O2 sensor removal tool?

[scot850]

A buddy of mine is trying to remove his front O2 sensor as it has failed. He tried the standard 7/8" socket but it is rounding the head.

He needs his car but has considered cutting the cable and fitting a deep 22mm socket to remove it. Problem is once you do that you are stuck if it still won't move.

Looking on line, all the tools show 7/8" = 22mm. However, my 7/8" O2 socket is loose on the sensor, where my 22mm socket is a nice tight fit (I have a spare sensor kicking around to use as a sizing sample).

If he can get into the front sensor I have a MAP heat gun that will get it toast red but how much access do you have? He has a T5 FWD S70.

Neil.

[volvolugnut]

You could try the slotted 7/8 socket with a vise grip type pliers clamped tightly to pinch the gap closed somewhat. It may not allow the socket to slip.
volvolugnut

[Chuck W]

I've used a hose clamp around the split O2 sensor tool to help keep it from flexing.

[RickHaleParker]

Brush off the rust and long soak it with Liquid Wrench the night before you attempt to remove the sensor.

If you think you need heat, you can run the engine to heat the sensor threads. Just watch what you are doing. Wear long sleeves and gloves so you don't burn yourself.

If you get it to move a little bit. Rock it back and forward to break up the rust in the threads. It will move further and further as the rust breaks up. Don't try to brute force to it out. That is what gets most people in trouble. Tease it out with finesse.

PS: By "Rock it back and forward" I mean rotational .. loosen - tighten - loosen ... with modest force. With modest force it will work its way out and minimize the odds of rounding off the corners of the hexagon.

[amblerman]

Along with the suggestion for liberal amounts of penetrating oil. I have come to favor a certain type of O2 sensor socket.

o2.png (33.69 KiB) Viewed 618 times

The one on the left is much shorter and therefore I think is less prone to flexing open.
With that said, the use of a hose clamp around the socket as mentioned above is a nice idea.

The other reason I favor the style on left is that the wire and sensor is never an issue because it's open on the top.
With the taller more standard socket, I have had to sometimes fight with the sensor and wire because of having to make sure they fit out the slit in the socket.

the pictures I chose were merely for illustrative purposes and not intended to necessarily recommend that brand (although I have had good luck with some of their tools)

-A

[scot850]

Thanks guys. All suggestions have been greatly appreciated. My buddy says thanks too.

I like the idea of the pipe clamp to stop the socket flexing. Also the shorter type is a is also a good idea, so thanks to all!

Neil.