O2 sensor socket

elgineddie · April 27, 2005

Howdy team,

I have 2 O2 sensors I'll be replacing but do I really need the special socket? Can't I just use a wrench to grip them pigs and twist 'em out?

Thanks!

Ed

mcreyaufmiller · April 27, 2005

You can, but you take a chance of breaking them in the process. If you get the socket, then you are more likley to not brake them during the process, somethimes, they can be stubborn.

71GMC_3/4T · April 27, 2005

I can't see where a socket would be any better than a wrench unless they're hard to reach.

I would suggest a box end wrench, just to be sure you don't tweak it out of round. I did the O2 sensor on my '92 with a wrench without any issues, but it was easy to reach.

100R1 · April 27, 2005

If your replacing the O2 sensors, then just cut off the wire or top if too long & use a deep socket to get good bite & torque. Some can be a bear to brake loose & some are easy.

Some of the new ratchet box renches would do a good job.

Personally I bought a O2 socket many years ago and it has been a life saver more than once.

99Silver6.0 · April 28, 2005

Buy a cheap socket and cut a small slot in it. Before you go at the sensor, spray it down with some PB Blaster and let it sit for a while. Then try it.

71GMC_3/4T · April 28, 2005

If you cut a slot in a socket, you will weaken it considerably.

You're gonna have to cut the wire anyway if it doesn't unplug from the harness. I just unplugged it, fed it through the box end wrench, and took it off.

I agree with the PBlaster - dang good stuff!

JCedar · April 28, 2005

Hey Ed,

I've watched quite a few muffler places work on exhaust and whenever they go to the O2 sensors to remove them they just crank on em. Try a 22 MM wrench I think that's the correct size. Atleast that is what I saw em use on our style truck. Did you get your sensors yet or are you just plannin things out?

The other ideas are also good though!

jt1872001 · April 28, 2005

the plug should fit through the box end of the whench. dont try to remove the sensors when they're hot either . are you replacing the o2 sensor after the cat converter? you dont need to unless the engine light is on. it has nothing to do with the way your car runs. and spray them down with some lube.

elgineddie · April 28, 2005

Howdy guys,

Thanks for all your ideas.

Funny thing was that I sprayed em down with PB... then I came in, ate dinner and read the posts telling me to use it! I guess great minds think alike.

I'm telling ya, after growing up withOUT an air compressor and just handtools, I learned that spraying PB and then going inside to eat a meal made for a VERY easy job on anything I worked on! (Except for my ol'lady's zipper! )

I will try twisting it out with a wrench (the O2 sensor, that is! ) and if she won't budge, I'll spend the $30 at NAPA for a socket. Like 100R1 said, I am sure it will be a worthwhile purchase.

I only have one sensor now, the other is still in the mail. So I'll get the right side R&R'd tonight and then the left side tomorrow when that one hopefully comes.

Later guys!

Ed

mcreyaufmiller · April 28, 2005

Good luck, hope it all works out, some of the other chain stores have the sockets for around $10-$15.

willieboy · April 28, 2005

The socket need really depends on the vehicle. Most of my trucks I have never needed the socket. But several cars do not have enough room for a wrench, but a socket and ratchet extension works fine. That would be the only reason I have one.

WhiteyZ71 · April 28, 2005

some can be a real PITA....I changed them on my Probe GT when I had it, the one for the front bank which was extremely easy to get to, just came right off, but the rear bank, which involved dropping the front crossmember to get to (then still had to reach through an S bend in the exhaust pipe) was really stuck in there, I sprayed it with a ton of PB Blaster and it wouldnt budge, I ended up rounding it iff and had to use vice grips, channel locks, propane torch, and a small sledge hammer - used the channel locks to give me enough leverage to clamp the vice grips on the sensor really tight, heated it up for like 10 minutes, whacked the vice grip with the hammer, and it finally started to budge at that point, all of this while laying on my back in my driveway