1997 Pathfinder 4x4 automatic Oil pan leak

[A1218]

Hello everyone. I've had an oil leak on my Pathfinder for several years now, but it has gotten worse recently. The oil primarily leaks out once the engine is turned off, on flat ground and downhill. I replaced the valve cover gaskets recently, it was not leaking, but I simply replaced them when I had the intakes off. Upon looking underneath, there is a notable amount of oil on the pan, especially at the front and rear of the pan by the lip seals. Oil is on the housing of the transmission, but I suspect it is originating from the oil pan. I'm certain it is the oil pan and skeptical of it possibly being the rear main seal. I had the rear main seal replaced about 8 years ago.

I took the vehicle to the shop and was quoted $1500 (Queens, nyc) to drop the front diff and transmission to replace the oil pan gasket, rear main seal, front transmission seal, and motor mounts. Does the transmission have to be dropped on these pathfinders to replace the oil pan seal? If not I may just tackle the oil pan for now. I would have continued to live with this leak, but it's just getting worse and making a mess of the driveway and anywhere I park on the street in my neighborhood.

Please let me know what you guys think of the quote and if its worth it to drop the trans now too.

Thank you

[mdmellott]

My Haynes Repair Manual shows the '97 Pathfinder 3.3L 4WD does not need the transmission dropped to replace the oil pan gasket but the front differential and a lot of other stuff must be removed. Too many things to list so here is a picture of the repair manual pages which describes the process of removal and installation of the oil pan.

[A1218]

My Haynes Repair Manual shows the '97 Pathfinder 3.3L 4WD does not need the transmission dropped to replace the oil pan gasket but the front differential and a lot of other stuff must be removed. Too many things to list so here is a picture of the repair manual pages which describes the process of removal and installation of the oil pan.

Thanks for the clarification! Seems like a tough job to do in the driveway. At least the trans doesn’t have to be dropped.

[Mike W.]

My '03 Q, has been leaking pretty good from the rear main seal. It leaks when parked uphill, ie with a higher oil level at the seal. Level, mostly not, downhill, definitely no.

When my Xterra was at a shop I asked the guy about the leak on the Q. He strongly suggested, absolutely did not guaranty, ATP Automotive AT-205 Re-Seal. 4K later on the Q it seems to have stopped the leak. How long? No idea. 170K miles.

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