oil pan removal

[suzu]

Does any one here know how to remove the oil pan, i have a 2009 sx4 awd. and the pan leaks oil. i took out a bunch of the bolts for the oil pan but a few are completely blocked by the transfer case. is there any other way of doing this than taking out the transfer? i took off the exhaust as it was in the way too.

[Schultzey]

I know it seems like it is tough to get the bolts out around the transfer case out but you can remove the oil pan bolts by using a small extension, socket, and socket wrench. You have to put the socket above the transfer case and bring the extension to the socket to remove the bolt. I have done this a couple time now with the transfer case in place on an 07 and 08.

[gtemkin]

I've done the same. I bought a cheap 1/4" drive socket set (Harbor Freight) and ground down the height of the 10mm socket to the minimum needed to engage the hex head bolt. This allowed it to fully seat on the head of the bolt and then I partially engaged an extension into the socket at a slight angle to be able to drive it.

The factory sealant used to hold the pan on is pretty strong stuff. if you have a problem when you get to that point, I might have some suggestions. - G

[MrsSilenceDoGood]

Hell, you got them off better put new headers and much bigger oil pan with Skid plate, your half done!

[suzu]

ok i put the project on hold for a few days, and now I am trying to take it off again. there is a support or brace i guess you could call it going from one of the engine mounts to the suspension. is it ok to take this off or does the it support the engine?

[Schultzey]

It supports the engine. You don't need to remove the support brace to remove the oil pan.

[CF7]

This thread should be in "How To"..not news

[flickderis]

Did it end up working and if so, do you have any further words of advice on how to make this work without removing the transfer case?