ok i've been trying for about an hour to get a good angle on my oxygen sensor. there is absolutely no room to change this thing and i do NOT want to unbolt the y-pipe to gain clearance on this stupid thing. Does ANYBODY have any advice on how in the world to get at this thing? i've thought about cutting the wire and hammering a socket on it, but then i dont know how i'd get the new one in...ugh.

 

The new one might thread in easily..if replacing it is a "for sure thing" then go ahead and cut the wire and hammer a socket on it! At least you`ll have the old one out and only have to worry about installing the new one

 

STOP! First are you trying to remove the O2 sensor with an end wrench? If so go down to the auto store and buy yourself an O2 socket you will need it to reinstall the new one any way. They only run about $5-$10 and most of them have a hex head so if you need extra leverage you can put a wrech on it. If you have this socket and can't get it loose then go with the hammer.

 

I have that socket. It is junk (my "autoparts store" version is). I use a large box end wrench, just unplug the sensor, feed the wire through the end of the wrench and go from there. Or a large, stubby wrench and tap it with a hammer. However, it has been a long while since I changed my O2 in my last 3rd gen, so I can't remember how much room is down there. I just wanted to mention that my experience with those sockets is not "good".

Good luck!

 

My socket works just fine. I have never been able to get an end wrench on the sensor and be able to get any turn with it,not enough space. May be with headers you would have the room , but stock they aint much space. I did think about bending a wrench to make it fit ,but the socket works so why bother.

 

Just use the socket and get a real long extension and go at it that way. Easiest to do when the car is a little warm.

 

There is different style O2 sensor sockets, some work better than others.