Replacing Oil Pan On 2007 Cr-V: Step-By-Step Guide

Replacing the oil pan on a 2007 Honda CR-V can be a challenging task. While some may consider it a simple job, others have found it frustrating. The oil pan is located at the bottom of the engine and is bolted to the engine block. To replace it, you will need to drain the oil, remove the oil pan bolts, and separate the oil pan from the block. In some cases, you may need to raise the engine or remove the subframe for better access. This process can take around 4 hours and requires careful handling to avoid damaging other components. The cost of replacing an oil pan on a Honda CR-V typically ranges from $654 to $735, including parts and labour.

Removing the engine or subframe

To replace the oil pan on a 2007 Honda CR-V, it is necessary to remove the engine or subframe. This is due to the engine mount being attached to the oil pan, requiring the detachment of an engine mount from the engine.

Removing the Engine:

• Secure the hood as open as possible.
• Disconnect the negative terminal, then the positive terminal of the battery. Remove the battery.
• Remove the strut brace.
• Disconnect the battery cables from the under-hood fuse/relay box and battery positive terminal.
• Disconnect the connectors from the ECM/PCM.
• Disconnect the main wire harness connector.
• Remove the air intake duct and air cleaner housing, resonator, and intake air duct. Disconnect the intake air temperature (IAT) sensor connector.
• Disconnect the engine wire harness connector on the left side of the engine compartment.
• Relieve fuel pressure.
• Remove the EVAP control canister hose and fuel feed hose.
• Remove the brake booster vacuum hose, fuel return hose, and vacuum hose.
• Remove the throttle cable by loosening the locknut, then slip the cable end out of the accelerator linkage. Take care not to bend the cable.
• Disconnect the connectors from the PCM.
• Remove the grommet and wire harness clamps, then pull out the ECM/PCM connectors.
• Remove the mounting bolt and lock bolt, then remove the power steering pump belt and pump.
• Loosen the idler pulley center nut and adjusting bolt, then remove the air conditioning compressor belt.
• Remove the transmission ground cable and hose clamp.
• Remove the clutch slave cylinder and line/hose assembly (M/T).
• Remove the shift cable (CVT).
• Disconnect the power steering pressure switch connector, and remove the wire harness clamp.
• Remove the radiator cap. (Use caution if the car is hot.)
• Remove the front tires/wheels and splash shield.
• Drain the engine coolant, transmission fluid, and engine oil. Reinstall the drain plugs using new washers.
• Remove the shift rod and extension rod (shift linkage).
• Remove the AC Compressor.
• Remove the catalytic converter/exhaust pipe.
• Remove the damper forks.
• Disconnect the suspension lower arm ball joints.
• Remove the driveshafts.
• Remove the upper and lower radiator hoses and heater hoses.
• Attach the chain hoist to the engine.
• Remove the left, right, and rear mount brackets.
• Remove the transmission mount bracket, then remove the transmission mount.
• Check that the engine/transmission is completely free of vacuum hoses, fuel and coolant hoses, and electrical wiring.
• Slowly raise the engine and remove it from the car.

Removing the Subframe:

• Remove the wheels and place the car on jack stands.
• Remove the brake callipers, rotors, and suspension components.
• Disconnect any brake lines and wiring attached to the subframe.
• Loosen and remove the bolts holding the subframe in place.
• Carefully lower the subframe, as it is heavy and awkward to handle.

Note: It is important to follow safety precautions and ensure the vehicle is secure and will not roll off stands during the process. Mark and label all wiring and hoses to avoid misconnection.

Drain the engine oil

To drain the engine oil, follow these steps:

First, use jacks and jack stands to lift and support your vehicle. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground and engage the parking brake. Place jack stands at the recommended lift points of your vehicle to ensure stability and safety.

Next, locate the oil tank and place an oil drain pan or container just below it to catch the drained oil. This will allow for a more contained and mess-free process.

Once the pan is in place, proceed to remove the oil tank mounting bolts. Have a suitable container or bottle ready to catch any oil that may spill during this process.

After removing the mounting bolts, carefully drain the engine oil into the pan or container. Ensure that you handle the oil with care and avoid any spillage.

At this point, you may need to loosen the old oil pan using a socket or other appropriate tool. Be gentle to avoid damaging any surrounding components.

With the oil drained, you can now proceed to the next steps of the oil pan replacement process for your 2007 CR-V. Remember to dispose of the drained oil responsibly at a designated location or recycling centre. Do not pour it down the drain or into the environment.

Remove the propeller shaft

To remove the propeller shaft from your 2007 Honda CR-V, follow these steps:

Firstly, locate the four bolts that secure the propeller shaft in place. These bolts are typically found in front of the U-joint. Once located, use the appropriate socket size to unbolt them. Depending on your model, the bolt size may vary, so it is important to check your specific vehicle.

After removing the bolts, carefully let the propeller shaft hang down. Ensure that you support the shaft to prevent it from falling and causing damage or injury. At this point, you can also choose to completely remove the propeller shaft by taking it out of the transfer case or centre differential.

If you are replacing the propeller shaft, it is important to note that simply unbolting and removing the shaft is one of the simplest steps in the process. The more complex aspects may involve working with the transmission or other components.

Additionally, be cautious when working with any vehicle, especially when it comes to tasks that require major disassembly or accessing hard-to-reach areas. Always refer to a professional repair shop if you feel uncomfortable or unsure about any part of the process.

Remove the oil pan bolts

To remove the oil pan bolts from a 2007 CR-V, you'll need to first drain the oil and remove the oil filter. This will require raising the vehicle, so it's important to use jack stands or a lift to ensure the vehicle is secure and stable.

Once the vehicle is raised, the next steps are to:

• Remove the front wheels.
• Remove the splash shield.
• Disconnect the air fuel ratio (A/F) sensor connector and secondary heated oxygen sensor (secondary HO2S) connector.
• Remove the three-way catalytic converter (TWC).
• Remove the shift cable.
• Separate the knuckles from the lower arms.
• Remove the propeller shaft.
• Remove the bolt securing the P/S fluid line bracket, and unclamp the P/S fluid line clamps on the front subframe.
• Remove the bolts securing the left and right steering gearbox mounting brackets.
• Remove the bolt securing the automatic transmission fluid (ATF) filter.
• Remove the lower torque rod.

At this point, you can now access the oil pan bolts. Before removing them, it is important to place an oil pan just below the oil tank to catch the remaining oil. Once the oil pan is in place, you can proceed to remove the oil pan bolts.

It is recommended to have a helper assist you in this process to ensure that the oil pan is securely held in place as you remove the bolts. Using a socket wrench, loosen and remove the oil pan bolts. Be sure to have a container ready to catch any remaining oil that may drain from the oil pan. With the bolts removed, you can now proceed to lift and remove the oil pan from the vehicle.

Separate the oil pan from the block

To separate the oil pan from the block of a 2007 CRV, you will first need to remove all the bolts from the oil pan. This includes the bolts that attach the engine mount to the oil pan.

Once all the bolts are removed, you can then use a tool to separate the oil pan from the block. It is important to be careful during this step to avoid damaging the oil pan or the block. Some tools that can be used include:

• A putty knife
• A flat-head screwdriver and a hammer
• A pry bar
• A wooden dowel
• A plastic lever

If you are having trouble removing the oil pan, you can try gently tapping it with a rubber mallet to loosen it. Additionally, you may need to raise the engine to access all the bolts and fully remove the oil pan.

Frequently asked questions