Removing Oil Pan From '07 Nitro: Step-By-Step Guide

Removing the oil pan from a 2007 Nitro can be a challenging task. It is recommended to have a service manual to guide you through the process. The first steps involve loosening the engine mount through bolts, raising the engine, and then the vehicle. Next, you'll need to remove the oil pan bolts and separate the oil pan from the engine. It may be stuck, so you might need to use a rubber hammer to break it free. Then, remove the nuts and bolts holding the oil pump pick-up tube and windage tray. Finally, you'll need to move the oil pan from side to side to gain access to these fasteners and drop the assembly from the front of the vehicle. Some people suggest that dropping the front axle is necessary to complete this job.

Loosen engine mount through bolts

To loosen the engine mount through bolts of a 2007 Nitro, you will need to follow these steps:

First, loosen the two engine mount through bolts. You can do this by using a long extension and a universal joint. Make sure you have the correct socket size for the bolts, as well as a ratchet that can reach the bolts. If there is not enough space to work, you may need to remove some plastic panels to access the bolts more easily.

Once the bolts are loosened, you can then raise the engine. Place a block of wood under the oil pan and use a jack to raise the engine until the viscous fan almost touches the fan shroud. Ensure that you do not jack the engine directly by the oil pan, as it will bend and rupture.

After the engine is raised, you can then proceed with removing the oil pan bolts and separating the oil pan from the engine. Be sure to also remove the nuts and bolts holding the oil pump pickup tube and windage tray in place. You will need to move the oil pan from side to side to access these fasteners.

Finally, drop the oil pump pickup tube into the oil pan and remove the assembly from the front of the vehicle.

It is important to note that some people have suggested that dropping the front axle may be necessary to complete this task. However, others have achieved it without doing so. Therefore, it is recommended to assess the situation and make a judgement call based on your specific vehicle and circumstances.

Raise the engine until the fan almost touches the fan shroud

To remove the oil pan from a 2007 Nitro, you will need to raise the engine until the viscous fan almost touches the fan shroud. This is a crucial step to gain access to the oil pan bolts and other components. Here is a detailed guide on how to do this safely and effectively:

First, loosen both engine mount through bolts. These bolts hold the engine in place, and loosening them will allow you to raise the engine. Be sure to only loosen them enough to gain the necessary movement; do not remove them completely. Once loosened, use a jack or hoist to raise the engine slowly and carefully. You will know you have reached the correct height when the viscous fan is almost touching the fan shroud. This step requires caution, as raising the engine too high may cause damage to other components.

Once the engine is raised, the next step is to raise the vehicle. This will provide you with the necessary clearance to work underneath and access the oil pan. Ensure that the vehicle is securely supported on jack stands or ramps before proceeding.

With the engine and vehicle raised, you can now access the oil pan bolts and begin the process of removing the oil pan. Remember to have a drip pan or container ready to catch any remaining oil that may drain from the pan. Now, follow these steps:

• Remove the oil pan bolts: Use the appropriate socket or wrench to remove the bolts that secure the oil pan to the engine. Depending on your vehicle's configuration, you may need to remove other components or move things aside to access all the bolts. Take note of their locations and sizes for reassembly.
• Separate the oil pan from the engine: With the bolts removed, carefully pry or pull the oil pan away from the engine block. It may be sealed with residual gasket material, so use a putty knife or similar tool if necessary to gently separate it without damaging the mating surfaces.
• Access the oil pump pickup tube and windage tray: With the oil pan loose, you will need to move it from side to side to access the fasteners holding the oil pump pickup tube and windage tray in place. These components are located inside the oil pan and may require some maneuvering to access.
• Remove the oil pump pickup tube, windage tray, and oil pan as an assembly: After removing the fasteners, carefully lower the oil pump pickup tube into the oil pan. You can now remove the oil pan, pickup tube, and windage tray as one assembly from the front of the vehicle. This step may require some wiggling and maneuvering, as there may be limited space.

Remember to work slowly and carefully throughout this process. Removing the oil pan can be a challenging task, and it is important to ensure that you do not damage any other components or cause injuries. Always refer to a reputable repair manual or seek the assistance of a qualified mechanic if you are unsure about any steps.

Remove oil pan bolts

To remove the oil pan bolts from a 2007 Nitro, you will first need to loosen both engine mount through bolts. Next, raise the engine until the viscous fan almost touches the fan shroud. Now, raise the vehicle.

At this point, you can remove the oil pan bolts. However, the pan may be stuck to the engine, so you may need to hit it with a rubber hammer to break it loose. Once the bolts are removed, separate the oil pan from the engine.

Separate the oil pan from the engine

To separate the oil pan from the engine of a 2007 Nitro, you will first need to loosen both engine mount through bolts. Then, raise the engine until the viscous fan almost touches the fan shroud. Now, raise the vehicle.

The oil pan will sometimes be stuck to the engine, so you may need to hit it with a rubber hammer a few times to break it loose.

Next, remove the oil pan bolts. You may need to use a putty knife, scraper, or pry bar to break free the seal/gasket that is bonding the oil pan to the engine block.

Now, remove the nuts and bolts holding the oil pump pick-up tube and windage tray in place. Move the oil pan from side to side to gain access to these fasteners.

Finally, drop the oil pump pick-up tube into the oil pan and remove the oil pan, pick-up tube, and windage tray as an assembly from the front of the vehicle.

Remove nuts and bolts holding the oil pump pick-up tube

To remove the nuts and bolts holding the oil pump pick-up tube, you must first loosen both engine mount through bolts. Then, raise the engine until the viscous fan almost touches the fan shroud. Once the engine is raised, you can remove the nuts and bolts holding the oil pump pick-up tube. It may be necessary to move the oil pan from side to side to gain access to these fasteners. After removing the nuts and bolts, drop the oil pump pick-up tube into the oil pan.

• Loosen both engine mount through bolts.
• Raise the engine until the viscous fan almost touches the fan shroud.
• Raise the vehicle.
• Remove the oil pan bolts.
• Separate the oil pan from the engine.
• Remove the nuts and bolt holding the oil pump pick-up tube, and windage tray in place. You may need to move the oil pan from side to side to access these fasteners.
• Drop the oil pump pick-up tube into the oil pan.
• Remove the oil pan, pick-up tube, and windage tray as an assembly from the front of the vehicle.

Frequently asked questions