replacing O2 sensors

[Kejtar]

OK, I think it's time for me to swap out the O2 sensors (still got orignals and the fuel economy just got worse again). Anyways, I was looking at them and they look fairly rusted. Any trick to taking them off? I'd rather do it the right way then mess around and create more work for myself.

Thanks

 

[mucovich]

I had to do the same thing last year and I didn't have too much trouble after I soaked it with penetrating lube (alot of it) the day before.

 

[BigWes]

like said above, lots of lube...pb blaster......if that doesnt work heat it up real good and it should come out easily

 

[5-90]

Take them out while hot. I've never had trouble doing that (other than, maybe, singed knuckles...)

Make sure the new HEGO sensor has never-seez on it, apply it to the threads if not (it's usuallly on new sensors.) Install to 20 pound-feet.

5-90

 

[Kejtar]

Take them out while hot. I've never had trouble doing that (other than, maybe, singed knuckles...)

Make sure the new HEGO sensor has never-seez on it, apply it to the threads if not (it's usuallly on new sensors.) Install to 20 pound-feet.

5-90

you gave torque specs: that means you didn't use a box wrench but one of those fancy cut out sensor wrenches?

 

[5-90]

You bet. You do not want to overtighten a HEGO sensor - damn things are tough enough to deal with as it is...

5-90

 

[Kejtar]

You bet. You do not want to overtighten a HEGO sensor - damn things are tough enough to deal with as it is...

5-90

Where did you pick that socket up at? I remember seeing it hanging on a peg at a store but I can't remember which one was it.

 

[johnlv6]

Mine came out pretty easily...some pb blaster ahead of time wouldn't hurt.

 

[5-90]

Where did you pick that socket up at? I remember seeing it hanging on a peg at a store but I can't remember which one was it.

Pretty much any auto parts house should have it (I've had mine for a while, so I don't recall where I got it anymore - maybe Sears?)

It's a standard hex - in a pinch, I think you can cut a groove in a 7/8" deep socket and have good luck - but I'm not sure it will be deep enough. A 7/8" crowfoot wrench should also work rather well, but I think you'll have to alter the installation torque slightly to account for the drive being off-axis (I think it reduces a bit - perhaps 18 pound-feet instead of 20?)

5-90

 

[Smith2000]

I got my sensor socket at Sears, but (like 5-90 said) they probably have them at most parts stores.

I seem to remember, though, that I couldn't get the sensor socket finessed onto the pre-cat sensor (on my 2000 anyway). Would there be something above it in the way? Hopefully I'm remembering incorrectly. I'm almost too ashamed to say it, but that pre-cat sensor was removed, while still hot, with the biggest Kentucky speed-wrench I had on hand.

Like most above have said, hit them prior with some PB Blaster and try to take them out while they're hot. It still took a breaker bar and a foot on the crossmember to remove my rear sensor.