o2 sensors
 

I am having a lot of problems taking out my old 02 sensors. They will not come out! I've let them soak in this PB catalyst stuff and they still won't budge. I also drove the car around for a while and got the headers really hot, but still no luck.

Anyone have this problem before?? any suggestions??

Are you using the correct tool? Pep Boys has a split socket specifically for oxygen sensors. If you use this tool you can use a ratchet and breaker bar if you have to to get them loose.

Stubborn sensor
 

I had the same problem (right hand sensor) when I changed mine awhile back.

I used a torch to heat it and a breaker bar. Finally got it off after about an hour (luckily I had use of a lift). I risked stripping the thread but had no choice. Didn't strip it, all is well.

Good luck with this PITA 'little' job.

I finally got it lose yesterday. I was using that socket with the side split, but I was giving up some torque with it, so I cut the wires off and used a 6 pt deep socket. I had a 3 ft long breaker bar and still nothing. :mad: I then placed the floor jack under the car and used it to push up on the breaker bar. I heard some wieght being relived off of the jackstands and then BANG. The sensor finally broke free. 3 ft long lever * 3400 lbs car is a lot of force. The threads were not damaged at all. And I was spraying the sensor with PB catalyst fastener lossener for 3 days letting it soak in. After 3 days of strugling I finally won the battle.

I had one of the "OEM" brand black O2 sensor sockets for many years. When I tried to take out my crispy 12 year old factory original sensors they would not budge. The socket has 5 sides and has a notch to clear the wire. When I put the 1/2" breaker bar on it the socket just expanded and slipped. I blew off the project till I could get to a buddys shop to torch them off

When I was at NAPA for a wiper motor I saw a NAPA brand sensor socket, it had a much smaller notch than my old socket and was like $15 so figured WTF try it. That sucker was able to break off both my sensors, of course they were stuck in the socket pretty good afterwards but it did the job and I was able to get my inspection sticker!!

The socket I was using only had a small slit in it, and I did try heating the sensor cherry red, then trying to remove it, didn't work.

the floor jack did:D