o2 sensor

[eddie_dsm12]

Okay so my front o2 sensor went bad. I just bought it and I was going to try and replace it but then I got stuck. I bought the o2 socket but my alternator is in the way. Do I I have to get to it from under the car? Or would I really have to remove all the heat shields etc? What's the easiest way to replace the o2 sensor. Thanks

 

[e30_fiend]

Grab a 7/8" end wrench and take it off with that. That should give you enough clearance to get it off. It may be seized so do yourself a favor and coat it in pb blaster or a like penetrant. This should make the job a bit easier. Let the penetrant sit for about 20 minutes and the take a stab at it.

Hope that helps


Taylor

 

[eddie_dsm12]

Is it necessary to remove the heat shield?

 

[e30_fiend]

not necessary but it would most likely make the job much easier for you. I've found that laying on your back with your right arm under the car, you can reach up with a 7/8" wrench and get a good angle on the O2 sensor.

good luck

 

[Tanro]

I ended up taking out the radiator, and taking off both heat shields, cleaning them, brushing debris out of the radiator with a soft brush, and replacing the o2 sensor all in one go because I was too stubborn to jack up the car and get under it.

I dont mind being under cars. Just hate jacking them up and working under them without an assistant.

 

[eddie_dsm12]

I know I hate jacking up cars too. It feels like it bends the botton . But okay then thanks ima try replacing it from the bottom. I've been trying to replace the sensor from the top and it seems so impossible. So I shall go under and see what happens. I'll keep you posted

 

[EclipticalGS]

I dont have PS so its as simple as using even a crescent wrench.. but for you in this case, I used to use a stubby open end wrench.

 

[eddie_dsm12]

So now I encountered a problem I'm guessing the o2 sensor is stuck on. I tried wd 40 and let it sit for a while. I even let the car warm up. But the damn thing won't budge. I'm guessing I really have to remove the heat shields right? Any ideas?

 

[Absit]

PB Blaster, find it, love it.

 

[eddie_dsm12]

Okay thanks I will go get some of that stuff let's say worst case scenario I round off the edges on the o2 sensor. Then how will it come off?

 

[BurrowZ]

I rounded mine off even after a can of pb.. it might happen. I just put some very cheap vice grips on it and was jumping on spot trying to free it. Eventually worked!
Make sure your grips are in the right position and not just spinning the shield/coating around the sensor.

Oh, and you did remove the fan for more clearance right?

 

[eddie_dsm12]

Nice! Hopefully I don't round off mine I have to go get some of that PB stuff. So tomorrows project will be me trying to get that damn o2 sensor free. And no I didn't remove the fan. I ried to get it from underneath the car. But it didn't want to budge. If anything its gonna be the heat shields that keep getting in my way

 

[tveljano]

When I was having issues getting off my post-cat sensor, I ended up going in to an exhaust shop and they broke it for me for no charge.

One piece of advice the guy gave me is with o2 sensors is tighten them up first. That way it should break any rust free and give you more momentum for when you try loosening it off. That has worked for me every time I've had to go back and remove an o2.

Worth a shot if the PB doesn't work well.