Parts for your 2007 Nissan Pathfinder-Sump plug washers

2007 Nissan Pathfinder sump-plug-washers: what they do and when to replace them

For the 2007 Nissan Pathfinder (R51), a sump-plug-washer is absolutely used and relevant. The Nissan R51 Pathfinder Factory Service Manual (LU – Lubrication System) specifies to replace the drain plug gasket each time the plug is removed, and lists a tightening torque of around 34 N·m (25 ft‑lb). Nissan’s electronic parts catalogue (FAST) shows a 14 mm crush-type drain plug gasket for this model, commonly listed under part numbers such as 11026-01M02 or superseded equivalents, and general service publishers like Haynes/Autodata echo the instruction to renew the sealing washer at every oil change.

On this Pathfinder, the sump-plug-washer (also called a drain plug gasket) is a soft aluminium or copper crush washer that deforms slightly when the plug is tightened. That controlled “crush” creates a reliable seal between the sump and the plug, preventing weeping or drips after a service. It also helps achieve the correct torque without over-stressing the sump threads—a handy safeguard on alloy pans.

Best practice for servicing of your 2007-nissan-pathfinder sump-plug-washers is simple: fit a new washer every time the oil is changed. Nissan’s guidance to “replace gasket” isn’t just belt-and-braces, once a crush washer has been compressed, it won’t rebound evenly, so reusing it can lead to seepage. Keeping a small stash of 14 mm aluminium washers on the shelf makes life easier at oil-change time.

Tips the workshop team lives by for this model:

• Use the correct 14 mm crush washer (OEM-style aluminium is ideal). Avoid fibre washers on this application.
• Clean the sump mating face and the plug head before refitting. A speck of grit can compromise the seal.
• Tighten the plug to about 34 N·m. Don’t lean on it—over-tightening can distort the washer or damage threads.
• After the refill and a short run, check for any misting around the plug. If there’s a sheen, the washer may be the wrong size or doubled up.

Whether the vehicle’s running the VQ40DE petrol or the YD25 diesel, the requirement for a crush washer is the same. If an aftermarket magnetic plug is fitted, it still uses a 14 mm gasket unless specified otherwise. For anyone cross-referencing parts, Nissan FAST and the R51 FSM are the go-to technical sources backing the use and replacement of the sump-plug-washer on the 2007 Pathfinder.

Popular questions

What size sump-plug-washer does a 2007 Nissan Pathfinder use?
The 2007 Pathfinder typically uses a 14 mm aluminium crush washer on the engine oil drain plug. It’s the common Nissan spec for R51 models. If in doubt, confirm by VIN against the Nissan parts catalogue or measure the plug’s shank.

How often should the sump-plug-washer be replaced?
Replace it at every oil change. The washer is single-use, once crushed, it won’t seal as reliably a second time. Fresh oil, fresh filter, fresh washer—that’s the routine that keeps leaks at bay.

What’s the correct torque for the drain plug on a 2007 Pathfinder?
About 34 N·m (25 ft‑lb) as referenced in the R51 Factory Service Manual. Tightening to spec ensures the crush washer seals properly without risking sump thread damage.