How did you change your O2 sensor without a lift?

Post by **JimBee** » 26 Nov 2022, 16:43

I have the new Bosch O2 sensor and of course need to remove the old one. Last time I tried this swap on another 850, couldn't budge it and had a shop do it. This time I'm determined. I'm planning to put heat on the sensor lug, but I want the best wrench ready when it gets up to temp.

So I bought a 7/8" 6 point deep impact socket, cut the leads off the existing sensor and the socket isn't deep enough to reach the nut. Not to be defeated, I'm trying to hacksaw about half of the sensor barrel off, but there seems to be a core rod or something that isn't scathed by my sawzall with 18 TPI blade. It goes through the outer tubing easily, but something in the core is very hard.

I realize there's a slit socket which I think is a great idea but in practice it can't hold the rotational force to grip the sensor nut tightly.
If I can reduce the sensor length, then with enough heat I'm pretty confident I can get it out.

How did you change yours? Any suggestions welcome!

Post by **matthew1** » 26 Nov 2022, 16:50

Hi Jim,

Slit socket -- but it wasn't rusted on/difficult to turn. My 850 was on front or side jackstands, I forget which.

Did you try a hacksaw on the sensor?

Post by **Sveedy** » 26 Nov 2022, 17:53

12" pipe wrench. Then you have it for other things around the house.

454cid · Post by **454cid** » 26 Nov 2022, 18:33

I think I used one of the shallow 02 sockets that's offset, but being a low mileage rust free car, it was not stuck. Routing the new wire and connecting it took longer.

Post by **scot850** » 27 Nov 2022, 07:41

If you have a split socket, you can always use a hose clamp around the body of it to prevent it opening up and slipping.

Neil.

Post by **Goupil** » 27 Nov 2022, 13:46

Honestly if it's a turbo and it's really stuck, I feel like taking the whole downpipe out might be easier

Post by **Chuck W** » 27 Nov 2022, 17:13

scot850 wrote: ↑27 Nov 2022, 07:41 If you have a split socket, you can always use a hose clamp around the body of it to prevent it opening up and slipping.

Neil.

This is what I do.

brunocerous · Post by **brunocerous** » 28 Nov 2022, 11:30

If I recall correctly, I had my two P80s on jack stands and couldn't get enough leverage to loosen the O2 sensors. I ended up wrapping a nylon strap (from a set of ratcheting straps) around the ratchet handle and pulling from the side of the car. It was a little tricky to find the right angle for the ratchet and keep the strap taut while I scooted out from under the car, but it worked for both cars. Hope that helps!

Post by **abscate** » 28 Nov 2022, 15:16

Heat is your friend with these. Oxy mapp until they are cherry red and they screw out

Post by **abscate** » 20 Aug 2023, 04:47

I don’t think I’ve used a hacksaw in my cars since I got an 18V Bosch angle grinder, that’s what I would use to shorten an OXS for Removal