I'm trying to put on my test pipe but I need to get the O2 sensor off the cat first. This is something I can't seem to do. I've tried everything I can think of, bought the special socket and everything, all I've managed to do was start to round it off. So, I need tips on getting it out. Anyone know where that O2 sensor's wires lead to where I could disconnect it without cutting the wires? (all I can see is that it goes right up into the bottom of the car) I've spent hours and hours and I'm frustrated!

 

why not try to get it done professionally? you might save yourself the hassle.

 

yeah, that was my last resort really... I really thought it was going to be easy haha. I figured five bolts and an O2 sensor cant be too bad. I underestimated the difficulty of getting the O2 sensor out. I don't know where to take it, but if it comes down to it I will find a place.

 

did you try some penetrating oil (wd-40, lps, liquid wrench, etc) or try some heat from a propane torch.

 

i did try penetrating oil... i tried warming up the exhaust by running the car for a little while. I have not yet tried a torch, maybe that will be next. i just dont want to melt anything under there

 

cut the wires to the sensor (be careful and think about when you will be re-connecting before you cut).

it will be much easier to remove the sensore when tou have the pipe on your work bench.

i did it when i installed the injen full exhaust on my '08 gts.

 

Just get the right tool....

A 22mm combo wrench and use the closed end side. That wrench will get enough leverage. It's the the same size on a lot of cars so it's a good investment. With this new of a car you won't need any lubricant...

 

one would think that on such a new car everything would come out easy.

when i did the exhaust on my '08 gts one of the sensors came out like butter.

..the second one was real "tight" and did not feel right when trying to remove (with the right tools)...

once i had the pipe on my bench iwas able to get the sensor out.

for me, it was more the posistion when under the car.

i have not looked at the exhaust on my RA close enough to see the placement of the o2 sensors yet.

 

i was thinking even if i can't get it out (or i trash the sensor), i could replace it on the test pipe. I read up on a bunch of stuff that said to take it out, cut the replacement sensor wires the same length as stock, etc. Couldn't i just cut the wires from underneath the car and splice the new one in to the existing wires?

 

If you've already started rounding it off, then I would suggest heating the bung (NOT the sensor) with MAPP gas, until it's nice and hot, then use a pipe wrench.

 

well... I ended up unplugging the sensor, taking the whole cat off and getting the sensor off with a pipe wrench. unfortunately the threads were still in the cat. haha. (i dont know if it was cross threaded from the factory or what) so, the test pipe is on, but i have to go pick up a sensor for it.

 

that sensor may be a "dealer only" item.

it could cost you over 300 $..........

 

get the part number off the sensor it self and have a parts store cross reference it.

 

hopefully they have a cheaper one thats compatible. I know they have universal 4 wire sensors, so I don't see why I couldn't use one of those. Another thing... while reading up on taking o2 sensors out a lot of people said the sensor was messed up and they were getting bad gas mileage. i drove home from work (where i had put the test pipe in) and i got better gas mileage than usual, which i thought was weird.

 

Yeah, just use a universal and splice it in. OEM and like-OEM ones are expensive.