How to Change an Oil Pump in a Buick LeSabre

by Chris Moore

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Changing the oil pump on a Buick LeSabre depends largely on the year of the car. Change the pump yourself if you have an older model, from 1985 or earlier. Newer models require you to remove several other components on the engine to change the pump, and this is usually best left to a professional. The oil pump is permanently installed within a cover, with the cover itself mounted onto the timing chain cover.

Step 1

Open the drain plug on the oil pan underneath the car using a box-end or flare-nut wrench; the plug is at the rear of the pan. Drain the oil into a pan that can hold at least 5 quarts.

Step 2

Unscrew and remove the oil filter--located beside the oil pan--using a filter wrench.

Step 3

Remove the five screws for the oil pump cover using a T-30 Torx driver and then lift off the timing chain cover with the oil pump drive gear and driven gears.

Step 4

Remove the gears from the pump cover.

Step 5

Pack the body of the new oil pump within its cover with petroleum jelly and and install the gears in place, making sure they force the jelly into every cavity.

Step 6

Install the oil pump cover--and the oil pump within it--onto the timing chain cover using the Torx screws.

Step 7

Install a new oil filter under the car, lubricating its gasket with fresh oil; tighten the filter by hand, not with the wrench. You should always replace the oil filter whenever you drain the oil and remove the old filter.