:

• This approach is often taken to prevent oil spillage. By draining the oil first, you ensure that most of the oil comes out through the drain plug, reducing the amount of oil released when the filter is removed.
• It can be a good idea to let the engine warm up before draining the oil, as this makes the oil thinner and allows contaminants to be suspended in the oil, rather than settling at the bottom of the oil pan.
• While the oil is draining, you can prepare your tools, get the new oil filter ready, and even check other components of your vehicle, such as belts, fluid levels, and tires.
• Once the oil has drained, you can remove the oil filter. Be careful when removing the filter, as it may still contain some oil, especially if you didn't let the oil drain for long enough.
• After replacing the oil filter, you can then replace the drain plug and refill the engine with new oil.

Removing Oil Filter First:

• Removing the oil filter first can be advantageous if the filter is in a hard-to-reach place or if you want to let the oil drain while you prepare other things.
• By removing the filter first, you open up another air inlet, which can help the old oil drain from the pump assembly more effectively.
• Removing the filter first can also allow you to work on cooling down the filter, as it can get quite hot during operation.
• However, removing the filter first may result in more oil spillage, as the oil queued up for the filter will drain out when it is removed. It is a good idea to have a catch pan ready to collect the runoff.
• After removing the filter, you can then drain the oil pan and replace the drain plug before refilling the engine with new oil.

General Tips:

• It is important to have a catch pan or container ready to collect the drained oil. Make sure it is large enough to capture all the oil and placed on a level surface.
• Before starting, remove the oil filler cap to allow air to enter and facilitate the draining process.
• When removing the oil filter, be careful not to use too much force, especially if it is a cartridge-type filter, as they can be prone to breaking.
• Always dispose of the used motor oil properly. Many auto parts stores accept used oil for free, so you can take it there for disposal.
• After refilling the engine with new oil, make sure to check for leaks at the drain plug and filter. Start the engine and let it run for a while, then recheck the oil level and add more oil if necessary.

In conclusion, whether you drain the oil first or remove the oil filter first is a matter of personal preference and the specific circumstances of your vehicle. Both methods will effectively change the oil, so choose the one that you are most comfortable with or that best suits your vehicle's needs.

Oil filter wrenches

When choosing an oil filter wrench, it is important to select one that is compatible with the size and type of your oil filter. Oil filter wrenches are typically adjustable to fit a range of filter sizes, with some designed specifically for certain makes and models of vehicles, such as Toyota, Lexus, Honda, BMW, Volvo, Mercedes, Porsche, VW, Audi, Land Rover, and Jaguar.

There are several types of oil filter wrenches available, including:

• Strap wrenches: These use a strap to tighten around the oil filter and turn it.
• Socket or cap wrenches: These have a specific size and shape to fit over the top of the oil filter, often with a 1/4" drive for a socket wrench.
• Pliers or plier-style wrenches: These grip the oil filter like a pair of pliers and can be adjusted to fit different sizes.
• Swivel wrenches: These have a swivel head that allows you to turn the oil filter without removing the wrench.
• Band-style wrenches: These use a metal band to tighten around the oil filter, often coming in sets of multiple sizes.

Some examples of oil filter wrenches include:

• Steelman Tools offers a variety of oil filter wrenches, including socket-style wrenches, pliers, and swivel wrenches. Their products range in price from $11.99 to $39.99.
• Amazon offers a wide selection of oil filter wrenches from various brands, including WORKPRO, BILITOOLS, Spurtar, Lisle, HORUSDY, ELEAD, BETOOLL, Toolwiz, WETT, DURATECH, and GEARWRENCH. Prices range from $4.99 to $43.55, with many options offering free delivery on orders over $35.
• Motivx Tools offers oil filter wrenches compatible with a variety of vehicle brands, including Toyota, Lexus, Honda, BMW, Volvo, Mercedes, Land Rover, and Jaguar. Their wrenches are priced at $29.95 each.

Oil disposal

It is important to dispose of used motor oil properly. Auto parts stores normally accept it free of charge, but do not put it out with your garbage.

In Chicago, used cooking oil and grease can be tricky to dispose of. They shouldn't be poured down the drain because they clog pipes, and they shouldn't be tossed in compost bins because they can attract rodents and slow the composting process.

If the oil was used at low heat, you might be able to reuse it once or twice. Just strain it through a coffee filter and give it a sniff to make sure it hasn't gone rancid. Store oil you plan on reusing in an airtight container in a dark place. Reuse within a month or two, and if it looks cloudy or smells off, don't use it.

Another option is to donate your used oil. Loyola University Chicago accepts used oil and processes it into biofuel. This clean-burning fuel can be used in any vehicle that takes traditional diesel. Leftover materials from the process are used to make soaps that are sold and used on campus.

If you choose not to reuse or recycle your oil, you can store hot oil in a container, like a glass jar or a metal can. Once cooled, it's safe to place in the trash.

Oil pan damage

An oil pan can become damaged from debris on the road or from an accident. The oil pan can leak if it sustains impact damage, which is more likely if the oil pan is made from cast aluminium than if it is made from stamped steel. Damage to the pan usually results in a hole or crack.

There are several symptoms of a leaking oil pan:

• A puddle of oil under your vehicle
• A greasy oil pan and exhaust system after driving
• Low oil levels
• A burning smell coming from the engine compartment

It is not recommended to drive with a cracked oil pan as it is detrimental to your engine’s health. However, if you need to drive before replacing the pan, make sure to top up your oil frequently and do not exceed the 10-mile mark.

There are some quick fixes for a leaking oil pan, such as replacing the drain plug or installing a new gasket. However, in most cases, you will need to replace the oil pan gasket or the oil pan itself.

Frequently asked questions