I just recently went to a mechanic to have my rotors checked and while I was there I figured they could make sure the oil was good too because my car was letting me know I had a couple weeks until I’d be time to change the oil again (even though I know I’m well under the mileage). Any who, after the inspection the supervisor tells me my rotors are good, oils good but I have an “oil pan leak” (about $500 to fix). Not what I came in for and I haven’t noticed any leaking oil. As I left the shop there was a swooshing sound with my car so I immediately went back. I explain to the supervisor and he gives me this “confused” look then tells the mechanic to go for a ride with me. Before we even take off the mechanic goes “oh I might’ve forgotten to bend the backing [plate?] back after looking at the rotors”. We go for the ride and before we even get down the street he goes “it’s the backing [plate?]”. I go back and he adjusts it. Still unsure about this new found oil pan leak, so before putting my car back in my parking space I take photos of the (for the most part clean) parking space and place white papers on the ground under my car. It has been there all day yesterday and over night and the paper is still completely free of oil. Would an oil pan leak result in oil dripping from the car? I’m going to have another mechanic take a look but any immediate help would be appreciated. Thanks!
Answers & Comments
The high school dropout caught the backing plate with the wheel when putting it back on. You don't bend backing plates to inspect the brakes.
If there are no oil drips on the ground where you park I'd just leave the oil pan lone. Minor seepage is not a reason to spend $500.
Quit using the on board oil change reminder. It doesn't have you change your oil soon enough. 3,000 miles between oil changes for regular oil and 5,000 miles when using synthetic oil.
You also need to check your oil level every 1,000 miles and keep it topped up between oil changes if you want the motor to last.
Answer: Not likely.
Comment: He bent your backing plate to inspect the rotor???!! This mechanic is an imbecile! Please never go there again for any reason!!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imbecile
Please visit a dealership or brake specialist to inspect/repair your brakes and have them check all your brake backing plates.
-Engine overhaul mechanic and general automotive mechanic since 1972
Sometimes a backing plate accidentally gets bent. It's just sheet metal and it is very close to the rotor. The mechanic should have test drove the car after working on your brakes and heard it rubbing then dealt with it prior to releasing the car; had there been a larger problem you could have been in danger.
An oil leak can range anywhere from a minor seep that you never notice to a lake on the ground. A seep could go for years without being an issue. You need a mechanic that will discuss the severity of the issue with you.
A good mechanic will SHOW you something like that, not just tell you about it. If there's no oil on the paper, that's a really good sign. Hopefully there is a slight leak somewhere, and the guy's not just a flat-out liar. Keep using the paper for another day or two, and then going forward, just keep an eye on your oil level, and top it off as needed. And go to a different mechanic.
If you have a direct injection engine, they have a problem with gasoline leaking out when the engine is shut off and it dilutes the motor oil in the pan after running down past the piston rings. When this happens, oil consumption increases and the oil can get so thin (especially a 0W20 or 5W20 oil) that the oil pressure drops and the engine often shuts itself down until you dump the diluted oil and add fresh oil. Some cars will only leak oil when the engine is running especially if the rear main seal is the culprit. Just keep and eye on it and keep the oil topped off.
You went to all that trouble putting paper under your car when all you had to do was look at the oil pan.
If they claim they bent ANYTHING inspecting the brakes, have a reliable shop do a FULL inspection and SUE them for the cost of fixing everything that shop finds.
You don't need to bend backing plates to check rotors. Time to find a good reliable and honest mechanic or garage who will show you what the problems may be. Try asking around friends or workmates for a recommendation.
Stay away from that garage.
If the oil pan leaks, you can see dirty grease all over it and all the car underneath behind it. He should have explained if the gasket was leaking or the drain plug was leaking. Wash under the car, drive it and after parking over a piece of cardboard all night, look for yourself if any oil drops are there. Check your dip stick every week so you know the oil level is good or not. Since you saw no evidence so far, the mechanic might have been fibbing to worry you into spending more money on bullshight.