how do i change my o2 sensor

[jerry_69]

hey, so I have to change my front o2 sensor but right know I cant seem to remove the sensor. I cant get to the sensor with none of my tools. Does anyone out there know what would be the easiest way to remove the sensor to replace it with a new one. I have removed the cast that covers the turbo manifold and the fan. thanks

 

[TwoLiterLaser]

It is usaully easier to take the turbo completely out of the car.

But if you do not want to do that then spray it with some PB blaster and let that stuff sit on it for a while then try to get at it with an O2 sensor specific socket.

 

[DiamondStarAwd]

Well if your replacing it. Then go ahead and cut the wires to it. Take a o2 sensor socket. Put it on there. Have a breaker bar nearby as they usually dont like to come out.

 

[guitarhero14]

You really need to use some PB Blaster, I bought a O2 sensor removal socket and since there is a cut down the side for the wires, it tends to be very weak and round out your o2 sensor. So be careful removing it.

 

[1stblackawdtsi]

I bought an o2 sensor socket and have used it plenty of times and have had no trouble with it rounding the sensor. However it is a quality piece so I'd expect it to work well.

 

[roadrunner2176]

Never had a problem removing mine, just get the proper size socket or wrench. In a pinch I have been known to use a pair of vise-grips and a hammer to knock it loose. No room to turn a wrench or ratchet. You can also clean your o2 sensor with some carb cleaner if it's not too far gone.

 

[dontfeedphils]

You could even pick up a set of crows feet, but like said above, if you're getting a new one hack the hell out of the old one and grab the biggest bar you can find.

 

[Defiant]

A crow's foot is likely to round the sensor's hex, since you're only using two points to apply force.
Take it for a run, get a nice glow on the manifold, put on some gloves and give it a try. It may loosen it up.

 

[housegsx]

^ Yes, use heat. And if you're using an o2 sensor socket put a worm clamp around the end after you slide it over the wires. That will help to keep it from spreading and rounding out the sensor.

 

[Defiant]

On a turbo, you should use a T-bar clamp.

 

[bling5tatus]

Haha, what's a worm clamp?

Also, I should mention since nobody else has yet... VatoZone has o2 sockets as part of their loan a tool program. The one I got from them was sturdy as hell, I put my breaker bar on it and the o2 came right out.

edit: the worm clamp idea is actually a pretty good idea.

 

[eidk]

Replacing my o2 sensors were a huge pain in the ass, this is what i did.

Realizing that pb blaster wasn't doing shit i chose a more "difficult" approach.

Step 1. Take a sawzal and cut the o2 sensor in half.
step 2. Take a blowtorch and heat the shit out of the bung.
step 3. take a 22mm socket and 1/2'' driver and a 3' breaker bar and go to work. Mine came off pretty good after heating it up for a while.

gl

 

[Splitpi]

I just hit it with my my impact wrench and O2 socket. Came right off.

 

[TwoLiterLaser]

+1 to the impact and O2 socket

 

[Cobrasatellite]

Easy way for me 3 steps:

1) Grab a 3 foot or bigger breaker bar.
2) Git it good and hot on your trip to Autozone.
3) Hurry inside get the rental tool and change it in the parking lot.
This way if you snap it you walk in and swap it for another.

 

[Red97Eclipseboy]

Wow. Some of those responses are so over-kill. I did mine in the Autozone parking lot in no time with a o2 socket, PB, 3/8 wratchet and a breaker bar. Done.

 

[Talesin]

Cut off the wires from the old one and just use a deep socket + breaker bar. Use a proper O2 socket for getting the new one snugged into place... they're like ten bucks, so no stress. Buy a decent one, you'll be using it again later.

 

[Defiant]

Use the copper thread anti-seize that comes with the new sensor.

 

[gsttuner22]

a vise grip worked great for me. i sprayed something similar to PB except this one actually used some freezing mechanism, and i waited like 20-30 mins and just took it off with the vise grip to a point where i can unscrew it myself and tada, all done...

 

[hi_psi_dsm07]

Wow, i just used a pair of channel-lock pliers and some WD-40.