How to Remove the Oil Pan in a 1991 Toyota Corolla

Produced since 1966, the Toyota Corolla has become one of the most popular car models in the world. The 1991 Toyota Corolla was part of the sixth generation of these models. Most of the 1991 Toyota Corollas utilized front wheel drive and had engines of varying sizes. These cars use oil circulated in the engine compartment by an oil pump for lubrication. The oil is collected in an oil pan after it moves through the engine and then recirculated throughout the system. It's possible for the DIY mechanic to remove the oil pan in a 1991 Toyota Corolla for replacement.

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Car ramps
Car jacks
Jack stands
Block of wood or brick
Engine degreaser
Rag
Socket wrench
Socket set
Drain pan
Rubber mallet

Instructions

- 1
  
  Relocate the 1991 Toyota Corolla to a spot that will allow you to work comfortably, such as a garage or driveway.
- 2
  
  Elevate the 1991 Toyota Corolla by using car ramps or jacks. To use ramps, position them in front of the car and slowly drive the car until the tires are on the topmost spot of the ramps. To use jack stands, the Corolla must first be elevated with a hydraulic jack from the jack point. These points can be found in your owner's manual. They are typically located behind the front wheels. Once the Corolla has been elevated with the jack, place the jack stands underneath and then lower the vehicle onto the stands. With either method, the Corolla should be further secured by placing a block of wood or brick behind the rear wheels. Set the parking brake and remove the keys from the ignition.
- 3
  
  Position yourself underneath the vehicle. Locate the oil pan and oil pan drain plug, which is at the lowest part of the engine body. Use the degreaser and rag to clean off the pan.
- 4
  
  Place the oil drain pan underneath the drain plug. Remove the plug with the socket wrench. Allow the oil to drain into the pan.
- 5
  
  Unscrew the bolts holding the oil pan to the underside of the engine. Loosen the bolts in pairs, doing one bolt and then the bolt on the opposite side of the pan.
- 6
  
  Tap around the perimeter of the oil pan with a rubber mallet until it comes loose. With stubbornly attached pans, you can tap a plastic or wooden shim between the engine and oil pan to help dislodge the oil pan.