This procedure covers removal and replacement of the oil pan on a 2018-2024 Toyota Camry with the 2.5L I4 engine, including proper sealing and torque specifications.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Oil pan gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Oil drain plug crush washer × 1 — Toyota 90430-12031 or equivalent
• Engine oil × 1 — Toyota Genuine 0W-20
• RTV silicone sealant (if required) × 1 — Toyota Genuine FIPG or equivalent

Fluids

• Toyota Genuine 0W-20 — 5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels.
2. Allow engine to cool completely for at least 2 hours.
3. Disconnect negative battery terminal.
4. Raise vehicle using floor jack and secure on jack stands at manufacturer-specified lift points.
5. Remove front wheels and plastic engine under covers.
6. Install engine support fixture from above to support engine weight during subframe lowering.
7. Drain engine oil completely using drain plug and allow adequate time for full drainage.

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain engine oil
   Position drain pan under oil drain plug. Remove drain plug using appropriate socket and allow oil to drain completely. Inspect drain plug threads and replace crush washer. Reinstall drain plug with new crush washer and torque to specification.
   Torque spec

   Oil Drain Plug35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove exhaust components
   Disconnect front exhaust pipe from manifold and downstream catalytic converter. Remove exhaust hangers as necessary to allow exhaust system to be lowered or moved aside for clearance. Support exhaust with wire or stands.
3. 3

   Disconnect front subframe components
   Disconnect lower control arm ball joints from steering knuckles. Disconnect stabilizer bar end links. Remove power steering gear mounting bolts (if necessary for clearance). Mark position of subframe relative to body for proper reinstallation alignment.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts47 Nm (35 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Support and lower front subframe
   Place adjustable jack stands or transmission jack under subframe at manufacturer-specified support points. Remove front subframe mounting bolts. Carefully lower subframe approximately 3-4 inches to provide clearance for oil pan removal. Ensure engine support fixture is properly holding engine weight.
   ⚠Lower subframe slowly and evenly. Monitor all attached components including brake lines and wiring harnesses for excessive tension.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts47 Nm (35 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove oil pan bolts
   Remove all oil pan mounting bolts in reverse of tightening sequence (start from ends, work toward center). Note bolt locations as some may be different lengths. Keep bolts organized for reinstallation.
   Torque spec

   Oil Pan Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Separate oil pan from engine block
   Gently tap oil pan with rubber mallet to break gasket seal. If necessary, carefully insert plastic pry tool at designated pry points (avoid mating surfaces). Remove oil pan by tilting and maneuvering around subframe and steering components.
   ⚠Do not pry against aluminum mating surfaces as this will cause damage requiring extensive machining or replacement.
7. 7

   Inspect oil pickup tube
   With oil pan removed, inspect oil pump pickup tube for debris or damage. If removal is necessary for cleaning or replacement, remove mounting bolts and O-ring. Clean pickup screen thoroughly if reusing.
   Torque spec

   Oil Pump Pickup Tube12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Clean mating surfaces
   Thoroughly clean oil pan and engine block mating surfaces using plastic scraper. Remove all old gasket material and RTV sealant. Clean surfaces with brake cleaner and lint-free cloth. Inspect for warpage or damage. Mating surfaces must be completely clean and dry before gasket installation.
   ℹ️Any remaining gasket material or RTV will compromise seal and cause oil leaks. Take time to ensure surfaces are perfectly clean.
   Torque spec

   Gasket Surface Bolts20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Install new gasket and oil pan
   Position new oil pan gasket onto engine block. If gasket does not have adhesive backing, apply small dabs of RTV at corners to hold in place. Apply thin bead of RTV sealant at timing cover-to-engine block joint if specified by service manual. Carefully position oil pan, aligning all bolt holes. Start all bolts by hand before tightening.
   ℹ️If RTV is used, oil pan must be installed and bolts torqued within 10 minutes of application to ensure proper seal.
10. 10

    Torque oil pan bolts in sequence
    Tighten oil pan bolts in proper sequence starting from center and working outward in a crisscross pattern. Torque all bolts to specification in two stages: first to 6 Nm (4 lb-ft), then final torque to specification. Ensure even gasket compression.
    ⚠Over-tightening oil pan bolts will warp the pan flange and cause leaks. Use calibrated torque wrench and follow sequence carefully.
    Torque spec

    Oil Pan Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Raise and secure subframe
    Using jack stands or transmission jack, carefully raise subframe back to original position. Align subframe with previously marked positions. Install and torque subframe mounting bolts to specification. Verify alignment before final torquing.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts47 Nm (35 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reconnect suspension and steering components
    Reconnect lower control arm ball joints to steering knuckles. Install stabilizer bar end links. Reinstall power steering gear mounting bolts if removed. Torque all fasteners to manufacturer specifications.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts47 Nm (35 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall exhaust and under covers
    Reconnect front exhaust pipe to manifold and catalytic converter using new gaskets. Install exhaust hangers. Reinstall plastic engine under covers and front wheels. Remove engine support fixture.
14. 14

    Fill engine oil and check for leaks
    Lower vehicle to ground. Fill engine with 5.0 quarts of Toyota Genuine 0W-20 engine oil. Reconnect negative battery terminal. Start engine and allow to idle for 2-3 minutes. Check oil pressure warning light extinguishes. Shut off engine and inspect oil pan and drain plug for leaks. Recheck oil level and add if necessary.

Reassembly

1. Reassembly is covered in the main procedure steps above
2. Always use new gaskets and crush washers when reassembling
3. Follow torque specifications and tightening sequences exactly as specified
4. Allow RTV sealant to cure for at least 1 hour before filling with oil if used

Verification

• Start engine and verify oil pressure warning light extinguishes within 2-3 seconds
• Allow engine to reach operating temperature and inspect oil pan gasket, drain plug, and pickup tube area for any signs of leakage
• Shut off engine, wait 5 minutes, and verify oil level is at full mark on dipstick
• Test drive vehicle and verify no unusual noises or vibrations from engine or suspension
• After 50 miles of driving, recheck oil level and inspect for leaks with vehicle on lift
• Verify front end alignment is still within specifications after subframe removal and reinstallation

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