Removing Oil Pan From A 2005 Toyota 4Runner: Step-By-Step Guide

If you want to remove the oil pan from your 2005 Toyota 4Runner, you'll first need to decide whether to attempt the job yourself or take it to a garage. If you're doing it yourself, you'll need to jack up the truck, unbolt the front driveshaft, and remove the bolts from the differential mounts and the differential cradle. You'll also need to unbolt the steering dampener. Once you've done this, you can slide the oil pan out. Be sure to place a drain pan underneath the truck to catch the oil. If you're taking your 4Runner to a garage, you can expect to pay between $352 and $415 for the repair.

Remove skid plate and oil filter

To remove the skid plate and oil filter of a 2005 Toyota 4 Runner, follow these steps:

First, locate the four 12 mm hex bolts holding the skid plate to the chassis. Support the skid plate with one hand and use a 12 mm socket wrench to turn the four bolts counter-clockwise until they come out. Be cautious and alert while removing the skid plate. It or any debris trapped inside may fall on you.

Now, lower the skid plate from the underside of the truck and set it aside.

Locate the oil filter. It is on the driver's side of the oil pan and above the steering linkages.

Slide the oil drain pan below the oil filter so that it will catch any oil that drips down when the oil filter is removed.

Turn the oil filter counter-clockwise by hand until it comes off the engine's oil filter threads. If the filter is too tight to turn by hand, use an oil filter wrench.

Lower the oil filter out of the engine bay with the threaded end facing up to reduce the amount of oil spilled. Place the oil filter into the oil drain pan with its open end facing down.

Drain the oil

Draining the oil

Before you begin, apply the parking brake. The parking brake is located below the left side of the driver's console. Push it down until it is fully engaged.

You will need a 14 mm box end wrench or socket wrench to loosen the oil drain plug. The drain plug is underneath the truck in the middle of the plate after the skid plate. Place an oil drain pan under the oil drain plug to catch the oil.

Always wear protective gloves and eyewear when working with motor oil. Keep rags or towels nearby to wipe up any spills. If your car has been running recently, be careful as the engine, transmission, and exhaust may be very hot.

Loosen the oil drain plug by turning it counter-clockwise with the wrench until you can turn it by hand. Finish removing the oil drain plug by hand to allow the oil to drain.

As the oil is draining, watch for shiny specks. These may be metal flakes, which could mean there is a serious problem with your engine internals.

Once the oil has slowed to a drip, put the oil drain plug back into its hole and turn it clockwise by hand as far as possible. Then, continue tightening the drain plug with the wrench until it is snug. Do not over-tighten the oil drain plug, as this may strip the threads or crack the oil pan.

Remove the oil pan

To remove the oil pan from a 2005 Toyota 4 Runner, follow these steps:

First, ensure you have the necessary tools and safety equipment. This includes protective gloves and eyewear, rags or towels, and the appropriate wrenches or socket wrenches.

Next, locate the oil drain plug and place an oil drain pan underneath it. The drain plug is underneath the truck in the middle of the plate after the skid plate. Be sure to position the drain pan so it will catch the oil.

Use the appropriate wrench to loosen the oil drain plug by turning it counter-clockwise. Finish removing the plug by hand to allow the oil to drain. Clean the drain plug and gasket, inspecting them for damage, and replace if necessary.

Once the oil has drained, put the oil drain plug back into its hole and turn it clockwise by hand, then with a wrench until it is snug. Do not over-tighten, as this may damage the oil pan. Wipe off any remaining oil with a clean rag.

Now, locate and remove the skid plate. Support it with one hand and use a socket wrench to remove the bolts. Be cautious, as the skid plate may fall.

With the skid plate removed, you can now access the oil filter. Locate the oil filter and place an oil drain pan underneath it. Turn the oil filter counter-clockwise by hand to remove it, using an oil filter wrench if necessary. Lower the oil filter with the threaded end facing up to reduce spills.

Clean the engine's oil filter gasket face with a rag. Spread a thin layer of oil onto the gasket of the new oil filter, then fill the oil filter 1/3 of the way with new oil. Place the threaded end of the new oil filter onto the engine, turning it clockwise by hand until snug. Do not over-tighten.

Finally, reinstall the skid plate. Put it into place and support it with one hand while reinserting the bolts with the other. Use the socket wrench to tighten the bolts until they are snug.

Now you have successfully removed the oil pan from your 2005 Toyota 4 Runner and replaced the oil filter. Remember to dispose of your old oil and filter responsibly at a recycling facility or auto repair shop.

Clean the engine block

To clean the engine block of your 2005 Toyota 4Runner, you will need a garden hose or a high-pressure water hose, a degreaser (such as Simple Green, Engine Brite or Gumout), a bristled brush, toothbrush, or wash wand, and an engine bay protectant.

Step 1: Hose Down the Engine Bay

Start by using a light spray of water to hose down the engine, removing any mud and other dirt particles. If the deposits are stubborn, apply a degreaser to the entire surface of the engine bay, paying close attention to those areas. Allow the degreaser to work for several minutes, and use a toothbrush or bristled brush to scrub away any remaining deposits. Finally, rinse off the engine with water or wipe it clean with a microfiber cloth, ensuring that all the degreaser is removed.

Step 2: Keep the Hood Open

After hosing down the engine, you have two options for drying it. You can either leave the hood open and allow the engine bay to air dry, or you can use a microfiber cloth to towel dry it.

Step 3: Apply Engine Bay Protectant

Once the engine bay is clean and dry, it is important to apply an engine bay protectant to protect the engine and surrounding components from corrosion and rust. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper usage and application of the protectant.

Additionally, if you are experiencing an oil leak from your 2005 Toyota 4Runner, you may need to remove the oil pan to access and replace the oil pan gasket or seal. This can be done by following these steps:

• Drain the antifreeze and remove the radiator.
• Disconnect the air filter housing, MAF, intake hose, vacuum hoses, fuel line, throttle, and transmission cables.
• Disconnect the power steering pump and set it aside.
• Unmount the AC compressor and set it aside.
• Disconnect the engine wire harness from the ECM and snake it through the firewall.
• Remove the bolts connecting the downpipe to the exhaust manifold.
• Remove the torque converter bolts and engine transmission bell housing bolts.
• Unbolt the engine mounts.
• Use an engine hoist to lift and remove the engine.
• With the engine removed, you can now access the oil pan and replace the gasket or seal.

Apply new oil pan gasket

To apply a new oil pan gasket, you will need to purchase a new gasket and any necessary sealants. The type of gasket and sealant you need will depend on the types of metals they are intended to seal. Name-brand gaskets typically come with any necessary sealants.

Before installing the new gasket, you must clean the oil pan and the engine mounting surfaces. Use a scraper to gently remove any old gasket material, then wipe both surfaces clean and let them dry.

Next, apply a thin film of RTV to the oil pan mounting surface and let it set for a few minutes. Then, apply the new gasket to the surface, applying even pressure all around. You can use wire to keep the gasket in place while you loosely install a few of the oil pan bolts. Once the gasket is in place, insert the rest of the bolts and tighten them to the manufacturer's specifications.

Finally, refill the oil pan with engine oil and check for leaks. Start the vehicle and let it run for a minute, then turn it off and check the oil level. Top off the oil if needed, then start the vehicle again and let it warm up. Check for leaks after the vehicle has warmed up and again after it has been driven.

Frequently asked questions