Changing Oil Pan: 07 Subaru Step-By-Step Guide

Changing the oil pan on a 2007 Subaru can be a challenging task, but with the right tools and careful execution, it is certainly achievable. The process involves jacking up the engine, removing the subframe, and dealing with hard-to-reach bolts. It is recommended to use a gasket sealant like RTV or silicone and to ensure all surfaces are clean and oil-free for a leak-free seal. Some owners opt for an aftermarket oil pan, such as the Killer B Motorsport Pickup Tube, to address known issues with the stock oil pickup tube. This guide will walk you through the steps to successfully change the oil pan on your 2007 Subaru.

Jack up the engine and use a 1/4 drive 10mm swivel socket to reach the rear bolts

Jacking up the engine is a necessary step in changing the oil pan of a Subaru. This is because you need to access the rear bolts of the oil pan, which are difficult to reach unless the engine is raised.

To jack up the engine safely, you will need to place your jacks in a safe area that holds the car stable without interfering with the work area. You can also use the factory U-brace. Additionally, you may need to remove the engine mount bolts and slightly jack up the engine. This will provide you with the necessary clearance to access the rear bolts.

Once the engine is securely jacked up, you can use a 1/4 drive 10mm swivel socket to reach and remove the rear bolts of the oil pan. The swivel socket is an essential tool in this process as it allows you to access tight spaces and reach the bolts at an angle. The compact joint of the swivel socket rotates smoothly and continuously at up to a 55-degree angle, providing the flexibility needed to work in the confined space.

When removing the bolts, remember to be cautious and watch your fingers. It is important to ensure that the engine is securely supported and will not drop. Take your time and work carefully to avoid any injuries or complications.

After removing the rear bolts with the swivel socket, you can proceed with the rest of the oil pan removal process, including breaking the gasket seal and separating the oil pan from the engine block. Remember to refer to a comprehensive guide on changing the oil pan of a 2007 Subaru for the full procedure.

Remove the jacking plate

Removing the jacking plate is a crucial step in changing the oil pan of a 2007 Subaru. The jacking plate is located beneath the transmission, and removing it will give you access to the oil pan bolts. Here is a detailed guide on how to remove the jacking plate:

First, locate the jacking plate. It is situated under the transmission, towards the bottom of the engine. You will need to lie down on your back and look upwards to spot it. The jacking plate is attached to the engine and transmission, and it provides support and stability to the entire assembly.

Once you have located the jacking plate, gather the required tools. For this step, you will need a socket wrench and a set of sockets in the following sizes: 12mm and 14mm. Ensure that your wrench is set to a clockwise rotation to tighten and an anti-clockwise rotation to loosen.

Now, let's begin the removal process:

• Identify the bolts holding the jacking plate in place. There should be two 12mm bolts with nuts at the front, two 12mm bolts at the rear, and four 14mm nuts on the sides.
• Start by loosening and removing the front bolts and nuts. Use your 12mm socket to engage the bolts while turning the wrench in an anti-clockwise direction to loosen them. Once they are loose enough, remove them by hand and set them aside in a safe place.
• Next, move to the rear bolts. Using the same 12mm socket, loosen and remove these bolts in the same manner as the front ones. Ensure that you keep them separate from the front bolts, as you will need to reassemble them in the correct order.
• Finally, address the four 14mm nuts on the sides. These may be a bit more challenging to access, so take your time and ensure you have a steady grip. Again, loosen and remove them by hand and keep them organized.
• With all the bolts and nuts removed, the jacking plate should now be free. Carefully lift and remove the jacking plate from the engine compartment. Set it aside in a safe place, as you will need to reinstall it later.

By following these steps, you will have successfully removed the jacking plate, providing you with the necessary access to proceed with changing the oil pan of your 2007 Subaru. Remember to keep the removed parts organized to facilitate a smooth reassembly process.

Remove the subframe

To remove the subframe from your 2007 Subaru, you will need to first soak the bolts in a penetrating oil such as PB Blaster. This will help to loosen the bolts and make them easier to remove. The subframe is secured by several bolts of different sizes, including:

• 19mm bolts
• 12mm bolts (x6)
• 14mm bolts (x4)

After applying the penetrating oil, wait for about 5 minutes to allow it to soak in. Then, using the appropriate size socket and ratchet, remove all of the bolts securing the subframe. With the bolts removed, you can now carefully lower and remove the subframe from the vehicle. It is recommended to have an assistant to help support the subframe during this process, as it may be heavy and awkward to handle alone.

Once the subframe is removed, you can proceed with replacing or repairing the oil pan as needed. Remember to keep your workspace organised and safely dispose of any fluids or materials in accordance with local regulations.

Remove the front oxygen sensor

To remove the front oxygen sensor from a 2007 Subaru, follow these steps:

Firstly, locate the front oxygen sensor in the exhaust manifold. The correct way to remove it is to unplug the clip, unhook it from the metal mount, and then pull the wire through the fender-well. This ensures that the wire is not stretched or twisted as you unscrew the sensor.

Next, you will need the correct O2 sensor socket, a 6-point socket will work. Remove the wheel if you need more room or leverage. It is important not to get frustrated and force the sensor, as this can damage the threads in the bung. If the sensor is very stuck, try applying a penetrating oil like PB Blaster and leaving it for a few minutes. You can also try gently tapping the sensor with a hammer and punch to loosen it.

If the sensor is still not budging, you may need to use a breaker bar or an impact gun. Be aware that using an impact gun can damage the sensor, so it is best to use a breaker bar if possible. If the sensor is rounded and will not grip with the socket, you may need to use a vise grip or a pipe wrench to remove it.

Once the sensor is removed, you can install a new one. Make sure to use a small amount of anti-seize lubricant on the threads to prevent the sensor from seizing in the future.

Use a torque wrench to tighten bolts

When changing the oil pan on a 2007 Subaru, it is important to use a torque wrench to tighten bolts to the correct torque setting. This will ensure that the bolts are tightened securely, without being over-tightened, which could strip or break them and cause further issues.

To use a torque wrench, first loosen the locking knob at the end of the wrench's handle by twisting it counter-clockwise. This will allow you to adjust the torque setting. Locate the torque measurements, usually in foot pounds or meter kilograms, printed on the wrench. These will be in the form of horizontal hash marks, with vertical marks on the top dial of the handle for making more precise adjustments.

Adjust the torque setting by turning the handle until the top edge lines up with the nearest torque measurement. Then, twist the top dial to make more precise adjustments. For example, if you need a torque setting of 145 lb-ft, and the hash marks are in increments of 10, turn the handle until the top edge lines up with the 140 lb-ft mark. Then, turn the dial to 5 lb-ft.

Once you have adjusted the torque setting, screw the locking knob back in to secure it. Attach a socket that matches the size of the bolt you are tightening to the head of the wrench. Screw the bolt on by hand until it is tight, then fit the wrench's socket over the bolt. Turn the handle clockwise to tighten the bolt. Continue until you hear a click or feel resistance, which indicates that you have reached the correct torque setting.

It is important to note that torque wrenches are only for tightening bolts. To loosen bolts, you will need to use a different tool, such as a socket wrench. Additionally, always dial the wrench back to 0 before putting it away, as leaving it at a higher torque setting can affect the calibration over time.

Frequently asked questions