Mario's guide to changing his oil! Pics!
Ok, it was time to change my oil today and since I got a call from Mario it made me think. Let me make a guide for him on servicing his car since he bought the Altima :wink: He at least got the V6 so here it goes!
Ok I want to direct your attention to a great website I belong to
http://www.maxima.org
This thread is awesome for what oil and filter to use.
http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=227996
I use Castrol 5W30 motor oil.
As far as filters here is a pic showing three that fit our car.
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-...rvice2edit.jpg
The small one on the left is the one our car comes with and is complete crap! It is too small and internally is made cheaply. Avoid! The one on the middle is the much better OEM filter. The Mobil1 filter on the right is the best filter you can use. It is 3 times bigger and has the best filtration of any filter made. It costs 10 bucks but it well worth it. I use both this and the better OEM filter (part#15208-9E000) You can get them cheap on this site.
http://www.nissanpartsonline.net/ It is a great site for all your OEM parts.
Ok warm up your car to normal operating temperature then shut it off and pop the hood. Remove the dipstick and oil filler cap. Begin with an organized work station.
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-...rvice1edit.jpg
I also like to fill the new filter I am going to use with fresh oil.
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-...rvice3edit.jpg
This is good because it helps your oil pressure build up quickly when you start the engine after the oil change. Pour some fresh oil in and let it absorb it then pour some more till the filter is full.
Ok, chock a back wheel and break the lugs on the right front tire. Then jack up the car and remove the wheel. Before you continue on the oil change it's a good idea to check your brake pads by looking though the hole in the caliper.
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-...rvice4edit.jpg
After this take note of the splash guard that blocks access to your filter.http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-...rvice5edit.jpg
You simply remove this by using a small screwdriver to release the 4 small fasteners that hold it on.
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-...rvice6edit.jpg
Notice the latex gloves I have on, they are great! They save you a ton of scrubbing your hands and nails. You can get them at any auto parts store.
Now you can drain the oil, the drain plug is right beneath the oil filter. You need a 14mm box wrench to remove the plug. While the oil is draining remove the filter. I use a huge pair of channel locks.
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-...rvice7edit.jpg
Spin the filter off and let that drain at the same time. In the meantime take note of the copper crush ring on the drain plug.
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-...rvice8edit.jpg
I have placed a new one next to it. This needs to be changed every time you change your oil. Simply use a small screwdriver to remove it, or you can simply screw it off.
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-...rvice9edit.jpg
Ok after you have installed the new crush ring you need to wipe clean the oil filter housing and lubricate the new filter with fresh oil. Then you can install the new filter and hand tighten only, do not use a wrench to do this.
Then wipe down the oil pan and other areas that may have had oil spill on them when you drained the oil. Install the drain plug and snug it with your box wrench. It is now time to break out the torque wrench.
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-...vice10edit.jpg
Nissan recommends 22-29 Ft-Lbs for the drain plug. I use 27.
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-...vice11edit.jpg
Torque the drain plug and install tire and snug the lugs. Slowly lower car down and now use your torque wrench to torque the lugs. I use 80 Ft-lbs.
Now it's time to fill the crankcase!
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-...vice12edit.jpg
Fill with 4 and a half quarts including the oil used for filling the filter. Start engine and park on a level surface. Shut car off and let sit for a while and check oil level. Also check for any leaks underneath. It is also a good idea to check all your other fluids as well.
There you go Mario! Now you can change your oil so your cruising vessel lasts a long time! When I have to do my brakes I will post another thread for you!
