Oil Pan or Rear main seal

3dmasters

Test Drive
Location
California
Hello All Xterra gear heads :) Also a 1988 pathfinder owner :)

I wanted to give out a shout and say hello to everyone and start right in with some advice for making
repairs to my newly bought 2001 Nissan Xterra.

Removed the metal skid-plates to find a really bad oil leak from either the rear main seal or the oil pan.

First question,
I am wanting to know if I can replace the oil pan gasket while in the xterra or do i need to take the engine out of her?

Second question, If my rear main seal was leaking wouldn't i start to get clutch slip.

Thanks,
 

3dmasters

Test Drive
Location
California
Update,
It's looking 90% the rear main seal. Has anyone on the site replaced the rear main seal. Need some tips on removal. What to remove pictures even better. thanks
 

harryron

The Grumpiest of Mid-Westerners
Location
ohio
Update,
It's looking 90% the rear main seal. Has anyone on the site replaced the rear main seal. Need some tips on removal. What to remove pictures even better. thanks
To change your rear main seal your going to have to either drop your transmission or lift the engine some so you have some room to change it. If you end up pulling the engine you might as well do the oil pan gasket and spark plugs while out.
 

3dmasters

Test Drive
Location
California
To change your rear main seal your going to have to either drop your transmission or lift the engine some so you have some room to change it. If you end up pulling the engine you might as well do the oil pan gasket and spark plugs while out.
Thanks for the response,
I will pick removing the trans.

What do i need to remove,

both drive lines,
Do i need to remove the front diff?
Trans cross member
To
How much of the exhaust system do i need to remove?
All electrical connections to the trans
torsion bars cross bar.

Please let me know if i have missed anything or have tips to remove anything that was difficult you can remember.

thanks,
 

Prime

Shut up Baby, I know it!
Admin
Location
Denver Adjacent
Thank you this is what i needed. This is the best picture tutorial i have seen for this process.

What is the best way to support the engine while pulling the trans. Do you have any pictures for that?

Thanks again for the awesome xterra link.
The engine should still be attached to the motor mounts in the front. So it won't go anywhere.
 

3dmasters

Test Drive
Location
California
Hello Nissan Team,
I have removed the engine because the oil pan was leaking as well.


Now my crankshaft timing gear is rusted on there. I have been spring PB blaster on the gear for 5 days.
At this point i either need to drill and tap the gear or cut it off. I have never had to do this on VG30 engine.

Has anyone here had to do this on the site before?

Thanks,
 
Top