how do i get the bloody thing off!?? cant use spark plug socket.. i dont see how i can get a wrench in there? can anyone offer help!?

 

I think you need something called a crow's feet.

Edit:
Yeah, something like this:
http://www.acehardware.com/product/i...ductId=1289666

 

or just take your DP off before you do it, you can get more leverage that way also..

 

you mean just an open ended wrench? thats it!? wow. got plenty of those.. i just thought it was something more complex..

 

LOL you've go to be kidding me!!

 

Get an o2 Sensor socket. The proper tool for the job.

 

Yes. An 02 sensor socket will make life MUCH easier.

Here's how I recommend taking it off:

Spray with WD40, let it sit overnight

Wake up in the morning. Spray it again. Go get breakfast with someone driving another car.

Now take that bitch off!

It's hard as hell, not only because it's going to be wedged in there, but also because it's a really tight fit and you can't really get much leverage on your ratchet. One thing I did was I used a ratchet that came with a spark plug set, it has a bending head for hard to reach areas. I used it, a little extender bar, and the O2 socket to get it out. This method requires a LOT of effort though since you aren't applying force perpendicular to the socket...but it works.

 

I did this a couple weeks ago. Go to sears and buy the deepest 22 mm socket they have. It's $8 or so, they've just introduced a cheaper brand, its too short - get the "craftsman" one. Go to Pep Boys and buy the O2 socket with the split in it, which allows the new wire to stick out. If you get the right bosch O2 socket, then you don't need to crimp on the new wire, as the connector will plug right it. Sorry, I don't have the part #, but a search should reveal it.

I used about 12" of 1/2" extensions to get at it, and a breaker socket handle, plus a 3 ft pipe. Came loose right away. Of course you'll have to cut the plug to use the non-O2 socket. I was able to leave enough (8" or so) of wire on the plug end to crimp onto the new O2 sensor. I didn't know a direct fit part was available.

I tried with the O2 socket first, but it was universally sized (7/8 + 22 mm), and flexed too much due to the hole in it. It did work fine to put the new one in, though.

Enjoying +40 miles per tank with the new O2.

 

You really get that many more miles per tank?

 

yea.. my mileage skyrocketed.. you can tell in the exhaust note.. doesnt sound as rich. heres how i ended up doing it.

to get the old sensor out i used a spark plug socket and a breaker bar.. just cut the old wire off.. i actually had to remove most of the wire anyhow.. it was VERY corroded.

to get the new one in i just used alittle tlc and ALOT of anti seize. i believe its a pretty low torque bolt.. around 15 ft/lbs, so i used a gigantic wrench and got her in there pretty tight.

i actually found what a crows foot wrench is.. lol at the local kragen.
its an open ended wrench that you stick on the end of an extension bar! crazY!!!!

 

Ok I just took mine off, so I can tell you what's going on.

Any exhaust system bolts are going to seize up from the heat & weather. The threads on my OEM sensor were screwed up when I removed it, but luckily not the hole threads. You MAY need to cleanup the hole threads with a tap & die set however.

Here's the socket you'll want cause their no way to really get a wrench on it. This socket has a slit to avoid cutting the OEM wire comming off the O2 sensor. If you have a prybar length flex-hed wratchet, that's even better:

 

Yeah gas mileage does go up quite a bit sometimes...

On mine, before I changed it, I got a max of 15-16 MPG. On highway now, I've measured 21 MPG. That's WITH my car still running rich as hell. The sensor paid for itself on the first weekend I had it on.

 

wurd.

 

my mileage sucks pretty bad, i think ill buy that socket and replace that b****. how much does a new O2 sensor run these days?

 

Hey, the WD40 works you just have to give it time. I just changed mine last week. If you have an AutoZone close you can use the loan-a-tool for like a $15.00 deposit. You get it back when you return the tool set.