How to replace the Oil Pan Gasket?

Tiny
DAISYGIRL8688
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  • 2008 ACURA MDX
  • TURBO
  • 80,000 MILES
What needs to be removed before getting to the oil pan?
Friday, February 18th, 2022 AT 7:33 PM

17 Replies

Tiny
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Hello,

In order to remove the oil pan, you will first have to remove the splash shield, exhaust pipe, the three-way catalytic converter and the torque converter cover.

I have attached diagrams below for your reference.
It has torque specifications as well as the sequence for the oil pan.

Please let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you.
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Friday, February 18th, 2022 AT 9:17 PM
Tiny
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Hi,

A portion of the exhaust needs to be removed, the inspection plate on the transmission, the three-way catalytic converter, the splash cover under the vehicle, and a few other small things.

I attached the directions below that are specific to the removal and replacement of the oil pan. Take a look through them and let me know if you have questions.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.
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Friday, February 18th, 2022 AT 9:25 PM
Tiny
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Hi, the car is an Acura RDX 2008. The images you've sent in are similar to several videos I have seen on YouTube, however when I took a close look at it, it seemed quite different. In addition to four bolts going to the transmission on the left, I also what appears to be an engine mount with the rubber isolators on the right side held on with very large bolts. On closer inspection, there were no pan gasket leaks on the rear pan but there was quite a bit of oil around the oil filter housing near the front side of the pan, which leads to to believe it is leaking from the housing or the filter itself. Would you have pictures on how to remove the housing?
Thanks!
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Saturday, February 19th, 2022 AT 1:03 PM
Tiny
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Hi,

Yep, there is a difference between the MDX and RDX. I attached the directions for the RDX below.

If the pan isn't leaking, that's a good thing because the RDX is a bit move-involved.

As far as the oil filter housing, there are two O-rings between the base and engine block. They can leak. The last pic below shows how it's removed/replaced.

Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.
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Saturday, February 19th, 2022 AT 1:53 PM
Tiny
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Hi, thanks for the pics. Unfortunately, I am having trouble removing the upper left bolt. I can't seem to get the 10mm wrench around the head securely with either open end or box end. Interference from casting surrounding the bolt. Not successful with socket either. It is in a bad position as the drive shaft passes about 3/4" above it! Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
I also found that the right bottom bolt is missing! I will check if it wasn't sheared off by someone! It all looked so simple in the diagram! ;).
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Saturday, February 19th, 2022 AT 4:41 PM
Tiny
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Hi,

If there is a bolt missing, replace it and retighten it. If it is slightly loose on one end, the O-rings are likely okay, and it will save you a headache. LOL

As far as removal, I believe you need to remove the driveshaft. They make nothing easy. LOL

Let me know.

Joe
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Saturday, February 19th, 2022 AT 6:04 PM
Tiny
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My bad, the bolt was there. I think I can get to the problematic bolt using an s-shaped 12 pt 10mm box wrench. Just order it from amazon as well as dye kit to really be sure. On another note, I see a minor oil leak on the upper right-hand side of the engine midway up above the harmonic balancer. Would you know what the source it? Is this the oil pressure sensor location or cam seal?
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Saturday, February 19th, 2022 AT 6:18 PM
Tiny
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Hi,

That sounds like a plan. Let me know if you can get it off.

Also, the pic above leads me to the oil pressure sender switch. I attached a copy of your pic below and circled it. Also, I attached a pic from the manual.

When they start to fail, they will leak. Remove the connector to it and see if there is oil in the connector. If there is, replace it.

Let me know what I can do to help.

Joe

See pics below.
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Saturday, February 19th, 2022 AT 8:01 PM
Tiny
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Hi Joe and all of you at 2CarsPro! Thank you very much! It is so gratifying to find guys like you who are generously willing to help with so much expertise and resources. Many times, I find it extremely hard to find info on the web, especially for the not too common vehicles.

I have ordered the s-shaped wrench set which should work but also found some low-profile sockets which should also do the job. Previously in a pinch, I have cut down sockets and welded them to open end wrenches to make a needed special tool.

For the oil pressure sender, I suspect I would just need to remove the right wheel and the splash cover to access?

Thanks a million again for all the help. You guys rock!
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Sunday, February 20th, 2022 AT 1:30 PM
Tiny
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Hi,

You are very welcome. And yes, the easiest way is to remove the wheel and splash shield. If it is causing the leak, chances are when you remove the connector, you will find oil in it.

Let me know if I can help in any way.

Take care,

Joe
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Sunday, February 20th, 2022 AT 7:08 PM
Tiny
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Thanks again, Joe. I will let you know my results after my new wrenches come in.
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Sunday, February 20th, 2022 AT 8:12 PM
Tiny
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Hi, I am looking at the pic of the oil pressure switch you sent me. Do I require a special socket for it? It looks a little strange. Do I access it from above with an extension?
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Monday, February 21st, 2022 AT 8:25 PM
Tiny
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Hi,

Some do require a socket designed for the sensor. I attached a pic below. When the new one comes, take it with you to a parts store and they will have what you need. It's really common.

Take care,

Joe
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Tuesday, February 22nd, 2022 AT 6:05 PM
Tiny
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Hi, unfortunately the curved 10mm wrenches do not work for the oil filter housing so I will have to remove the intermediate shaft. Would you have instructions and diagrams of what entails to do this? Initially I am thinking I have to remove the strut bolts, the lower ball joint bolts and the axel nut to get the outer shaft out. I am not sure how to remove the intermediate shaft. I see several 12mm top and bottom but not sure where the intermediate shaft bearing support bolts are. I can see only one from the wheel well.
Thanks
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Saturday, March 5th, 2022 AT 4:11 PM
Tiny
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Hi,

If you look below, the first three pics are specific to the intermediate shaft removal. The remaining pics are general directions for the removal of the axle shafts.

When you remove the axle nut at the hub, it should be replaced with a new one when you put it back together. If you can't get a new one, I recommend using Loctite.

Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.
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Saturday, March 5th, 2022 AT 7:48 PM
Tiny
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Hi,
I am going to change the transmission fluid in an Acura RDX 2008 and was wondering where the refill bolt is. Also, will flush the radiator and want to know if there is an air bleed bolt on the engine.

Thanks!
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Monday, March 14th, 2022 AT 3:21 PM
Tiny
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Hi,

I would be happy to help, but I have a request. Could you copy and paste your new question to a new thread? We try to keep the threads specific to one topic, so they are more helpful to others. I hope you understand.

Here is the link to start a new thread. Simply copy and paste your new question.

https://www.2carpros.com/questions/new

Take care and I'll watch for your new post. And again, I hope you understand.

Joe
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Monday, March 14th, 2022 AT 6:24 PM

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