Hi, I recently changed out a motor mount on my 2001 Maxima and in the process accidentally bowed in my oil pan. I kinda underestimated the weight of the engine. It's not a sharp dent but it is now concave shaped by about 8mm - 1cm at it's highest point. I want to get it fixed immediately but I'm kind of tight on cash right now. Should I be okay to drive still or is this an urgent issue? It's not leaking but I know there is a tube inside of there that might be damaged in some way. Any info would be appreciated, thanks.

 

I think you'll be fine.... watch the oil pressure. Since you're strapped for cash, when you get around to it - just pull the oil pan and push it back out.

 

there will be less clearance between the oil pickup and the pan. Any sludge which might be in the pan might block the oil pickup. Not likely, but possible.

the lower oil pan is not difficult to remove.

as mentioned previously, just pound the dent out from inside the pan.

I used permatex etc Gray as the gasket maker.

 

As long as the oil pressure light is off and you don't hear any strange noises, fuggedaboutit.

 

It will be fine if there's no leaking. But if I were you, I will go pick a part from junkyard, just a few bulks making me peace in mind. It's an super easy job. do it when change oil.

 

Thanks for all the info, it makes me feel a lot better. Earlier I kind of panicked when I saw the dent but I feel re-assured now.

Edit: Maybe one more thing you guys might could help me with. I just got my car back together after replacing the lower control arm and having the knuckle off. On my test ride, I noticed that there is a spinning sound of metal on metal from the drivers side wheel. It's light as if something small but is fairly loud and picks up the faster you go. I'm done messing with it today, but is there anything that I should look for tomorrow that sounds like it would do this? Like could the pads be rubbing against it causing this?

 

Check the rotor shield. It's so flimsy that I end up bending it into the rotor every time I have to pull on it.

 

That's exactly what it was. It sounded horrible before, thank you.

Edit: Maybe I could also get some info about my rear motor mount also from someone. When I jacked up the engine to remove the passenger side motor mount, I noticed some fluid started dripping from the rear. It dripped for a couple of seconds and stopped. When I checked it out, it looked like it came from the rear mount. I read it was probably hydraulic fluid inside of the mount? Should I replace that one also, or will it be alright for a bit?