......any tips/tricks how to take it out? It's very rusty (danger of breaking off?) and there's very little space to remove it with reg. wrench. Any spec. tool required? Thanx.

('93 Loyale 4WD)

I found it easiest to remove the oxygen sensor after first completely removing the y-pipe from the car. You need an o2 sensor socket. You can get them at most auto parts stores. The socket will have a slot on one side for the wire to pass through. Spray liberally with your favorite penetrating oil and let it soak for a while, then good luck, it's not going to be easy....

As with all stubborn bolts... don't keep cranking to try to loosen it or it will snap off!

 

When you start to feel too much resistance when loosing, re-tighten it, then try loosing it again. This will work the threads back and forth and help loosen the rust.

 

Also, use heat! Metal expands when hot so you can either:

 

A. Run the car up to operating temp or

 

B. Use a torch to heat up the threads on the bolt.

 

I have been able to break loose seemingly impossibly rusted on bolts by heating them with a torch until till they just started to glow red. It breaks the rust loose easily.

 

 

And here's my First-Responder (medic) speech...

 

Remember, don't burn yourself!

 

Always wear heavy leather gloves, long sleeve shirt and eye protection when using a torch.

 

Have a bucket of water on hand just in case.

 

If you do burn your self, immediately rinse it under cold water and put ice (wrapped in a plastic bag) directly on the burn. Keep it on there till it just starts to go numb, remove, wait a little, then repeat until there is no more pain. Skin tissue burns from the inside out, so you have to cool it down all the way to prevent blistering.

 

OK, rant over.

 

 

Hope all this helps!

 

T.J.

The last time I changed one I had to re-tap the threds to put the new one back in:eek: But I didn't use any penitrating oil on it:banghead:

Just go nice and slow and use LOTS of oil on it even as it's coming out.

Hey TrooperJeep!

 

Saw your post ... good speech. I'm an EMT. Basic. Passed registry a year ago April.

1) Get 7/8 Deep socket for 1/2" drive. 22mm will also work. Do not use that special O2 sensor socket. You will bend it.

 

2) Get some PB Blaster and soak it for a few days.

 

3) Get a 1/2" breaker bar.

 

4) Get a 7/8 or 22mm open end wrench.

 

Heating up the exhaust might be a good idea.

 

Cut the O2 sensor wire, put the socket over it and use the breaker bar, do not use the regular 3/8" drive ratchet.

 

Oh, and safely lift the car. If the O2 is stuck, you can shake the car off jacks. Use drive on ramps at the very least and choke the wheels.

sounds like real challenge......apreciate all the info!

This is a good trick for stuck exhaust nuts as well. Heat to red hot and quench in water. Boils out the rust and will turn off fairly easy. Have gotten many a stuck nut off that way and it hasn't failed yet. Should work on the offending sensor.

Cool! Thanks!

I just got recertified this October.

 

Good stuff, especially when you have kids.

 

T.J.

I helped change one out on an STI that was getting all new exaust this Summer. It was just as hard to pull out as the older ones. They put them in good.