Parts for your 2019 Nissan Pathfinder-Sump plug washers

2019 Nissan Pathfinder sump plug washers

Yes, the 2019 Nissan Pathfinder (R52, VQ35DD 3.5‑litre V6) uses a sump plug washer. Nissan’s R52 Service Manual (Engine Lubrication section) specifies replacing the drain plug gasket at oil changes, and the Nissan Electronic Parts Catalogue (FAST) lists an aluminium crush-type oil drain plug gasket for this model (commonly referenced as 11026‑JA00A, 14 mm). That means a sump plug washer is relevant and fitted on this vehicle.

What does it do? The sump plug washer crushes slightly when the drain plug is torqued, creating a reliable seal between the plug and the alloy sump. That little ring stops weeps and drips, keeps the engine oil where it should be, and saves the driveway from stains. Because it’s designed to deform once, Nissan treats it as a single‑use item.

Best practice is to replace the washer at every oil change. Whether servicing at home or at a workshop, fit a new aluminium crush washer of the correct size (14 mm ID) and tighten the drain plug to the specification in the service manual (around 34 N·m). Reusing an old, flattened washer can lead to seepage, gradual oil loss, and the burnt‑oil whiff you notice after a long run on a hot Kiwi or Aussie day.

• Always clean the mating faces on the sump and plug before refitting.
• Don’t stack washers or add sealants—let the crush washer do the sealing.
• If the old washer sticks, carefully remove it without nicking the sump face.
• Keep a couple of spares in the glovebox or service kit—handy for road trips.

Spotting a tired washer is simple: look for a damp ring around the plug, a drip after parking, or a light oil film on the underside. If any of that shows up, fit a new washer and re‑torque the plug. Genuine Nissan (or quality aftermarket) aluminium crush washers are inexpensive insurance for the Pathfinder’s V6, and swapping one takes seconds while the oil is draining.

Copper washers can work if correctly sized and properly annealed, but for the Pathfinder the OEM‑style aluminium crush washer remains the safest, least‑fuss choice for a consistent seal every service.

Popular questions about 2019 Nissan Pathfinder sump plug washers

What size sump plug washer does a 2019 Pathfinder use?
It uses a 14 mm inside‑diameter aluminium crush washer, as shown in Nissan’s parts listings for the R52. Many aftermarket kits label this as fitting late‑model VQ‑series engines.

How often should the washer be replaced?
Replace it at every oil change. The washer is single‑use—the first torque flattens it to form the seal. Reusing increases the chance of seepage and under‑torque or over‑torque issues.

Can a copper or reusable washer be fitted instead?
A correctly sized copper washer can seal, but it may need annealing and can alter torque feel. For hassle‑free servicing, stick with the OEM‑style aluminium crush washer specified by Nissan.