I'm at a loss

AP1995V6

Member
Jul 13, 2003
547
1
16
Oxford, MS
I'm changing the O2 sensors on my car, and the drivers side was no problem to get to. Infact, I was able to remove it with a wrench. However, the passenger's side sensor is a different story. I've seemingly taken every approachable angle with have the car on just jacks. I have the O2 socket, but I get about 1/2" in any direction, if that, to move my drive.

Anyone have some sort of tip/trick/anything on how to remove that bass-terd?


[These are pre-cat, fyi]



AP
 
Problem is they make those O2 sensor sockets with 3/8" drives, well at least mine was. I had the same problem with the passenger side. After snapping a crappy 3/8" extention like plastic, I used the highest quality 8" extention I had laying around with a 1/2" adapter at the end put onto a 1/2" drive breaker bar (a big no no I know, but it worked). Then I had a buddy hold a torch flame up to the outside of the threaded pipe insert and cranked it loose. It broke loose with a loud bang too, that sucker was on there good. Hope this helps.
 
Each H is differently oriented but I use never seize on the threads, which allows me to use a crescent wrench on the O2. In case that helps..............

I do recall that on the 88, there's a lot more room than on my 94 (where the pass. O2 nearly hits the frame).

Good luck.
 
use a wrench stick your hand right behind the tire in the wheel well, Thats how I did myne When I had shorty pipes. now they are located in the h pipe right after the longtubes:D

O2 socket always bent and started stripping the O2 sensor:mad: So I use a wrench. :nice:
 
I vote closed end of a wrench on the O2 then use another wrench on that for leverage... I have had to do this several times... The worst part is getting the wiring through the 7/8 (i think) wrench so you can do this. The reason I like this is the wrench load is in line with the O2 nut so there is less chance of it slipping off while torqing the living daylights out of it...

Oh and heat does help... You may want to put the first wrench on first then run the car or use a torch....

(raises hands in air in victory)... I haven'e been beaten by an O2 yet!!!
 
I have a foot long 3/8" ratchet that has a flex head with the O2 socket. It seemed to do the trick. I do believe I had to hit the end of the ratchet with a hammer to initially break it loose. Kind of a pseudo-impact wrench but it worked.
Scott