Oxygen Sensor Replacement

[wilkie3]

I have read the Bentley, searched the internet, and even crawled under my car with the 15 dollar AutoZone oxygen sensor removal rental sockets. Yet I have not been able to get my oxygen sensor to turn more than a 1/4 of a turn. I've soaked it in WD-40 and I am assuming that it DOES NOT have left handed threads. The only I haven't done yet is lower the rear part of the exhaust to get a better angle on it. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. I would prefer not to get overcharged by the dealer for this. Thanks for your help.

[97alpineM3]

This might help you... go to this web site... its a e36 diy web site.. but it had a DIY on the R and R of a O2 sensor... it might help... scroll down and you will see it on the left. GOOD LUCK



http://www.geocities.com/e36rulz/DIY.html

[wilkie3]

Thanks. I appreciate your quick answer. My only question is, has anyone out there replaced their oxygen sensor on an e34? Mine is between the flex disc and the exhaust. Not an extremely large volume of space to work in.

[smarandi86]

I have an e36 that had the same problem. the sensor would barley move, plus we didn't have much room to work. We ended up removing the entire exugst. on the floor of the shop we used wd-40 and worked it for awhile, eventually it came off. it took some work and playing aroung with. just take your time. Also, let everything cool. Meltal does expand when warm or hot.

[Eric S.]

One other bit of advice I can offer is to go to a Chrysler dealer parts counter and buy a can of Chryco's "Heat Riser Solvent" in a spray can. I discovered it years ago, and it is superior to Liquid Wrench (which is superior to WD-40). Whether you use Chryco's stuff or Liquid wrench, spray it on, let it soak in for awhile, and then tap it gently with a hammer, and wait a little more. The hammer taps work it into the threads.

You may have to repeat the process for multiple days in a row, but eventually you should be able to break the sensor free.

Also, remember that for removal of the old sensor you don't need to use the special O2 sensor socket - you can use any closed-end wrench, preferably a 6-pointer (22mm, I think), which will allow you to put more a$$ into it. You only need to use the O2 sensor socket for tightening the new one.