Replacing Oil Pan Gasket: 2005 Chevy Malibu Guide

The oil pan gasket seals the surfaces between the oil pan and the lower part of the engine block. The engine's oil pan is attached to the bottom of the engine and acts as a reservoir for the engine's oil capacity. The oil pan gasket is sandwiched between the bottom of the engine block and the oil pan to keep circulating oil inside the engine. The oil pan gasket does not wear like a tire or a ball joint, but eventually, the gasket's rubber or cork will degrade to the point of leakage. To replace the oil pan gasket, the technician will drain the oil and remove the oil pan from the engine. The mating surfaces on both the engine block and the oil pan will be cleaned and a new gasket will be applied. The cost for a Chevrolet Malibu Oil Pan Gasket Replacement is on average between $219 and $507, but can vary from car to car.

Drain the engine oil

To drain the engine oil from a 2005 Chevy Malibu, follow these steps:

First, you will need to disconnect the negative cable from the battery and remove the engine oil dipstick. Next, raise the vehicle on a hoist and drain the engine oil.

Now, you can remove the bending brace to the transaxle attaching bolt. Remove the bolts attaching the dust cover to the transaxle housing and lower the dust cover to access the oil pan bolts.

At this point, you should be able to remove the oil pan screws and the oil pan itself.

It is important to clean the surfaces and apply a generous amount of sealant before reinstalling the new oil pan. Tighten the screws to the specified torque (12 Nm or 105 in. lbs. in this case).

Reinstall the dust shield and bending brace, lower the vehicle, and reinstall the oil dipstick. Finally, reconnect the negative cable to the battery, and fill the crankcase with oil to the proper level.

Remove the oil pan

To remove the oil pan from a 2005 Chevy Malibu, follow these steps:

First, you need to prepare the car. Raise and support the vehicle, then drain the engine oil. Next, remove the engine mount strut bracket and the lower AC compressor bolt. Loosen the upper AC compressor bolts.

Now you can begin to remove the oil pan itself. Remove the oil pan bolts, then carefully lift the oil pan out, clearing the boss on the transaxle.

Once the oil pan is removed, you can clean the oil pan sealing surfaces and prepare to install the new oil pan gasket.

This process can be complex and may require specialist tools. It is recommended to consult a qualified mechanic or technician if you are unsure about any of the steps.

Clean the mounting surface

To replace the oil pan gasket on a 2005 Chevy Malibu, you will need to clean the mounting surface on the lower crankcase. This is essential for any gasket or seal installation to be successful.

Firstly, make sure the mounting surface is free of oil and debris. You can use a plastic scraper to remove large amounts of oil, turning the black surface into a dirty grey one. Then, spray some detergent that breaks down oil, such as Simple Green, onto the surface and wipe it with a shop cloth or paper towel. This will help to remove any remaining oil and turn the dirty grey surface into a cleaner grey.

Next, use a razor blade or a flat blade paint removal-type scraper to clean off any old RTV or gasket residue. When using a scraper or razor blade, maintain a flat, low angle to the surface to avoid creating gouges. Avoid using the corners of the blade and do not use metal tools as they can damage the soft aluminum engine. Instead, opt for plastic or carbide scrapers.

Finally, use a clean rag to wipe down the mounting surface, ensuring it is free of lint. Rinse the engine parts with water and blow them dry. You can also use a shop vacuum to remove any remaining debris.

By thoroughly cleaning the mounting surface, you will ensure a proper seal for the new oil pan gasket.

Apply a bead of sealant

When replacing the oil pan gasket for a 2005 Chevy Malibu, it is important to apply the sealant correctly. The sealant should be applied to the engine block, not the oil pan.

Firstly, make sure that the oil pan and the mounting surface on the lower crankcase are free of oil and debris. This is important to ensure that the sealant adheres properly and creates a strong seal.

Next, apply a bead of RTV sealant around the perimeter of the oil pan and the oil suction port opening. The recommended sealant is RTV GM P/N United States 12346286, GM P/N Canada 10953472. You will need to apply a 2mm bead of this sealant, which is approximately 1/8 of an inch. Do not over-apply the sealant. More than a 2mm bead is not required.

After applying the sealant, you can install the oil pan. It is important to work quickly but carefully, as you mentioned that you don't want to mess up the sealant when installing the oil pan. Ensure that the oil pan is installed correctly and securely before proceeding.

Finally, tighten the oil pan bolts to the specified torque. For a 2005 Chevy Malibu, the oil pan bolts should be tightened to 25 Nm (18 ft-lbs).

By following these steps and allowing the sealant to cure adequately, you will create a strong and leak-free seal for your oil pan gasket.

Install the new oil pan and tighten the bolts

To install the new oil pan, first, make sure that the oil pan and mounting surface on the lower crankcase are free of all oil and debris. Next, apply a 2mm bead of RTV GM P/N United States 12346286, GM P/N Canada 10953472 around the perimeter of the oil pan and the oil suction port opening. Do not over-apply the RTV—more than a 2mm bead is not required.

Now, install the new oil pan and tighten the bolts to 25 Nm (18 ft. lbs.). Then, install the AC compressor bolts and the engine mount strut bracket. Finally, fill the engine oil to the proper level.

Frequently asked questions