Removing Oil Pan On 03 Tracker: Step-By-Step Guide

To remove the oil pan on a 2003 Tracker, you will need to follow a series of steps. First, remove the oil level indicator, raise and support the vehicle, and remove the front skid plate. Next, drain the engine oil and remove the necessary bolts and brackets. Carefully remove the engine oil pan, clean the components, and install new O-rings and a gasket. Finally, refill the engine with oil and inspect for leaks and correct fluid levels.

Remove the oil level indicator

To remove the oil level indicator on a 2001 Chevy Tracker, follow these steps:

• Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting guidelines.
• Remove the front skid plate from the vehicle, if equipped.
• Remove the front axle assembly from the chassis. This step is only necessary for 4WD models.
• Remove the steering gear. Refer to Power Steering Gear Replacement guidelines.
• Drain the engine oil.

After completing these steps, you can continue with the remaining procedures to remove the oil pan on your 2001 Chevy Tracker.

Drain the engine oil

To drain the engine oil from a 2003 Tracker, follow these steps:

First, jack up the front of the vehicle and place it on jack stands. Set the parking brake and block the rear wheels. Removing the front wheels will give you better access. Next, drain the engine oil. This is fundamental as you will be removing the oil pan. Then, drain the oil from the front differential to prevent spills later.

Now, remove the driver's side stub axle by taking out the three bolts. Index the axle stub so that it can be replaced in the proper location. Drop the front drive shaft by removing the four bolts that attach the shaft to the front differential. Index the drive shaft so that it can be replaced in the same location. Do not pull the front prop shaft or transfer case lube, as this will empty to the floor.

Remove the centre differential mount by taking out the two bolts holding the mount to the centre cross brace. Place a floor jack under the front differential and lift it just enough to take the stress off the mounts. Remove the four bolts that serve as mounts for the driver's side of the differential, and then the three bolts that serve as mounts for the passenger side.

Now, lower the floor jack and slide the differential towards the driver's side, sliding the passenger side axle stub out of the differential. Remove the vent tube from the top of the differential. Then, remove the transmission cover plate, held on with two bolts, one on either side.

Finally, remove the bolts that hold the oil pan to the cylinder block. There are also two nuts on the front corners of the oil pan, remove these as well. The oil pan can now be removed.

Remove the skid plate and axle assembly

To remove the skid plate and axle assembly of a 2003 Tracker, follow these steps:

Firstly, you will need to raise the vehicle and secure it safely. This will allow you to access the undercarriage and axle. Consult a professional or a repair manual for your Tracker if you are unsure about how to do this safely. Once the vehicle is raised, you can begin the removal process.

The skid plate is a protective cover for the undercarriage and axle assembly. It is usually bolted on, so you will need to remove these bolts with the appropriate tools. Make sure you have a clear and well-lit workspace to find all the bolts and avoid any damage to the vehicle.

After removing the skid plate, you can access the axle assembly. The process for removing the axle will depend on whether your Tracker is a 4x4 or rear-wheel drive. For a 4x4, you will need to:

• Disconnect the parking brake cable and position it out of the way.
• Disconnect the rear anti-lock brake sensor.
• If present, disconnect the sway bar at the sway links.
• Disconnect the shock absorbers at the axle.
• Disconnect the hydraulic brake hose and axle vent hose at the crossmember, and plug the openings to prevent fluid loss.
• Support the axle with a jack, as the nose will drop when you loosen the U-bolts.
• Remove the U-bolt nuts, spring seat caps, and U-bolts.
• Carefully lower and remove the axle.

For a rear-wheel-drive Tracker, the process will be similar but may vary depending on the specific model. Consult a repair manual or a mechanic for the exact procedure.

Remember to work safely and securely when performing any vehicle maintenance or repairs.

Remove the steering gear

To remove the steering gear on a 2001 Chevy Tracker, follow these steps:

First, remove the oil level indicator. Next, raise and support the vehicle. Then, remove the front skid plate from the vehicle (if equipped). After that, remove the front axle assembly from the chassis (4WD only). Now, you can remove the steering gear.

Please note that this process may vary slightly depending on the specific make and model of your vehicle. Always refer to a qualified mechanic or a factory service manual for detailed instructions specific to your vehicle.

Remove the flywheel cover

To remove the flywheel cover on a 2003 Tracker, follow these steps:

First, make sure you have the right tools for the job. You will need a rubber mallet, a screwdriver, and a pry bar or a similar prying tool. It is also recommended that you wear safety gear, including gloves and eye protection.

Next, locate the flywheel cover and the five to six bolts holding it in place. Start by removing these bolts with your screwdriver. Be sure to check behind any brackets to make sure you have them all.

Once the bolts are removed, you will need to break the gasket adhesion. Place your screwdriver halfway into one of the bolt holes and gently pry against the cover. You don't need a lot of force for this step. Focus on one side at a time and gently work your way around the cover until the silicone seal breaks. Remember to pry towards you and not sideways, as there are two dowel pins aligning the cover.

If the flywheel cover still doesn't come off, try tapping it gently with a rubber mallet.

Finally, carefully lift the flywheel cover away from the engine. Be cautious, as the oil pan contact surface of the lower cylinder block is delicate and can be easily damaged.

Frequently asked questions