Oxygen Sensor Replacement (Front) issues

[bigbabybills]

I started to replace my front O2 sensor yesterday and I have come across 1 issue. The thing is stuck beyond all belief. I am using a 22mm box wrench to try and get it out, but no go. The nut around it started to strip. Is it because it isn't 22mm or is it just because of the odd placement of the O2 sensor, or just because it is stuck? I am thinking of buying the socket from snap-on, but I wanna make sure it is 22mm before I spend 35 dollars on 1 socket. I also PBed her last night, but the way the nut or "Housing" around it is starting to look I am only gonna get a few more cracks at it.

 

[dave99gst]

Try it with the o2 housing warmed up. They also sell a o2 sensor socket you can use for more grip.

 

[Petrohimself]

that happened to one of my friends tsi awd, he ended up knocking the o2 sensor out with a hammer and arc welding the new one back in.

 

[bigbabybills]

My main question is, is it a 22mm socket or a 3/4? The special O2 sockets arent cheap. I used a 22mm open wrench and I don't know if I started to strip it, because it was stuck or I was using the wrong size wrench.

 

[wyominghotwheel]

22mm

 

[slider85]

i suggest warming up the engine first. allow the metal to expand a little.

 

[bigbabybills]

I will try a good mixture of PB blaster and a warm housing. Thanks for all the info! I will keep ya posted. I am gonna soak it though for like the next 2 days.

 

[RamenPride]

I will try a good mixture of PB blaster and a warm housing. Thanks for all the info! I will keep ya posted. I am gonna soak it though for like the next 2 days.

I don't think soaking it for 2 days is gonna make a difference. try overnight. anyhoo, let the engine run for a few minutes and let it get hot. if you don't have an 02 sensor socket, you can disconnect the harness and try using the closed end of a box wrench.

 

[GSX20]

Also, try taking off the fan shroud for more room to work with.
This worked wonders for me!

 

[Coup D E'Tat]

AutoZone's have a loan-a-tool program, and an O2 sensor socket is one of the tools you can borrow - go borrow it.

 

[bigbabybills]

Please tell me this thing isn't reverse threaded. If it is I am going to feel like a horses-pitut.

 

[jasoncitrano]

no it's not, i used a o2 socket from auto zone poped right now.

 

[psychlow]

22mm or 7/8''. 22mm is more accurate.

 

[bigbabybills]

Well the combination of letting the PB Blaster soak in, warm engine, and a 22mm box wrench finally did the trick. The CEL was still on after the job, so I unhooked the battery for a little bit. Hooked it back up and CEL was gone. I will drive her to work tomorrow to see if the CEL returns. I wanna thank everyone for the posts. The help I got here was great! Thanks again.

 

[fatafall]

My CEL popped on the other day. Got the code run and its an O2 sensor. How do I know which one to replace? Also, where can I get the sensor the cheapest? Thanks.

 

[bigbabybills]

I went to Autozone and they pulled the code. The code read for the front O2 Sensor. I purchased mine from www.machv.com.

 

[nine5raptor]

Whoever ran the code should be able to tell you which one it was. Also, the generic 4 wire bosch sensor from any discount auto parts store (Napa, O'Reillys, etc.) will work fine. You just have to 'samuri' it in.